Heraldry, Shields and Christian Names

How early Coats of Arms were granted

Since the early 13th Century, Coats of Arms and Heraldry have been a source of great fascination as well as a subject of true historical importance. It is easy to understand why more than half a million Coats of Arms recorded by individuals with their respective family names are still being researched and studied after more than seven centuries.

How the term "Coat of Arms" evolved makes an interesting story. Because wars were almost a continual occurrence during the Middle Ages, more and more armour was added to a knight's battle uniform until the medieval warrior was finally protected from head to toe. The metal suit of armour always included a helmet to protect the head, thus it was virtually impossible to tell one knight from another.

In order to prevent any mishaps on the battlefield such as one friend injuring another, a means of identification was necessary. A colourful solution first came as knights painted patterns on their battle shields. These patterns were eventually woven into cloth surcoats which were worn over the suit of armour. In fact, many a horse was also seen prancing around in a fancy cloth surcoat with its masters Coat of Arms on the side.

This colourful identification was certainly displayed with great pride. As more designs were created, it became necessary to register or copyright these designs to prevent two knights from using the same insignia. Records were kept that gave each knight exclusive rights to his arms. In many cases, records were then compiled listing the family name and an exact description of its Coat of Arms. These are called "Armorials" or "Blazons".

The word "heraldry" is associated with Coats of Arms due to the role of the herald in recording the blazons, and comes from a common practice at a medieval sporting event. Tournaments (or jousting contests) were popular during the days of knighthood and as each soldier was presented at a tournament, a herald sounded the trumpet and then announced the knight's achievements and described his Arms. The heralds would then record the Arms as a way of ensuring that a family maintained its protective rights to have and use its individual Arms.

History Shield Designs

Coats of Arms are intertwined with herald and history. Historically, different creatures of nature denoted certain characteristics, and various inanimate shapes implied certain traits, historical factors or aspirations.

For example, the chevron symbolized protection and has often been placed on Arms to tell others that its bearer achieved some notable feat. A symbol (or charge) placed on a Coat of Arms usually provided clues to a person's being. Some Arms are an artistic interpretation of a person's name, e.g. many of the Fisher Arms include dolphins or other fish. Many Arms reveal a person's occupation. Others tell about less tangible characteristics, such as the early bearer's hopes, wishes and aspirations.

For example, hope is shown by a wheat garb or sheaf, and joy by garlands of flowers or a red rose. Crosses and religious symbols often meant the person felt a closeness to his god, or could have symbolized that the knight was a veteran of one of history's bloodiest series of battles - The Crusades.

Origins of Christian names around the world

We generally think of names with three parts: first, middle and last. First names are called "Christian" or "Given" names, because early Christians changed their pagan first names to Christian names at baptism.

Most first names used in the Western World today originate from five languages: Hebrew, Teutonic (which included Germanic), Greek, Latin and Celtic (which includes Irish, Welsh and Scottish).

Name	Origin	Probable Meaning
Alexander	Greek	Helper of humanity
Amy	French	Beloved
Andrew	Greek	Manly
Ann, Anne	Hebrew	Grace
Anthony	Latin	Praiseworthy or priceless
Barbara	Greek	Stranger
Benjamin	Hebrew	Son of the right hand
Brian	Celtic	Strong
Carl, Charles	Teutonic	Man
Catherine	Greek	Pure
Christopher	Greek	Christ bearer
Daniel	Hebrew	God is my judge
Deborah	Hebrew	Bee
Dennis	Greek	Of Dionysus, god of wine
Dorothy	Greek	Gift of God
Douglas	Celtic	Dark water
Edward	Teutonic	Rich guardian
Elain, Ellen	Greek	Light
Elizabeth	Hebrew	Oath of God
Emily	Latin	Industrious
Eric	Teutonic	Kingly
Ethel	Teutonic	Noble
Francis, Frank	Teutonic	Free
Frederick	Teutonic	Peaceful ruler
George	Greek	Farmer
Gerald	Teutonic	Strong with a spear
Gloria	Latin	Glorious
Harold	Teutonic	Warrior
Helen	Greek	Light
Henry	Teutonic	Ruler of the home
James	Hebrew	May God protect
Jane, Janet, Jean	Hebrew	Gift of God
Jeffrey	Teutonic	God's peace
Jennifer	Celtic	White wave
Joan	Hebrew	Gift of God
John	Hebrew	God's gracious gift
Joseph	Hebrew	The Lord shall add
Judith, Judy	Hebrew	Jewess or praised
Julia, Julie	Latin	Downy face
Karen	Greek	Pure
Kevin	Celtic	Gentle and beloved
Laura	Latin	Laurel
Lois	Greek	Desirable
Margaret	Greek	Pearl
Mark	Latin	Of Mars, Roman god of war
Mary	Hebrew	Bitter
Matthew	Hebrew	Gift of God
Melanie	Greek	Black
Michael	Hebrew	Godlike
Morgan	Celtic	Sea dweller
Nancy	Hebrew	Grace
Natalie	Latin	Christmas child
Patricia	Latin	Of noble birth
Paul	Latin	Little
Philip	Greek	Lover of horses
Rachel	Hebrew	Ewe
Richard	Teutonic	Rule hard
Robert	Teutonic	Bright flame
Ronald	Teutonic	Advice, power
Samuel	Hebrew	God has heard
Sara, Sarah	Hebrew	Princess
Steven, Stephen	Greek	Crown or garland
Susan, Susannah	Hebrew	Lily
Teresa, Theresa	Greek	Harvester
Theodore	Greek	Gift of God
Thomas	Aramaic	Twin
Victor	Latin	Victory in battle
Virginia	Latin	Pertaining to spring
Walter	Teutonic	Powerful ruler
William	Teutonic	Helmet

Middle Names

Middle names weren't used until the 15th Century when a second 'First' name was used as a status symbol by German nobility. Many years passed before this practice became widespread, and in the United States, it did not become popular until after the Revolutionary War, when the fashion was to use the mother's maiden name.