Crest or Coat of Arms? What’s the Difference?
Many people use the terms “crest” and “coat of arms” interchangeably, but they are different. A coat of arms is a heraldic design granted to an individual, not a surname. It can sometimes be inherited along specific lines, but others sharing the surname are not automatically entitled to it.
A crest is a component of the full coat of arms, usually appearing above the helmet in a traditional design. Crests were originally used on helmets, seals, and badges to represent an individual’s identity or achievements. Common symbols used on crests include:
- Animals such as lions or eagles, representing courage, strength, or vigilance
- Objects like swords, crowns, or arrows, symbolizing military service or rank
- Natural elements such as trees, stars, or flowers, denoting heritage, hope, or beauty
Understanding these symbols helps interpret the story the original bearer wanted to communicate.
If you’d like to understand more about the specific symbols, check our our heraldry symbols dictionary.
The History and Meaning of Coats of Arms
Coats of arms first appeared in Europe during the 12th century, primarily to identify knights in battle. Over time, they became more elaborate, serving as a visual record of achievements, allegiances, and social status.
The shield, the central part of a coat of arms, could be divided into sections, called partitions, to represent alliances, marriages, or achievements. For example:
- Quartered shields show the merging of two family lines or significant inheritances
- Striped or chevroned shields can indicate military accomplishments or leadership
- Simple, undivided shields often emphasize the original family line
Each color and symbol carries meaning, creating a rich language of heraldic art. Gold might signify generosity, blue loyalty, and red courage. Lions, crosses, or crowns all communicate specific qualities admired in the bearer.
For Scottish surnames, coats of arms and crests are often connected with clan history. Many families also have clan badges, incorporating elements from the arms or crest to show allegiance.
Viewing Heraldic Prints
Our prints make it easy to study these historic designs and their meanings. Each Coat of Arms and Surname History Print shows the earliest recorded coat of arms associated with a surname line, including details about the crest, shield divisions, symbols, and historical context.
Other prints available include the Double Coat of Arms Print and the Scottish Clan History Print. If you prefer quick access, many of these are also available as downloadable coat of arms prints, perfect for sharing with relatives or printing multiple copies.
If you want to see the designs in person, you can use the search box on our site or visit our shop in High Street, Dunster.
Customer Experiences
Customers often comment on the combination of history and presentation in our prints. Michael said of the Double Coat of Arms Print, “Absolutely first class,” while Judy added, “Beautiful. Exactly what I wanted.” Valerie shared of the Clan History Print, “These ancestral scrolls were exactly what I was looking for. The perfect gift for our Son and Daughter-in-law who now live in the USA.”
Sharing and Understanding Heraldic Symbolism
Once you have a print, it’s easy to explore the meaning of the symbols, colors, crests, and shield divisions used by historical bearers. Many people enjoy posting images and stories on our Facebook page, sharing interpretations of the symbolism with family or friends.
To learn more about heraldic art and its meanings, check out our other Heraldry Blog Posts for fascinating insights into symbols, shields, and clan history.
Discover the Meaning Behind Historic Designs
Explore our range of prints to learn more about the earliest recorded coat of arms for a surname line, the symbolism of the crest, shield divisions, and historical context behind each design. Browse our Digital Gifts Collection or traditional prints to study heraldic art and share the story with loved ones.
For additional surname histories and insights, visit our Meaning of Surnames blog.
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