Woodrow family crest and coat of arms

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Meaning of the Woodrow family crest symbols

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.

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 Woodrow 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.

Woodrow name meaning and origin

The surname Woodrow is of English origin, derived from the Old English words "wudu" meaning "wood" and "ruh," meaning "row" or "clearing." Historically, it referred to someone living near a row of trees or a woodland area, signifying a connection to nature.

History of family crests like the Woodrow 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.

Woodrow name variations and their meaning

Among the variations of the family name Woodrow, one can find distinct forms that have evolved across different cultures and centuries. In England, during the 17th century, the name saw a proliferation of spellings such as Woodroffe, which combined the original elements with regional dialect influences. Moving to Scotland in the 18th century, the name morphed into forms like Woodrue, reflecting the rich tapestry of Gaelic linguistic structures that began intertwining with English. Meanwhile, the 19th century brought about a curiosity in the Americas, where Woodrow became a common surname across various regions, sometimes adapted to fit phonetic preferences, resulting in forms like Wodrow. In France, one might encounter variations like La Woodreau during the 16th century as names were often localized and adapted to fit the French phonetic system. This linguistic journey highlights how the name Woodrow, through centuries of migration and cultural interaction, transformed into a fascinating array of versions while maintaining its core identity.

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