Meaning of the Zivkovich family crest symbols
Shield - Chevron
The chevron shape symbolizes the historical family home, the importance of home for family members through the years and the safety this provides to those who are most important.
Shield - Fess
The fess is an ancient symbol within heraldry and represents one who upholds good conscience, honour and religion against evil forces. It is also a message for future generations to pursue the same.
Meaning of the Zivkovich 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.
Red
The red color (known as Gules) traditionally symbolized martyrdom and the historic military strength of family members when called upon in times of war.
Zivkovich name meaning and origin
Zivkovich is a surname of Slavic origin, primarily found in the Balkan region of Europe. It is derived from the personal name 'Zivko', which means 'life' or 'alive', and the suffix '-vich', which means 'son of'. Therefore, Zivkovich can be interpreted as 'son of Zivko' or 'son of the one who is alive'. This surname is most commonly associated with families of Serbian and Croatian descent.
History of family crests like the Zivkovich 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.
Zivkovich name variations and their meaning
The family name Zivkovich has several variations across different regions and cultures. In Serbia, it is commonly spelled as Živković, with the addition of the diacritic mark "ž" representing the sound "zh" in English. This variation is also found in other Slavic countries like Croatia and Bosnia. In some cases, the name may be written as Zivkovitch or Zivkovitz, reflecting different transliterations of the original Cyrillic script. In Western countries, the name may be anglicized as Zivkovich, dropping the diacritic mark and simplifying the pronunciation. Additionally, variations like Zivkov and Zivkoff can be found among descendants who migrated to different parts of the world. These variations highlight the adaptability of the name as it traveled across borders and generations. Regardless of the spelling, the various forms of the Zivkovich name represent a shared heritage and familial connection.
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