What Is a Family Crest & What Does It Mean for Your Heritage?

Family crests aren’t just decorative designs. These emblems carry deep historical significance and tell tales about your kin’s past. They’re a glimpse into your predecessors’ history, values, and achievements — a visual representation of your lineage.

Let’s find out where family insignias come from, how they’ve developed over the years, and what their different symbols and colors might mean for your heritage. You’ll also get some pointers on how to locate your own family crest.

» Search billions of records to uncover your family crest

What is a family crest?

In heraldry, a family crest is usually a single symbol or device above the helmet in a full armorial achievement — which showcases the shield, helmet, badge, mantling, and wreath.

Family insignias started as part of the coat of arms (armorial bearings) in the 12th century. Knights wore them on helmets to identify themselves in battle. These 3D ornaments, made of leather, metal, or wood, allowed others to recognize knights from a distance. In England and Scotland, men also engraved them on their signet rings.

Today, while not as widespread, you can still see coats of arms in military and ceremonial contexts. They denote ownership and are displayed by chivalric orders. Some European countries — especially monarchies — still regulate them.

In the United Kingdom (U.K.), for example, coats of arms are legally binding symbols of a person’s identity. Using someone else’s coat of arms in the U.K. is like using their driver’s license or government ID — it’s illegal.

Other nations, such as Canada, Ireland, Germany, France, and even Japan, also protect and enforce family coats of arms as intellectual property or personal rights. Beyond the legal issues, using another lineage’s shield is almost always seen as disrespectful. So, make sure you don’t use another clan’s armorial bearings, even if you share the same or a similar last name.

» Learn how to research military records to find your family crest

Common symbols and meanings in coats of arms

Heraldry uses a rich set of symbols known as “charges.” These emblems carry different meanings based on their position or context.

For example, a sword — which usually depicts military might — can signify a tragic death in combat or a commitment to peace after a long period of battle if it’s broken. Similarly, a star can represent divine quality, honor, or achievement. But inverted, it can stand for misfortune, a fall from grace, or even association with the occult.

These designs are important in genealogy research because they can provide insights into your family’s origins. Let’s examine some common symbols and their meanings to better understand the stories they tell about our ancestors.

» Find out if your ancestor is linked to an Order of Chivalry

Lions

A lion represents courage, strength, and nobility. But how a lion (or any other animal) is portrayed in a coat of arms — its stance or “attitude” — can add additional meanings to this token.

For instance, a lion “rampant” (standing on hind legs, facing the viewer) might depict courage and aggression, while a lion “couchant” (lying down) might signify rest or vigilance.

Some other prevalent heraldic positions for animals include:

• Passant: Walking sideways, facing the viewer
• Regardant: Walking sideways but glancing back over its shoulder
• Sejant: Sitting upright
• Statant: Standing alert on all four legs, facing directly forward
• Dormant: Sleeping, usually lying on its side

A lion, while often a symbol of strength and courage, can also be a sign of peace and diplomacy in Scotland if it has one of its forepaws raised.

Bend sinister

A bend sinister is a diagonal band or strap drawn from the viewer’s top right (dexter chief) to the viewer’s bottom left (sinister base) across a coat of arms. It typically denotes unlawful descent. Shakespeare and Sir Thomas Malory reinforced this interpretation in their literary works. But some may argue that it’s actually a device called the “bar sinister” — a thinner diagonal line — that signifies illegitimacy.

An example is the arms of the first Viscount Lisle, the illegitimate son of Edward IV of England and his mistress Elizabeth Wayte.

In Germany, Italy, and Spain, however, a bend sinister is simply a heraldic device with no negative connotations or subversive meanings. It could separate symbols of different family lines on the field of a shield or be used just for artistic flavor with no utility at all.

Note: If you encounter this symbol in your genealogical research, you may need to investigate the true identity of the owner’s parents more closely.

» Learn how to evaluate your genealogical research

Ostrich feathers

Ostrich feathers are particularly common in Polish heraldry, often appearing in groups of three, five, or seven. They sometimes replace forgotten original crests, with their specific meaning or symbolism varying depending on the design and the bearer’s history.

The colors of the feathers can also add another layer of significance and make the emblem more visually distinctive and expressive. For instance, multicolored feathers often represent complex characteristics, while blue denotes loyalty and faithfulness, and green stands for hope and joy.

In Western European heraldry, feathers often suggest a connection to nobility or chivalry. One of the most well-known examples of ostrich feathers in arms is the crest of Great Britain’s Prince of Wales. This insignia features three white ostrich feathers behind a gold coronet, symbolizing royal heritage.

However, in Middle Eastern and Asian cultures, feathers in heraldic designs depict agility, speed, and nobility.

