Meaning of the Walters 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 Walters 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.
Yellow/Gold
The gold color (known as Or) represented the noble standing of a family and also stood as a symbol of generosity and those with a giving nature.
Walters name meaning and origin
Walters is a patronymic surname of German origin, derived from the personal name Walter. The name Walter itself comes from the Old German 'Waldheri', which means 'ruler of the army'. Therefore, the surname Walters can be interpreted as 'son of Walter' or 'descendant of the ruler of the army'.
History of family crests like the Walters 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.
Walters name variations and their meaning
The family name Walters has several variations across different regions and cultures. In some cases, it is spelled as "Walters" with an "s" at the end, while in others it is written as "Walter" without the "s." Additionally, there are variations that include a different spelling altogether, such as "Waltz" or "Waltersson." These variations may have originated from different countries or historical periods, leading to diverse spellings and pronunciations.
Furthermore, the name Walters has been adapted to different languages, resulting in variations like "Valters" in Latvian, "Valter" in Italian, or "Valter" in Portuguese. These variations reflect the influence of language and culture on the evolution of surnames.
In some cases, individuals with the surname Walters may have changed the spelling or pronunciation of their name for personal or professional reasons. This could be due to migration, marriage, or simply a desire for a different identity. As a result, the variations of the name Walters are a testament to the dynamic nature of surnames and their ability to adapt and change over time.
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
