Vartanian family crest and coat of arms

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Meaning of the Vartanian family crest symbols

Shield - Chevron

The chevron shape symbolizes the historical family home, the importance of home for family members through the years and the safety this provides to those who are most important.

Crown

The crown is one of the oldest and most recognizable symbols of nobility. Its use was prevalent since medieval times and signified authority in relation to those of royal lineage, high societal standing and military ranking.

Meaning of the Vartanian coat of arms colors

Silver

The silver or white color on the coat of arms, (known as 'Argent'), signifies sincerity and peacefulness. It is one of the oldest colors known in ancient heraldry.

Red

The red color (known as Gules) traditionally symbolized martyrdom and the historic military strength of family members when called upon in times of war.

Vartanian name meaning and origin

The family name Vartanian is of Armenian origin, derived from the given name Vartan, meaning "brave" or "warrior." It signifies lineage connected to historical figures, particularly Vartan Mamikonian, a 5th-century Armenian general and martyr, symbolizing valor and cultural pride within Armenian heritage.

History of family crests like the Vartanian coat of arms

Family crests and coats of arms emerged during the Middle Ages, mostly in wider Europe. They were used as a way to identify knights and nobles on the battlefield and in tournaments. The designs were unique to each family and were passed down from generation to generation.

The earliest crests were simple designs, such as a single animal or symbol, but they became more elaborate over time. Coats of arms were also developed, which included a shield with the family crest, as well as other symbols and colors that represented the family's history and achievements.

The use of family crests and coats of arms spread throughout Europe and became a symbol of social status and identity. They were often displayed on clothing, armor, and flags, and were used to mark the family's property and possessions.

Today, family crests and coats of arms are still used as a way to honor and celebrate family heritage.

Vartanian name variations and their meaning

Vartanian, while a specific name, has yielded a wealth of intriguing variations across various cultures and languages, reflecting the dynamic evolution of surnames through the centuries. In the 15th century, we see the name transforming into Vartanyan in some regions of the former Ottoman Empire, influenced by the Turkish linguistic structures and phonetic tendencies that affected names of Armenian descent. Moving into the 17th century, the variation Vartanovich emerges, placing a patronymic twist on the original surname, particularly prevalent in Slavic countries where suffixes dictate familial lineage, adapting the name to reflect cultural heritage in a deeply personal way. By the 18th century, in Western contexts such as Greece, we encounter variations like Vardannis, demonstrating the interplay of local dialects and international influences, as Greeks embraced and adapted Armenian names through their own linguistic prism. Fast forward to the 20th century, as diaspora communities flourished, alterations like Vartanianov and Vartanianu appeared in Eastern Europe, introducing even more diversity as emigrants naturalized their identities within new homelands. Each variation not only serves as a testament to the cultural exchanges between peoples but also embodies the rich stories and histories that families carry across generations, highlighting how the name Vartanian has woven itself into the fabric of different societies over hundreds of years.

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