» Try these tips to find out if you have royal ancestry

Other common charges

While we’ve touched on a few key examples, there are many more heraldic symbols, each with unique significance. Here’s a list of additional charges and what they typically convey:

Animals:

• Eagle: Leadership, power, vision, and freedom
• Bear: Strength, ferocity, and protection
• Deer: Gentleness, grace, and purity

Body parts:

• Praying hands: Piety, devotion, or a strong religious background
• Muscular arms: Strength and martial ability
• Wings: Elevation, ambition, and swiftness
• Man’s heart: Bravery, loyalty, and passion

Mythical creatures:

• Dragon: Power, protection, and wisdom
• Griffin: Courage, vigilance, and nobility
• Unicorn: Purity, innocence, and magical power

Objects:

• Key: Guardianship, knowledge, power, trust, and authority
• Crown: Royalty, authority, and power
• Shield: Defense, protection, and strength
• Castle: Power, security, and dominion
• Cross: Faith, Christianity, and religious devotion

Plants:

• Oak tree: Strength and endurance
• Laurel wreath: Victory, achievement, and honor
• Thistle: Tenacity and pain

Colors:

• Gold: Generosity, nobility, wisdom, and elevation of the mind
• Silver: Purity, truth, peace, and serenity
• Red: Courage, strength, and martyrdom
• Blue: Loyalty, truth, and justice
• Green: Hope, joy, and growth
• Black: Perseverance, grief, and wisdom
• Purple: Justice and sovereignty

How has heraldry changed over time?

In the 12th and 13th centuries, heraldic emblems were simple geometric shapes with limited colors. Later, in the 14th and 15th centuries, armorial designs became codified with the introduction of authorities like the College of Arms in England.

During the Renaissance and Reformation periods, these designs became more elaborate. At the same time, the end of armor and medieval warfare led to a sharp decrease in the original practical purpose of heraldry. Heraldry gained shading, perspective, and other complex artistic qualities as its use shifted to ceremonial purposes and displays of status.

» Follow these tips to find your medieval roots

Decoding coat of arms: Variations around the world

Birth order matters

In Scotland, England, and Canada, armorial bearings may have variations, called cadency marks, to visually distinguish family members within the same lineage. The eldest sibling could have a label, the second son a crescent, and the third a martlet. This can continue to the ninth son.

In the royal line, it decides the succession of the Crown. An example of cadency marks in royalty can be seen in the coats of arms of the Duke of York and the Duke of Sussex. Both have marks of cadency to distinguish their coats of arms from the monarch’s.

» Discover how the birth order of siblings affects the adults we become

If not part of a royal line, a coat of arms shows the bearer’s connection to a family name and values rather than their place within the lineage. For this reason, families in other European countries like Poland, France, and Germany share the same armorial bearings, regardless of birth order. It’s a symbol of their collective heritage.

Note: If you understand cadency marks, you can determine the birth order of ancestors who possessed a coat of arms. This helps you flesh out identities and even trace how they inherited land, title, and status when people kept fewer records.

» Uncover different surname traditions around the world

The heir apparent

Traditionally, families passed coats of arms down through the male line. The heraldic authority — a king, a herald (an official recorder of coats of arms), or a college of arms — highly influenced the legacy of heraldic arms. In certain instances, the coat of arms could die out.

However, in some nations, like England and Scotland, women could become armigerous or entitled to bear arms under specific circumstances:

1. If she was born into a culture where women can inherit family arms.
2. If she was married to a man with his own armorial bearings in a culture where women can acquire arms through marriage.
3. If she was granted a coat of arms as a mark of distinction for notable accomplishments in public service, the arts, or academia.

These women, known as heraldic heiresses, could pass their arms to their children, especially if they had no brothers. The kids could then combine their arms with their fathers’ to create a unique symbol.

Take Birgitte, Duchess of Gloucester, for instance. As a heraldic heiress, she blended her father’s arms with her husband’s to showcase both sides of her lineage.

In many instances, a heraldic heiress could acquire other heraldic elements besides the coat of arms, including crests, mottos, and even supporters in limited cases. It all depends on the heraldic system in question and the conditions surrounding the inheritance.

» Trace your maternal and paternal lineage through DNA testing

Other differences

In addition to cadency marks denoting birth order and the legacy of arms, another variation in coats of arms is the use of “differences.” These signify distinctions such as marital alliances, military service, territorial acquisitions, and marks of position or office.

By recognizing these marks, you can better understand the bearer’s alliances, achievements, and history. They can lead you to vital records, enlistment files, church data, and immigration documents.

» Use military documents to uncover your family shield

How family crests contribute to identity and heritage

Family crests are powerful symbols that tie individuals to their lineage and heritage in several ways:

• Tangible links to the past: A crest represents a dynasty’s history, values, or successes. It’s a reminder of the stories, traditions, and struggles that shaped the lives of your ancestors.
• Sense of belonging: Family insignias create a feeling of connection to a larger family group, not just our immediate relatives.
• Source of pride: For many, a family crest is a badge of honor. It embodies the legacy and accomplishments passed down through generations, inspiring individuals to uphold predecessor values and customs.
• Cultural significance: In some countries like Poland, insignias are integral to personal identities and are even included in surnames. This deepens the connection between individuals, their families, and historical events.

