Wickerham family crest and coat of arms

Scroll for info

Meaning of the Wickerham 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.

Roundel

The roundel is believed to be a symbol from the times of the crusade and represents the family's belief in the importance of justice. It was used as a mark of those who pursued justice with vigor and brought others to justice.

Meaning of the Wickerham 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.

Wickerham name meaning and origin

Wickerham is a surname of English origin, likely derived from a location name or a combination of Old English elements meaning "wicker or willow" and "ham," referring to a home or settlement. It reflects geographical and plant associations common in ancestral naming conventions.

History of family crests like the Wickerham 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.

Wickerham name variations and their meaning

The family name Wickerham has seen intriguing variations across different countries and centuries, reflecting the historical tapestry of language and culture. In England, the name might evolve into Wickerhamstone by the 17th century, as the local dialects absorbed elements from neighboring regions, adapting the original spelling while accentuating local phonetics. Moving to North America in the 19th century, the name could transform into Wickerman, influenced by the tendency to simplify names for ease of pronunciation and assimilation. Meanwhile, in German-speaking regions, a variant such as Wickerheim would emerge by the late 18th century, highlighting the tendency to incorporate local place names and suffixes, thereby adapting to linguistic norms of the time. As these variations illustrate, the evolution of Wickerham embodies a rich narrative of cultural exchange and linguistic adaptation, revealing how a single name can traverse through eras and geographies, acquiring layers of meaning and identity along the way.

Find your family crest

Learn how to find your family crest.

Other resources: