Meaning of the Verdier family crest symbols
Torse
The torse was originally used to mask the join between helmet and crest but also holds a secondary meaning as a momento given to a crusader by his lady-love, given to him when he left for battle.
Shield - Fess
The fess is an ancient symbol within heraldry and represents one who upholds good conscience, honour and religion against evil forces. It is also a message for future generations to pursue the same.
Meaning of the Verdier 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.
Verdier name meaning and origin
Verdier is a French surname that has its roots in the Old French term 'verdier', which translates to 'green'. This name was often given to individuals who lived near a green swathe of land or who worked as a warden of the green areas, such as forests or hunting grounds. It's a classic example of a topographic surname, which was given to a person who resided near a physical feature such as a hill, stream, church, or type of tree.
History of family crests like the Verdier 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.
Verdier name variations and their meaning
The family name Verdier has several variations across different regions and cultures. In France, it is commonly spelled as Verdier, which is the most recognized form of the name. However, in other countries, variations can be found. For instance, in Spain, the name is often spelled as Verdiér, adding an accent to the last letter. In Italy, the name is sometimes written as Verdieri, with an additional "i" at the end. In English-speaking countries, the name may be anglicized to Verdiere or Verdyer. These variations in spelling can be attributed to different pronunciations and phonetic adaptations in various languages. Despite the slight differences, all these variations still represent the same family name and are associated with the same lineage. It is fascinating to see how a name can evolve and adapt across different cultures while still maintaining its core identity.
Find your family crest
Learn how to find your family crest.
Other resources:
- Get your official family crest here.
- Learn about heraldry at britannica.com
- See an introduction at wikipedia.com
