A family crest is a heraldic symbol that represents a family or individual. Family crests often contain images or elements that have symbolic meaning for that family such as animals, colors, or symbols. Historically, family crests were used to identify knights and nobles during battle or on official documentation. Today, many people enjoy creating their own family crest as a way to celebrate their heritage, values, and interests. With some guidance on heraldry and design, you can create a meaningful family crest for yourself or to gift to a loved one.
What is a Family Crest?
A family crest, also called a coat of arms, is a design belonging to a particular family. It originated as a means of identifying knights during medieval battles and tournaments. The crest was painted on the knight’s shield so that he could be recognized in combat. Later on, nobles and royals also adopted the use of family crests as a symbol of status and royalty.
Over time, coats of arms began to be passed down through generations of the same family. The crest represented the family’s reputation, achievements, and virtues. Elements of the crest were chosen carefully to reflect the family’s history and values. For example, lion figures often symbolized bravery and leadership.
Today, while family crests no longer hold legal or social significance, many individuals take pride in having a family crest that represents their heritage. Creating your own family crest allows you to design a symbol that has personal meaning for you, your values, and your family story.
Why Create Your Own Family Crest?
Here are some of the main reasons people today enjoy designing their own unique family crest:
- Celebrate your heritage – A family crest allows you to pay tribute to your ancestors and cultural roots.
- Express personal values – The symbols and figures in your crest can represent virtues or beliefs important to you.
- Make great gifts – Custom family crests make thoughtful gifts for family members and relatives.
- Decorate your home – Display your family crest proudly on walls, stationary, or other décor.
- Use for special events – Feature your crest on wedding invitations, birth announcements, or other milestones.
- Honor your legacy – Pass down a cherished family crest to future generations.
Whether you come from a long lineage or are the founder of your family, a crest allows you to formalize your history and values into a meaningful symbol.
Guidelines for Designing a Family Crest
While you can get creative with your own unique design, there are some traditional guidelines you may want to keep in mind when creating a family crest:
Elements
Traditionally, a coat of arms contains several key elements:
- Shield or escutcheon – The main focal point featuring the primary symbols.
- Helm/helmet – Sitting atop the shield, often designating rank.
- Crest – The figure rising above the helmet.
- Wreath – Decorative twist of two colors encircling the crest.
- Mantling – A stylistic cloak or cloth hanging from the helm.
- Motto – A short phrase representing the family’s core philosophy or values.
You can opt to include some or all of these elements when designing your own crest. The shield is the most essential component.
Symbols
Heraldry uses symbols known as “charges” that have historical significance. Some common charges and their meanings:
- Lion – Strength, bravery, royalty
- Eagle – Nobility, honor
- Bear – Strength, ferocity
- Snake – Wisdom, eternal life
- Horse – Loyalty, hard work
- Tree – Life, growth
Think about symbols that resonate with your personality or family when selecting charges for your crest.
Colors
The tinctures (colors) used in a coat of arms historically had royal or military associations:
- Gold/Yellow – Generosity, elevation of the mind
- Silver/White – Peace and sincerity
- Red – Warrior or martyr; Military strength and magnanimity
- Blue – Truth and loyalty
- Black – Constancy or grief
Choose 1-3 bold colors that represent you or your family’s spirit.
Design Rules
There are a few heraldic rules of thumb to follow:
- Use 2-3 primary colors at most.
- Keep the design balanced and symmetrical.
- Make charges large and simple.
- Use meaningful symbolism.
The crest should be legible and eye-catching when rendered in various sizes.
How to Design Your Family Crest
Ready to create your own coat of arms? Here is a step-by-step guide:
- Decide on a meaningful motto. This short phrase or saying represents your core values.
- Research symbolism and select 2-4 figures or charges to feature on your crest.
- Choose 1-3 bold background colors for your shield or crest.
- Sketch the basic layout and position of the charges on a template or blank shield.
- Refine the design so it is visually balanced and eye-catching.
- Optionally add complementary elements like a helm, wreath, mantle, crown, or scroll.
- Finalize your crest by refining details and adding decorative flourishes.
Feel free to break some rules if certain elements carry special meaning for you. The most important thing is that your family crest reflects your unique identity.
Have Your Family Crest Made
Once you have a completed design for your family coat of arms, there are several options for bringing it to life:
- Hire a graphic designer to create a digital file you can print on various items.
- Commission an artist to hand-paint your crest on canvas or wood.
- Order custom t-shirts, mugs, or other items printed with your design from online retailers.
- Purchase a wooden plaque, flag, or framed print featuring your crest.
- Get your design printed on jewelry, glassware, stationery, or other family keepsakes.
- Have a metal shield or helmet created with your engraved crest.
Displaying your family crest proudly in your home or gifting items bearing the design is a great way to celebrate your heritage with family and friends.
Tips for Designing a Meaningful Family Crest
Follow these tips as you conceive and design your personalized coat of arms:
- Incorporate symbols meaningful to your family’s history and values.
- Use bold, eye-catching colors suited to your family’s spirit.
- Keep the layout balanced according to traditional heraldry.
- Pick a motto that represents your core philosophy.
- Add creatures like lions or bears to symbolize virtues.
- Feature visual references to your surname or ancestry.
- Include elements that characterize your personality or interests.
- Render your design digitally so it’s easy to reproduce on items.
Take your time brainstorming ideas and experimenting with layouts. Your family crest should feel personal and distinctive.
Creative Ways to Use Your Family Crest
Looking for ideas on how to proudly display your family coat of arms? Here are some creative ways to highlight your new crest:
- Print it on t-shirts, hats, or sweatshirts for family members.
- Feature it on Christmas ornaments, keychains, or magnets.
- Hang a custom crest flag outside your home.
- Use it on your personal or family website.
- Incorporate it into wedding or party invitations and signs.
- Emboss the design on glassware or drink coasters.
- Order a custom signet ring or necklace with the crest.
- Have it printed on throw pillows, blankets, or wall art.
- Use it on your smartphone or computer wallpaper.
- Feature the crest on holiday cards you send out.
Proudly displaying your unique family crest is a great conversational piece and allows you to honor your legacy in a fun, personal manner.
Conclusion
Designing and creating your own family crest is a rewarding way to celebrate your roots, values, and story. With some creativity and knowledge of traditional heraldic elements, you can craft a meaningful symbol for your family. Follow basic design principles while also infusing personal symbols and style into your crest. Once finalized, have your coat of arms made into prints, gifts, apparel, or décor to proudly display as part of your family culture and legacy for generations to come.