A family crest and coat of arms are similar symbols used to represent a family or individual, but they are not exactly the same thing. While they are often confused with each other, there are some key differences between a family crest and a coat of arms. Understanding these differences can help you better understand these historic symbols and properly use or interpret them for your family history.
What is a Family Crest?
A family crest is a symbolic image used to identify a family. It was commonly used by noble or aristocratic families in Europe as a marker of identity. The crest was particularly used to adorn a knight’s helmet and shield during tournaments and battles. It allowed knights to be identified even when covered in armor.
Over time, the family crest became associated with the surname of a family rather than specific individuals. It became a symbol inherited by all descendants of a family, rather than just the head of the family. The crest often incorporates elements from the family coat of arms, such as the shield design or motto. However, it is not the full achievement of arms.
Some key things to know about family crests:
– Originated as identifying device for individual knights in armor
– Later used more broadly as a symbol for a family name
– Often incorporates elements from family coat of arms
– Not regulated – anyone can create and use a family crest
What is a Coat of Arms?
A coat of arms is a full visual design identifying a family or individual. It is also called an armorial achievement, armorial bearings, or often just arms. The coat of arms originated in medieval Europe as a symbol worn over armor to identify a knight or noble. However, it soon became hereditary, passed down through the male line of a family.
The rules and governing of coats of arms became very complex. In England and Scotland, coats of arms are regulated by the College of Arms or Court of the Lord Lyon, which grant and oversee their use. The components of a full coat of arms generally includes:
– Shield – the central element with the main symbols and colors of the arms
– Crest – an image atop the shield identifying the owner
– Helm/Helmet – indicating rank and often supporting the crest
– Mantling – a stylised cloak or cloth around the helm
– Supporters – figures flanking the shield holding it up
– Motto – a short phrase representing the family ideals
Not all arms use all these elements, but the shield is the core necessity. Overall, the coat of arms represents a much more complex symbol granted under legal oversight.
Differences Between Family Crest and Coat of Arms
While family crests and coats of arms have some overlaps in origins and usage, there are several key differences:
| Family Crest | Coat of Arms |
|---|---|
| Originally used to identify individual knights | Originally used to identify noble families |
| Later used as symbol representing whole family | Represents an individual owner who can pass it down |
| Not regulated – can be freely adopted | Highly regulated with rules for use and inheritance |
| Simpler design, often just the shield element | Full multi-element achievement with supporters, helm, crest, etc. |
| Rarely incorporates motto | Often includes family motto as one of the elements |
In summary, while both represent family identity, the family crest is an informal, simpler symbol, while the coat of arms is a complex, regulated emblem granted to individuals.
Using Family Crests vs. Coats of Arms
If you want to adopt a symbol for your family, the family crest is the simplest option. You can research crest designs historically associated with your surname and adopt one even without proof it is connected to your ancestors. Or you can design your own crest incorporating symbols meaningful to your family. Since it is unregulated, you can use a family crest however you’d like – on stationery, jewelry, displays, etc.
However, you cannot legally adopt or use a coat of arms without being granted one. Coats of arms belong to individuals, not surnames. The right to use them is inherited along a direct male line according to strict rules. To use an existing coat of arms or be granted a new one for yourself, you would need to provide detailed genealogical records proving your descent from a past owner. Very few modern families can successfully obtain a grant of arms.
For most purposes, adopting a family crest is sufficient to create an identifying symbol for your family heritage. Just be sure not to refer to it as a coat of arms, which has very specific meanings. Check sources carefully to ensure whether images you find for your surname are true coats of arms or just decorative crests. Understanding the distinction will avoid confusion over these meaningful symbols.
Famous Examples of Family Crests vs. Coats of Arms
Looking at notable historical examples can help illustrate the differences between crests and arms:
Shakespeare Family Crest
– The Shakespeare family crest consists of a falcon displaying a spear atop a helmet and shields.
– This crest represents the family name as a whole.
– It incorporates elements of the arms used by William Shakespeare’s father when granted a coat of arms in 1596.
– But the crest itself was not regulated and could be used freely by any Shakespeare descendant.
Windsor Coat of Arms
– The Royal Family’s coat of arms dates back centuries in a regulated line of inheritance.
– It combines the arms of dominions under the British Crown into one complex achievement.
– The shield divides the territories, while the supporters flanking it represent England and Scotland.
– Its use is highly restricted, belonging solely to the reigning monarch.
So the Shakespeare crest serves as a general symbol while the Windsor arms are a tightly controlled, individual emblem. Both represent family heritage, but in significantly different ways.
Conclusion
While they may appear similar at first glance, family crests and coats of arms have distinct origins and uses. Crests are simpler, informal symbols used to represent a family name. Coats of arms are complex heraldic achievements belonging to individuals who inherit them. Families looking for a visual emblem of their heritage are generally better off adopting a family crest, as coats of arms require extensive documentation to legally use. With the right understanding of the terminology and meanings, both family crests and coats of arms can be wonderful representations of identity and history.
