Thiart Heraldry 

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The research of the heraldry of the family is not complete.

Some emblems are found from early French origin.  It is may be from this or the strong connection of the family to the West coast of South Africa, known for it's Crayfish, that some has adopted the Crayfish as part of their family emblem.

If you have family emblems, send them to me with some explanations.  I have included some of the research below explaining the relevance of the Crayfish signage.

Fish in Heraldry

In general, there is no specific meaning associated with charges. However, medieval and early Modern culture did make associate some animals with virtues or characteristics, and this symbolism can sometimes explain the use of a charge. For example, the lobster was thought to be the enemy of serpents and hence a symbol of temperance (the serpent being associated with sin, cf. Genesis). The crab, because of its capacity to move sideways, was seen as a symbol of inconstancy. More often, however, a peculiar animal was chosen for a play on words.

Believe it or not, there is a whole book on the subject: Thomas Moule: The Heraldry of Fish. London, 1842; J. Van Voorst.

Crabs, Crawfish, Lobsters

In English heraldry the lobster is not found, but lobster claws occur. Lobsters are also rare in continental heraldry, but crawfish (ecrevisses in French) and crabs are more common. They are usually shown in pale. Confusion often arises as to which animal is being depicted, so that blazons sometimes name the charge crab, crawfish, lobster or even scorpion.