Meaning of the Washington 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.
Weapon - Arrowhead
The arrow signifies the early family's readiness for battle and affliction when threatened. It stands as a testament to family member’s success during times of war and a warning to those we may cross them.
Meaning of the Washington 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.
Washington name meaning and origin
Washington is a distinguished English surname with both geographical and historical significance. It originates from a place name meaning "settlement of Wassa's people", with "Wassa" being an old English personal name and "-ington" denoting a settlement or homestead. This name gained prominence due to its association with the first U.S. President, George Washington, making it synonymous with leadership and governance.
History of family crests like the Washington 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.
Washington name variations and their meaning
The family name Washington has various variations across different regions and cultures. In some cases, it may be spelled as "Washinton" or "Washingtone." These slight alterations in spelling can be attributed to differences in pronunciation or regional dialects. Additionally, the name may have different suffixes, such as "Washingtons" or "Washingtones," which are commonly used to indicate plural forms or possessive forms of the name. Furthermore, the name may be modified to create compound surnames, such as "Washington-Smith" or "Washington-Jones," which combine the name with another family name. These compound surnames often result from marriages or other familial connections. It is also worth noting that the name may have variations in non-English speaking countries, where it may be translated or adapted to fit the local language. Overall, the variations of the family name Washington reflect the diverse linguistic and cultural influences that shape surnames across different regions and communities.
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
