Meaning of the Willoughby family crest symbols
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Lion (standing)
The lion symbol represents the ferocious nature of family members, their bravery and valor. It is one of the oldest symbols in heraldry and is considered to be one of the most desirable to have on a coat of arms.
Weapon - Arrow
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 Willoughby 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.
Willoughby name meaning and origin
Willoughby is an English surname of locational origin, derived from the Old English words "wilig" meaning willow tree, and "by" meaning farm or settlement. It likely originally referred to someone who lived near a farm or settlement with willow trees.
History of family crests like the Willoughby 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.
Willoughby name variations and their meaning
The family name Willoughby has several variations that have emerged over time. One common variation is Willoughbie, which maintains the same pronunciation but adds an "ie" at the end. This variation may have originated from a desire to make the name sound more unique or to differentiate branches of the family. Another variation is Willoughbey, which replaces the second "o" with an "e." This alteration could have been influenced by regional accents or dialects. Additionally, the name may be spelled as Willoughbee, with an extra "e" at the end. This variation could have been a result of phonetic spelling or personal preference. Lastly, the name may be shortened to Willough, dropping the "by" at the end. This abbreviated form could have been adopted for simplicity or convenience. Overall, these variations of the family name Willoughby showcase the flexibility and adaptability of surnames 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
