Meaning of the Wadhawan family crest symbols
Fleur-de-lis
The fleur-de-lis is one of the oldest in international heraldry. It represents purity, light and religious devotion including connotations of the Virgin Mary. It stands as a connection to the family's earliest religious associations and beliefs.
Shield - Bordure
The 'bordure' edge around the shield is a mark of difference used to identify separate families that hold similar coat of arms designs. It is one that became a distinctive mark of pride over time for those families that used one.
Meaning of the Wadhawan 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.
Wadhawan name meaning and origin
Wadhawan is a surname of Indian origin, predominantly found among communities in North India. It is often associated with traders and businessmen. The name reflects a lineage that values entrepreneurship and family connections, embodying a rich heritage intertwined with commerce and community service.
History of family crests like the Wadhawan 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.
Wadhawan name variations and their meaning
Wadhawan has seen intriguing variations across different cultural landscapes, reflecting the rich tapestry of language and history. In the 17th century, the name emerged in the Mughal era as Wadhawani, adapting to Persian influences that permeated the subcontinent, which often involved suffixes that denoted lineage or locality. By the 19th century, as colonial interactions increased, some branches in India began to adopt anglicized forms like Wadhaven, blending with English phonetics and making the name more accessible in Western contexts. Moving into the 20th century, migration patterns led to variations such as Wadhawana in regions with significant Indian diaspora, particularly in the Caribbean and parts of Africa, showcasing how the name adapted linguistically to fit new phonetic environments. Meanwhile, in modern times, particularly the 21st century, the use of Wadhawn and Wadhawaney has emerged among younger generations, influenced by trends in social media and a desire to create unique identifiers while still honoring familial roots.
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
