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.

The post Crest vs Coat of Arms: Understanding the Difference appeared first on Hall of Names.

Since opening our doors in this beautiful medieval village, we have welcomed visitors from across the UK and around the world. Many arrive while exploring Dunster’s historic streets, while others seek us out specifically to learn more about their surname, family history and heraldry.

Now, we’re inviting those visitors to share their experience on TripAdvisor and help others discover what makes Hall of Names such a unique stop during a visit to Dunster.

More Than Just a Gift Shop

Many people first discover Hall of Names while exploring Dunster, but they often leave with much more than a souvenir.

Visitors regularly spend time learning about the origins of their surname, exploring heraldic symbols and uncovering fascinating stories connected to their family name. Others enjoy browsing our range of personalised gifts inspired by surname history, clan heritage and traditional heraldry.

One of the most enjoyable parts of running the shop is hearing the stories our customers share. Some visitors know a great deal about their ancestry, while others are only beginning their family history journey.

Every visit is different, which is one reason why we love what we do.

Meeting Visitors From Around the World

Although we are proudly based in Somerset, our visitors come from far and wide.

We regularly welcome guests from the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and across Europe. Many have British, Scottish, Irish or Welsh ancestry and are keen to learn more about the history behind their surname.

Others simply enjoy discovering something unique and personal during their visit to Dunster.

Whatever brings people through our door, it is always a pleasure to help them explore the stories behind their names.

Why Reviews Matter

Independent businesses rely heavily on recommendations and word of mouth.

When visitors leave a review, it helps future travellers discover local businesses they may otherwise miss. Reviews also help people decide where to visit when planning a trip to Dunster.

For a small independent business like Hall of Names, every review genuinely makes a difference.

A Word from Wendy

“One of the nicest parts of running Hall of Names is meeting people from all over the world and hearing the stories behind their surnames,” says Wendy Spencer, owner of Hall of Names. “We recently launched our TripAdvisor page and we’d be delighted to hear from anyone who has visited the shop. Reviews help other visitors discover us and allow us to continue sharing our passion for family history, heraldry and heritage.”

Have You Visited Hall of Names?

If you’ve visited our Dunster shop, whether recently or during a previous trip, we’d love to hear what you enjoyed most.

Perhaps you discovered the history behind your surname, found a special gift, enjoyed browsing our displays or simply stopped in for a chat about family history.

Whatever your experience, your feedback helps us improve and helps future visitors discover Hall of Names.

Thank You for Your Support

Opening our Dunster shop has been an exciting chapter in the Hall of Names story.

We are incredibly grateful for the support we’ve received from visitors, customers and the local community since opening our doors. Every purchase, recommendation and review helps us continue to grow.

If you’ve visited Hall of Names and would like to share your experience, we would be delighted if you would consider leaving us a review on TripAdvisor.

Thank you for supporting independent businesses and for helping us share the fascinating stories behind surnames, heraldry and family history.

Visit Us in Dunster

Hall of Names is located in the heart of historic Dunster, Somerset. Whether you’re researching your surname, searching for a personalised gift or simply exploring one of England’s most beautiful villages, we’d love to welcome you. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook too – here’s a little video of Dunster flowers in the sunshine!

The post Hall of Names Joins TripAdvisor appeared first on Hall of Names.

Many people assume surnames remain unchanged throughout history. In reality, family names often develop and evolve over generations, creating the fascinating variety of surnames we see today. And we have a million of them on our Hall of Names database, which is free for you to check at the top of this page.

Quick Summary

• Surnames have changed for centuries.
• Migration often led to new spellings.
• Marriage and adoption can result in surname changes.
• Clerical errors sometimes created permanent variations.
• Modern families may choose double-barrelled or blended surnames.

Immigration and Migration

One of the most common reasons people change surname spellings is migration.

When families moved to a new country, officials often recorded names differently. In some cases, surnames were simplified to make them easier to pronounce or spell.

Irish, Scottish, Welsh and European surnames frequently changed as families settled in Britain, North America, Australia and elsewhere.

As a result, modern descendants may discover that an ancestor used a different version of the family name several generations ago.

Spelling Was Not Always Consistent

Today, most people use a standard spelling for their surname. Historically, this was not always the case.

Many people could not read or write, and spelling was far less standardised than it is today. A surname might appear differently in parish registers, census returns and legal documents depending on who recorded it. This even includes famous names such as Shakespeare.

This is one reason why names such as Clarke and Clark, Smith and Smyth, or MacDonald and McDonald can exist side by side.

In some cases, these spelling variations eventually became permanent surnames.

