On the coat of arms for the Jones family I found this: COEFITUS MIHI VIRES. Can someone translate?

Question

My name isn't Jones; I'm doing this for some friends. Merci.

The two answers I rec'd were equally informative and interesting, and I have forwarded them to the Jonses. Neither ans. is the best ans., and I thank you both so much. p.s. In keeping with the inauthenticity of the coat, it was on a drinks coaster. Je vous remerci.

Ho! A late entry gives a very different translation. Is this why Latin is "dead"?

Answer 1

VERY loose translation (possible the originator didn't know Latin very well - as was often the case) would be

Together we shall obtain land and power.

VERY loose translation and assuming the "CO" of coefitus is used in the typical way meaning "together" and efitus should really be "effectus".

BTW, you do know that this isn't the coat of arms for the Jones family. Coats of arms were granted to INDIVIDUALS, not families or surnames. This particular coat of arms would only be the coat of arms of that specific grantee (not his uncles, brothers or cousins that might bear his surname as well) and direct MALE descendants. ONLY! Not just someone with the surname.

Addendum: Actually, it isn't dead - used scientifically and medically a lot because it is more definitive than most languages. BUT by that token, the two translations are not that different --- the problem is the word Coefitus which seems to be a mistake.

Mihi translates basically to "me" but in relationship to the possessions that make "me"...such as land (normal usage). Vires translates to power AND ALSO strength (synonym for power??).

So if you want to assume Coefitus is Caelitus - then My strength is from heaven is a good translation.

If you want to assume Coefitus is the conjunction of the "Co" prefix with the root effectus, then Together we shall obtain land (possessions) and power is a good translation.

Is either right?? Can't tell because both make assumptions of the word Coefitus - maybe there are more assumptions that can be made.

But if the right words are used, Latin has less words that have multiple meanings than a lot of other languages - hence it is not dead.

Answer 2

I found this information for you,

Jones Asgre lan diogel ei phercen A good conscience is the best shield
Jones Da a fydd God will come
Jones Deo adjuvante God aiding
Jones Deum cole, regem serva Worship God, revere the king
Jones Deus fortitudo mea God is my strength
Jones Deus pascit corvos God feeds the ravens
Jones Esto sol testis Let the sun be witness
Jones Frangas non flectes Thou may’st break, but shalt not bend me
Jones Heb Dduw heb ddim, Duw a digon Without God without anything, God is enough
Jones Heb nefol nerth, nid sicr saeth Without heavenly aid no arrow is sure
Jones Integritate et fortitudine By integrity and bravery
Jones Look to the past Look to the past
Jones Marte et arte By valour and skill
Jones Mors mihi lucrum Death is gain to me
Jones Netherlands Netherlands
Jones Nil desperandum Never despair
Jones Pawb yn ol ei arfer Every one after his custom
Jones Pro patriâ et rege For my country and king
Jones Sine numine nihilum Nothing without the divinity
Jones Spe posteri temporis In hope of the latter time
Jones Till then thus Till then thus
Jones Vince malum bono Overcome evil by good
Jones Virtutis prœmium felicitas Happiness the reward of virtue
Jones Dum spiro cœlestia spero While I have breath I hope heavenly things

http://www.heraldryclipart.com/m.html

I don't know whether this is of any use to you but there are lots of names on there to choose from.
Hope it helps.

Answer 3

Coats of arms do not belong to surnames. They are granted to individuals who pass them on to their sons. Actually there are probably several that were granted to persons with the surname Jones.

See the link below, one from the British College of Arms and the other from the most prestigious genealogical society in the United States, The National Genealogical Society.

http://www.college-of-arms.gov.uk/Faq.htm

http://www.ngsgenealogy.org/comconsumerpsst.cfm

There are no laws in the U.S. regarding heraldy and there are merchants of deceit that take advantage of gullible Americans.
People who have those tacky walnut plaques with a coat of arms on it on their den wall are just displaying one that happened to be granted to someone with their surname,and probably isn't any way related. That's all.

In some countries, a person would risk prosecution for displaying a coat of arms without documented proof they are entitled to it.

Answer 4

I've found a Latin translation for "Caelitus mihi Vires," which means, "My strength is from Heaven." Check your spelling of "coefitus."