Meaning of the Yaw family crest symbols
Torse
The torse was originally used to mask the join between helmet and crest but also holds a secondary meaning as a momento given to a crusader by his lady-love, given to him when he left for battle.
Cross
The cross in heraldry is the most widely used religious symbol and represents Christ's rise from the dead to claim victory over sin. It was used as a connection to the founding family member’s early religious devotion.
Meaning of the Yaw coat of arms colors
Black
The black color (known as Sable) symbolizes constancy and the enduring nature of the family. It is a symbol of family longevity through time.
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.
Yaw name meaning and origin
Yaw, predominantly a given name in Ghana, is a day name for boys born on Thursday. However, in the context of European surnames, Yaw appears to lack a specific meaning or origin. It's likely that the surname Yaw may have evolved from an occupation, location, descriptive term, or given name of an ancestor. Although its European context remains unclear, the name undoubtedly contributes to a rich and diverse family history.
History of family crests like the Yaw 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.
Yaw name variations and their meaning
The family name Yaw has various variations across different regions and cultures. In some cases, it is spelled as Yau or Yao. These variations can be attributed to different phonetic pronunciations and transliterations. For instance, in Chinese culture, the name is commonly spelled as Yao, which is a more accurate representation of the pronunciation in Mandarin. On the other hand, Yau is a variation commonly found in Cantonese-speaking regions. Additionally, the name Yaw may also be spelled as Yeo or Yeoh in certain Southeast Asian countries like Malaysia and Singapore. These variations reflect the influence of local languages and dialects on the spelling and pronunciation of the name. Despite the differences in spelling, these variations of the Yaw family name still represent a shared heritage and ancestry.
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
