How do I find my family crest for free?

Where to Find a Free Family Coat of Arms

1. The Armorial Register – International Register of Arms. The Armorial Register – International Register of Arms offers a wealth of information about heraldry.
2. The Tree Maker.
3. All Family Crests.
4. Free Coat of Arms.
5. House of Names.
6. Ancestor Hunt.
7. Heraldry.
8. Use Original Spellings.

Does every family name have a family crest?

A. No. There is no such thing as a ‘coat of arms for a surname’. Many people of the same surname will often be entitled to completely different coats of arms, and many of that surname will be entitled to no coat of arms.

Is it common to have a family crest?

However, actually having a coat of arms or family crest is much rarer than you might imagine. Having the hereditary right to use it is even rarer. If you really want to know something about heraldry (the art of studying coats of arms and crests) and how it applies to your family, read on. It’s a fascinating tale.

Can anyone create a family crest?

There is always an option to create a crest for yourself or your family from scratch. It may not be “official,” but it can be fun to customize a coat of arms that is specific to you, your interests, hobbies, family history, philosophy, or religion, to name a few examples.

Is a coat of arms the same as a family crest?

Although some people refer to a “family crest” and a “coat of arms” interchangeably, there is a difference. A crest is an element or part of a coat of arms, but not the entire arms. On a coat of arms, the crest is found above the shield, usually on top of a helmet.

Why do some families have a family crest?

Centuries ago, family crests or coat of arms were used much like a company logo to identify different royal families in countries all over the world. As time went on, every family, not just royal families, began to use crests to mark their property and distinguish themselves from others.

Can I create my own family crest?

What does a lion mean on a family crest?

The lion is a common charge in heraldry. It traditionally symbolises courage, nobility, royalty, strength, stateliness and valour, because historically the lion has been regarded as the “king of beasts”. The lion also carries Judeo-Christian symbolism. The Lion of Judah stands in the coat of arms of Jerusalem.

What does a helmet mean on a family crest?

Helmet. The helmet supports the crest. Positioning of the helmet represents rank: For example, a helmet facing forward with the visor opened means a knight, while a helmet facing side-ways with the visor closed is for a gentleman.