Re: orgin of name/ coat of arms/ crest
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In reply to:
orgin of name/ coat of arms/ crest
Doug Weatherhead 1/16/05
Hi. I'm a Weatherhead from Australia.
The origin of the surname Weatherhead is British and is the occupational name of men who herded wethers (goats/sheep) belonging to their lord. Was known in past as "Keeper of the Rams". It has changed over the centuries, here are some examples:
le Weatherhirde
le Wetherhurde
Wethyrhyrde
Weydierhead
Wetherhyrd
Wetherhird
Wetherherd
Wetherhedd
Wethered
Wetherheade
Wetherhead
Weatherhead
The information of the Weatherhead coat of arms I have gotten out of a genealogy book my father's cousin thoroughly researched and then wrote on the Weatherhead family history. The book is called Strong Roots Grow Deep, was published in the last quarter of the twentieth century, and was written by Muriel Evelyn Clampett. This information is from pages 321-323.
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Crest: The crest is found and pictured on top of the helmet. It is not necessary to the recognition of the arms. Weatherhead crest is a pelican and is an importan charge and attains its symolism from Christian beliefs of charity and redemption. This bird is always represented with wings endorsed, neck embowed, and the pecking at her breast, which issues drops of blood (to feed the young). A loving parent who will sacrifice herself and give blood for another person.
Helmet: The helmet usually bears a resemblance to the style of the period of the shield issue. The visor is closed and the helmet is drawn side face on so it is a symbol of a squire.
Matle: Drawn in a stylised manner it emanates from the helmet and falls in twists and curls each side of the shield.
Weatherhead Shield described in Heraldic Lanuage:
OR. on cinquefoil, between two pelets gu. on a chief AZ. a fleur-de-lis enclosed by two crescents. AR. Crest, Pelican. P.P.R.
OR. yellow or gold: denotes generosity. Represents one of the two metals of heraldry.
GU. Gules, or red:- Denotes military fortitude
AZ. Azure, or blue:- signifies loyalty and truth
AR. Argent, white or silver:- signifies peace and sincerity. Represents a metal of heraldry.
Description of a shield reading from top to bottom.
The chief (called by French Heralds, un chef signifying head, from the place it occupies in the shield) is the upper part of the field, cut off horizontally by a straight black line; and a third part of the escutcheon. It is coloured azure with an argent fleur-de-lis, enclosed by two crescents, their horns turned inwards towards the fleur-de-lis.
Fleur-de-lis (fr. lily flower) a charge born in the French royal arms. According to Christian symbolism, it indicates the trinity.
Two crescents, argent, but in this instance painted white, as silver can tarnish and turn black.
Crescent: This celestial ordinaire is half-moon shaped charge.
Field: Gold is the field colour and is divided by two red palets.
Palet (from Pale) is considered one of the honourable ordinaires and divides the shield vertically. Because it denotes military strength and fortitude, it was bestowed on defenders of the state in ancient times.
Cinquefoil, a grass of five leaves, as a rule the centre is pierced.
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Hope this helps.
More Replies:
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Re: orgin of name/ coat of arms/ crest
Mary Weatherhead Flikke 5/15/09