Tracing your family history and locating a coat of arms associated with your surname can be an exciting process. With some key steps, you can learn about the origins of your family name and uncover the crest that represents your heritage.
Understanding Coats of Arms and Family Crests
A coat of arms is a design belonging to a particular person or family. It was historically used to cover, or coat, a knight’s armor and shield in battle. Coats of arms began appearing across Europe in the 12th century and were used by nobles and knights to represent their heritage on flags, shields, and other items.
The elements that make up a coat of arms are symbolic of the family’s history, locale, and occupation. Common components include:
- Shield or escutcheon – The main background that holds the design
- Charges – Images like animals, crosses, and plants
- Ordinary – Simple geometric shapes such as stripes, chevrons, and crosses
- Crest – A three-dimensional figure above the shield such as a bird or helmet
- Supporters – Creatures or human figures flanking the shield
- Motto – A short phrase representing the family’s values
While in the past only noble families possessed coats of arms, over time they came to be used more widely by non-noble families as well. The terms coat of arms and family crest are often used interchangeably today. However, technically the crest refers only to the three-dimensional object above the shield.
Researching Your Surname
Discovering your family crest begins with researching your surname’s origins and history. Here are some tips for getting started:
- Talk to relatives – Discuss your ancestry with family to uncover clues about your surname’s roots and whether a coat of arms already exists.
- Search genealogy databases – Websites like Ancestry and FamilySearch have records that may reveal origins.
- Look for surname books – Libraries or historical societies may have books dedicated to the history of your surname.
- Join surname message boards – Connect with others researching your name who may have leads.
Through this initial research, you may discover details like:
- The meaning and origins of your surname
- Where it first appeared as a surname
- How it has evolved over time
- Whether multiple spellings or variations exist
These insights will aid your coat of arms search.
Searching for Your Family Crest
Once you have researched your surname history, you can begin looking for any associated coat of arms or family crest. Here are some places to search:
- Heraldry societies – Groups like the American College of Heraldry or the New England Historic Genealogical Society have databases of coats of arms.
- National archives – The National Archives in the U.K. and National Archives and Records Administration in the U.S. have heraldry records.
- University archives – Many university libraries have genealogy and heraldry reference materials.
- Local historical societies – Check if a local heritage organization has resources on family histories and coats of arms.
When searching these sources, keep in mind any spelling variations or evolutions of your surname over time. This may uncover additional coats of arms associated with your family.
Authenticating Your Family Crest
Once you locate a coat of arms tied to your surname, it is important to verify its legitimacy. Fake or inaccurate family crests are common. Follow these tips to authenticate your find:
- Look for evidence it was granted or confirmed by an official heraldry authority.
- Match the surname to the original grantee to confirm it was awarded to your family.
- Check blazon (word description) matches the image.
- Compare images from multiple sources to spot inconsistencies.
- Research the heraldry expert or company who created it.
You can also hire a professional genealogist to research and verify a coat of arms on your behalf.
Registering Your Own Family Crest
If research does not uncover an existing family coat of arms, you may choose to create and register your own. There are organizations who will research your surname and genealogy to design a new coat of arms just for you. New coats of arms follow long-held traditions of heraldry.
For example, the American College of Heraldry takes the following steps to create a new coat of arms:
- Client consultation to discuss family history, values, and desired symbols
- Research of surname origins and genealogy
- A custom designed coat of arms along with word blazon
- Inclusion in the College’s armorial registry
- Certification of registration documentation
Newly designed and registered coats of arms are considered legitimate and can be passed down in a family.
Displaying Your Family Crest
Once you have researched and verified a coat of arms for your family, there are many ways to proudly display it. Some options include:
- Framing the crest, blazon, and history for your home
- Incorporating the design into custom jewelry, gifts, or clothing
- Adding the crest to your family tree display
- Using the symbols from the crest in holiday cards or other stationery
- Engraving it on special family heirlooms
Display your family coat of arms respectfully by following proper heraldry etiquette. Refrain from modifying the colors or design and do not use the coat of arms from another family.
Meaningful Connection to Your Heritage
Researching and discovering your family crest provides a meaningful connection to your roots. It enables you to uncover your surname’s unique history and display your heritage with pride. With some diligent work tracing your genealogy and searching heraldry resources, you can find the coat of arms meant to represent your family for generations to come.