Fleur-de-Lis Symbol — Copy Paste ⚜ and Meaning
Copy and paste the fleur-de-lis symbol ⚜ and learn its rich history. From French monarchy to New Orleans, discover the meaning behind this iconic emblem.
The fleur-de-lis is one of the most recognizable symbols in Western culture. Its elegant, stylized lily design has adorned crowns, flags, coats of arms, and architecture for over a thousand years. Whether you're designing a logo, writing about French history, or just need the symbol for a project, you'll find everything you need on this page.
Copy and Paste the Fleur-de-Lis Symbol
Click any symbol below to copy it instantly.
What Does Fleur-de-Lis Mean?
"Fleur-de-lis" literally translates from French as "flower of the lily" (though some scholars argue it was originally an iris). The symbol represents a stylized three-petaled flower — the central petal is erect, while the two side petals curve outward. It's been used as a decorative element and a political symbol across centuries of European history.
At its core, the fleur-de-lis symbolizes perfection, light, and life. In religious contexts, it has been associated with the Holy Trinity (the three petals representing the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) and with the Virgin Mary, connecting the lily to purity.
History of the Fleur-de-Lis
Ancient Origins
The fleur-de-lis predates the French monarchy by centuries. Similar designs appear in Mesopotamian art, ancient Egyptian reliefs, and Roman decorations. The three-petaled motif has been a recurring design element across many civilizations, often associated with royalty and divine authority.
French Monarchy
The fleur-de-lis became most strongly associated with the French crown. According to legend, the Merovingian king Clovis I adopted the symbol after his conversion to Christianity in 496 AD, when an angel presented him with a golden lily. Whether that story is true or not, the fleur-de-lis appeared on French royal seals as early as the 12th century under King Louis VI.
By the time of King Charles V in the 14th century, the French royal coat of arms featured three fleurs-de-lis on a blue field — a design so iconic it became known simply as "France Ancient." The symbol remained on the French flag and royal regalia until the French Revolution in 1789. Even after the monarchy fell, the fleur-de-lis persisted in French culture and was briefly restored during the Bourbon Restoration.
New Orleans and Louisiana
The fleur-de-lis is inseparable from the identity of New Orleans and the broader Louisiana region. When French explorers claimed the Louisiana Territory, they brought the fleur-de-lis with them. Today it appears on the New Orleans city flag, the Louisiana state flag, and countless local logos, businesses, and sports teams. After Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the fleur-de-lis became a powerful symbol of the city's resilience and rebirth.
The New Orleans Saints NFL team features a fleur-de-lis as their logo — a direct nod to the city's French heritage. Walk through the French Quarter and you'll spot the symbol on wrought-iron balconies, street signs, and building facades everywhere.
Scouting Organizations
The Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts both use the fleur-de-lis (or a similar three-pointed design) in their logos. Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of the Scout Movement, chose the fleur-de-lis as the Scout emblem because the three petals represent the three points of the Scout Promise: duty to God, duty to others, and duty to oneself. The north-pointing fleur-de-lis on a compass also symbolizes guidance — a fitting metaphor for an organization built on helping young people find their way.
Where Else Does the Fleur-de-Lis Appear?
- Heraldry: Countless coats of arms across Europe, especially in France, England, and Spain
- Architecture: Decorative elements on Gothic cathedrals, castles, and government buildings
- Military: Various military units use the fleur-de-lis in their insignia
- Sports: New Orleans Saints logo, Fiorentina football club crest
- Fashion: The pattern appears in textiles, jewelry, and luxury brand logos
- Fraternal Organizations: Used by the Knights of Columbus and other groups
How to Type the Fleur-de-Lis Symbol
Windows
The fleur-de-lis symbol doesn't have a standard Alt code shortcut. The fastest method on Windows is to press Win + Period to open the emoji picker, switch to the symbols section, and search for "fleur." You can also use the Character Map application — search for "fleur-de-lis" or enter Unicode code point U+269C.
Mac
On macOS, press Control + Command + Space to open the Character Viewer. Search for "fleur" and double-click the ⚜ symbol to insert it.
Mobile
On iPhone and Android, the fleur-de-lis isn't available on the default keyboard. The easiest approach is to copy ⚜ from this page. Some third-party keyboard apps may include it in their symbol collections.
HTML and Unicode
| Format | Code |
|---|---|
| Unicode | U+269C |
| HTML Entity | ♜ |
| CSS | \269C |
| JavaScript | \u269C |
Fleur-de-Lis in Pop Culture
Beyond its historical uses, the fleur-de-lis pops up regularly in modern pop culture. It appears in Disney's "The Princess and the Frog," set in New Orleans. The TV show "The Originals" used it extensively as a symbol of the show's New Orleans setting. It's a popular tattoo design, often chosen for its elegant shape and deep cultural associations. Fashion brands like Juicy Couture have incorporated it into their logos and designs.
Whether you see it on a medieval tapestry or a modern football helmet, the fleur-de-lis carries over a millennium of meaning. Not bad for a stylized flower.