Meaning of the Woodman family crest symbols
Helmet
The helmet placed on the shield symbolizes the strength of the family unit and the protection it provides. It is a symbol of the importance of standing together and having strong defenses against any external threats.
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 Woodman 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.
Woodman name meaning and origin
Woodman is an English occupational surname derived from the Middle English word "wode," meaning "wood," and the Old English word "mann," meaning "man." It was originally used to describe someone who worked with wood, such as a carpenter or woodcutter.
History of family crests like the Woodman 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.
Woodman name variations and their meaning
The family name Woodman has several variations that have emerged over time. One common variation is Wood, which is a shortened form of the original name. This variation emphasizes the family's connection to wood or the forest, suggesting a possible ancestral occupation or place of residence. Another variation is Woods, which adds an "s" to the end of the name, possibly indicating a plural form or a larger area of woodland associated with the family. Woodman also has a variation known as Woodhouse, which combines the elements of wood and house, possibly suggesting a family that lived in or worked with wooden structures. Additionally, the name Woodman may have variations based on different spellings or pronunciations, such as Woodmann or Woodmon. These variations could have arisen due to regional dialects or changes in spelling conventions over time. Overall, the variations of the family name Woodman reflect the diverse ways in which the name has evolved and been adapted by different branches of the family.
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