Meaning of the Willebrandt 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 Willebrandt 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.
Blue
The blue color (known as Azure) represented the family's loyal and truthful nature and their reputation for trustworthiness during the middle ages.
Willebrandt name meaning and origin
Willebrandt is a surname of German origin. It is derived from the personal name Willibrand, which is composed of two elements: 'wil,' meaning 'will, desire,' and 'brand,' meaning 'sword.' Therefore, the name Willebrandt can be interpreted as 'he who desires to wield the sword.' This name was popular among the ancient Germanic tribes, reflecting their martial culture.
History of family crests like the Willebrandt 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.
Willebrandt name variations and their meaning
The family name Willebrandt has various variations across different regions and cultures. In some cases, it may be spelled as Wilbrandt or Wilbrand, while in others, it could be Willebrant or Willebrant. These variations might have emerged due to different phonetic interpretations or regional dialects. Additionally, the name might have undergone changes over time as families migrated to different countries or regions, leading to further variations. It is fascinating to observe how a single family name can evolve and adapt across different cultures and languages. These variations not only reflect the diversity of the family's history but also highlight the influence of different linguistic and cultural factors. Whether it is Willebrandt, Wilbrandt, Wilbrand, Willebrant, or Willebrant, each variation represents a unique branch of the family tree, contributing to the rich tapestry of human history and heritage.
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
