Wilms family crest and coat of arms

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Meaning of the Wilms family crest symbols

Bird - Eagle

The eagle symbolizes how early family members were considered people of action, quick-wittedness and a noble nature. When the wings are visible, this can additionally represent 'protection' and the protective powers of the family.

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 Wilms 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.

Wilms name meaning and origin

Wilms is a surname of German origin. It is derived from the personal name Wilhelm, which means "will, desire" and "helmet, protection." In European culture, Wilms is a patronymic surname meaning "son of Wilhelm." It is a common surname in Germany and the Netherlands.

History of family crests like the Wilms 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.

Wilms name variations and their meaning

The family name Wilms has various variations across different regions and cultures. In Germany, it is commonly spelled as Wilm or Wilmes. In the Netherlands, the name is often seen as Willems or Willemse. In English-speaking countries, it can be found as Williams or Williamson. These variations reflect the diverse history and migration patterns of the family over the years.

The variations in spelling can be attributed to factors such as regional dialects, phonetic changes, and the influence of different languages. As families moved from one place to another, their surnames often underwent modifications to adapt to the local language or cultural norms. This resulted in the emergence of different versions of the name.

Despite the variations, individuals with these surnames may still share a common ancestry. Genealogical research and DNA testing can help trace the connections between different branches of the family and shed light on their shared heritage.

Overall, the variations of the family name Wilms highlight the dynamic nature of surnames and their ability to evolve and adapt across different cultures and languages.

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