Woodard family crest and coat of arms

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Meaning of the Woodard family crest symbols

Fleur-de-lis

The fleur-de-lis is one of the oldest in international heraldry. It represents purity, light and religious devotion including connotations of the Virgin Mary. It stands as a connection to the family's earliest religious associations and beliefs.

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 Woodard 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.

Woodard name meaning and origin

Woodard is a surname of English origin, derived from the term "woodard," which refers to someone living near or working in a wood or forest. It often signifies a connection to nature and the profession of wood-related activities, such as forestry or carpentry.

History of family crests like the Woodard 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.

Woodard name variations and their meaning

Woodard has spawned various intriguing variations across different cultures and languages. In the 16th century, as English speakers migrated and adapted, the name transformed into Woodward, which became prevalent in England, reflecting a common practice of altering surnames for occupational clarity. By the 18th century, in an effort to embrace regional dialects, Woodard evolved into variants like Wodard and even Woodardson in some areas, adding a familial touch reminiscent of patronymic traditions. In France, during the same period, the name morphed into Le Bois, emphasizing geographical connections to wooded areas. Meanwhile, in the Americas, particularly in the 19th century, immigrant communities began adopting spellings like Wooderd and Woodhart, creating a rich tapestry of the name influenced by linguistic nuances and local pronunciations. Through these variations, the name Woodard demonstrates the dynamic nature of language and identity across centuries and continents.

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