» Find out how much DNA you share with your relatives

Resources for finding your family crest

Heraldic forums and societies are great places to seek answers and discuss your family badge. Also, a family member, including distant cousins, may have an inherited bible or document that reveals a family crest or shield.

Other sources you should explore include:

Rolls of arms

Rolls of arms might have coats of arms with the surnames you’re researching. These historical collections showcase coats of arms alongside associated families or individuals. They’re usually limited to specific regions or periods, and not all lineages have entries.

Families with legitimate coats of arms might be missing from a roll of arms for various reasons:

• Conflicts with authorities or shifts in social status
• Locally recognized coats of arms without access to a heraldic authority
• Fallen social prominence or lost titles and land

Rolls of arms often included wealthy or influential commoners who gained arms for notable achievements, contributions to society, or significant local influence. Some rolls were recorded for specific purposes, like commemorating battle or tournament participants from various social backgrounds.

A roll of arms might be the definitive source if your kin has a long history and documented nobility. But accessing them might require visiting archives or hiring a heraldic researcher.

» Learn how to interview your relatives

College of arms

The College of Arms is a valuable resource if your forebears were English. It maintains official documents related to coats of arms, including grants, name changes, and genealogical details. The College can also advise you on legally using a family crest, which may require ancestral entitlement through the male line.

If you have strong family chronicles suggesting a coat of arms but struggle to definitively prove your lineage through the male line, carefully document the existing evidence and expand your search. Alternatively, consider contacting an expert for direction. Also, look at online forums and databases, family history societies, and local libraries and archives.

What similar organizations are available to look up coat of arms traditions in other countries?

In Scotland, the heraldic authority is the Court of the Lord Lyon. In Ireland, it’s the Office of the Chief Herald of Ireland or the Office of the Chief Herald of Arms (Northern Ireland). Canada has the Canadian Heraldic Authority. These organizations operate according to their country’s legal framework and heraldic traditions.

» Comb through this armorial families directory to find your coat of arms

Genealogy websites

Genealogy websites can be great for finding family crest information and other details on specific surnames when building your family tree. Many platforms have user-submitted databases of family insignias that can be a good starting point for your research.

For example, MyHeritage offers extensive resources for researching your roots. While not solely focused on insignias, these databases can supply valuable leads about your ancestors’ origins and social status. They can also help narrow down your search for a potential crest.

Even if you don’t find the family crest of the line you’re researching, you might locate the badge of a different clan with the same surname, allowing you to eliminate that line and emblem from future searches.

» Check out these genealogy resources to take your family history further

Tips for interpreting your family crest

I don’t consider family crests primary sources for genealogical research because they don’t provide verifiable facts. It’s easy to assume a coat of arms is passed down through generations, but that’s often not the case.

In the late 20th or early 21st century, many companies created coats of arms for a fee. This “heraldry” often had no connection to the actual symbols and devices historically used for this purpose and could easily have no real link to the person who commissioned it other than their aesthetic preference.

Even a legitimate coat of arms could’ve been granted to an individual and not a family, meaning it was never intentionally passed down. Different branches of a line, and even unrelated families with the same name, likely had different family insignias, making it nearly impossible to confirm which clan it belonged to.

I’ve learned to be skeptical and thorough when assessing the authenticity of family crests. Be vigilant not to go on wild goose chases by trying to interpret these vanity badges, which may have nothing to do with the ancestor or lineage to which they’re attached. To avoid wasting time:

1. Verify the information in your ancestral chart as you go. Don’t let an unverified fact lead you too far off the beaten path.
2. Build a skeletal framework of documented certainties to compare to the clues of a family crest or armorial bearings.
3. Don’t treat the leads a family insignia supplies with the same weight as hard data gathered from a primary source.

» Keep your family tree accurate with the Tree Consistency Checker

It’s often the more boring but verifiable facts that will make the tree you’re creating a trusted source of family history.

How can a family crest guide further research into historical records?

Let’s say you find a family crest for an individual that includes a lion rampant. Remember, lions symbolize strength, courage, and loyalty and were commonly used charges in England, Scotland, and France. Searching church records, land deeds, and local archives in these countries could be a good place to start your research.

If your knowledge of heraldry can help you narrow down an era based on the charges, you can research why and by whom the dynasty or individual was granted a coat of arms during that time. While a family insignia might not be the easiest way to research an individual or family, every stone turned over could bring about a breakthrough discovery in your genealogical journey.

» Uncover different ways to do family research

Find your family crest with MyHeritage

Your family crest can provide a meaningful graphic link to your heritage. But to find the truth, you need to use reliable sources and approach the process thoughtfully.

Unfortunately, not all online sources are trustworthy. And just because someone shares your surname and has a specific coat of arms doesn’t automatically make it yours.

» Sign up for a free trial and start the search for your family crest