| May all the Descendants of Williams Uphold and Bear with Pride The Lion of Williams The Lion is a livery portrait of a good soldier, who must be valorous of courage, strong of body, politic in council and a foe to be feared. The Lion is a badge of deathless courage. |
| Origin of the name "Williams"
There has ever been controversy as to the origin of the family name of Williams. It is claimed by some ancient writers to be of Welsh origin, whilst others are equally emphatic that it is of German origin. Without wishing to discredit these writers however it is considered the opinion of P.H. Reaney, in his [Dictionary of British Surnames ] to be the most likely to be correct, and it must be considered that Reaney is generally acknowledged as being the most authoritative writer on the origins of British Surnames of this age. A Dictionary of British Surnames. The origin of the family name of Williams is from the old French, Willelmi. This name was brought to England by the Normans and noted and recorded in the [Doomesday Book] in 1086 to the person of Robertus Filius (son of) Willelmi in the county of Oxfordshire. This person was a Norman Nobleman: his descendants were progressively named : Willam, Willems, Wylyams, and Willins. The spelling of Williams being first recorded in Oxfordshire in 1279. Explanation of the Arms. In heraldy, the colour Azure (blue) is sigificant of Loyalty and Truth. It is the colour devoted and ascribed to the Virgin by the Roman Church. Gold. One of the two metals of Armory, is significant of Generosity and, according to Sir John Ferne, signifies 'elevation of the mind'. It is pointed out by Guillim, considered the most authoritative of the ancient heraldic writers, however, that the term 'generosity' must not be taken to portray a person prone to the distribution of his worldly possessions; but denotes a 'bearer of arms' considered by his Sovereign to be of a magnanimity which would display both true fortitude in defeat and a true Christian charity in victory. The Chief (separate section at head of sheild) is the emblem of Dominion and Authority, and was granted to those who were successful in military or naval command. The Dove is the universal symbol for a 'Bringer of Peace'. It is pointed out by Guillim however, that this symbol or emblem is not intended to portray a person 'prepared to accept' "peace at any price", but signifies a 'bearer of arms' ready to devote all his effort to bring about a just and equitable peace, a peace which would endure because it would be such a peace. The Lion has always held a high place in heraldry and has ever been the badge of the warrior. It is borne in varying poses and compositions, but this was merely for 'difference' because the lion was the most sought charge in the armory. The symbolical significance of the lion remains constant. Says Guillim of the lion, [ The lion is a livery portrait of a good soldier, who must be valorous of courage, strong of body, politic in council and a foe to be feared. The lion is a badge of deathless courage ]. "Suaviter et Fortiter" |