Marriage, Adoption and Family Circumstances

Not all surname changes happened hundreds of years ago.

Many people change their surname following marriage, while others choose to retain their original surname or adopt a double-barrelled version.

Adoption can also lead to a surname change, creating a new chapter in a family’s story. In other situations, people may take the surname of a step-parent or another family member who has played an important role in their life.

Modern surnames often reflect personal circumstances as much as historical traditions.

Creating New Surnames

Surname traditions continue to evolve today.

Some couples create double-barrelled surnames that combine both family names. Others develop entirely new blended surnames that reflect both sides of the family.

While these practices are relatively modern, they demonstrate that surnames remain a living part of our identity rather than something fixed forever.

LINK: Double-Barrelled and Blended Surnames Blog

Surnames Are Not Always Straightforward

Here at Hall of Names, we often meet customers in our Dunster shop who explain that their surname has changed somewhere along the family line.

Sometimes this happened generations ago through migration or marriage. In other cases, people have been adopted, chosen to use a step-parent’s surname or created a new family name altogether.

A Word from Wendy Spencer, owner of Hall of Names.

One of the things we learn very quickly is that surnames are not always as straightforward as people think, we regularly speak to visitors in our Dunster shop who tell us their surname changed somewhere in the family story. Sometimes there has been an adoption, sometimes a marriage, and sometimes a family simply chose a different spelling or a completely new surname. Every family has its own story, which is one of the reasons surname history is so fascinating.”

Explore More Surname History

One of the reasons surname history remains so popular is that no two family stories are exactly the same.

Here at Hall of Names, we have published a wide variety of articles exploring surname history, family heritage and genealogy. Many of these have been written by guest contributors from trusted publications and specialist family history writers, helping us provide readers with a broad range of perspectives and expertise.

For example, Historic UK contributed an article exploring the Origins of Welsh Surnames and naming traditions. Other articles examine Scottish clans, Irish surnames, heraldry and family history topics from across Britain and beyond.

Whether you are researching the origins of your surname, exploring Scottish or Irish ancestry, or simply curious about how names evolved over time, our growing collection of surname-related articles offers plenty of inspiration for further research.

LINK: Hall of Names Blog

LINK: Origins of Welsh Surnames

Why Surname History Matters

Understanding why people change surname traditions can help uncover fascinating details about family history.

At Hall of Names, our database contains over one million surnames, helping customers explore surname origins, historical records and heraldic traditions connected to their name.

Researching a surname is often the first step towards discovering a much wider family story.

LINK: Printed Scrolls

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do people change their surnames?

People change their surnames for many reasons, including migration, marriage, adoption, spelling variations and personal choice.

Did immigration cause surnames to change?

Yes. Many surnames were altered or simplified when families moved to a new country.

Can adoption result in a surname change?

Yes. Many adopted children take the surname of their adoptive family, while others may choose a surname later in life.

Why do some surnames have several spellings?

Historical spelling was often inconsistent, and surnames were frequently written down differently by officials and record keepers.

Are people still changing their surnames today?

Yes. Marriage, blended surnames and personal choice continue to influence surnames in the modern world.

Visit Us in Dunster

If you would like to learn more about surname history, heraldry and family heritage, we would love to welcome you to our Dunster shop. Our team is always happy to help visitors explore the stories behind their names.

The post Why Do People Change Their Surnames? appeared first on Hall of Names.

Today, surnames such as MacDonald, MacKenzie and MacGregor are recognised around the world. They provide a fascinating link to Scotland’s history, language and clan traditions.

Quick Summary

• Mac means “son of” in Gaelic.
• Many Scottish surnames developed from family relationships.
• Mc is simply an abbreviation of Mac.
• Both forms are historically correct.
• Many Mac surnames have strong connections to Scottish clans.

What Does Mac Mean?

The prefix Mac comes from the Gaelic word for “son”.

For example, MacDonald originally meant “son of Donald”, while MacGregor meant “son of Gregor”. These names helped identify family relationships in early Scottish communities.

As generations passed, the names became hereditary surnames rather than descriptions of an individual’s father.

Many Scottish surnames still retain these ancient Gaelic roots today.

Why Do Some Names Use Mc Instead of Mac?

One of the most common questions about Scottish surnames concerns the difference between Mac and Mc.

The simple answer is that Mc is an abbreviation of Mac.

Historically, scribes often shortened Mac when writing records, saving both time and space. Over the centuries, these shortened versions became established surnames in their own right.

As a result, you may find both forms in use today.

Examples include:

• MacDonald and McDonald
• MacArthur and McArthur
• MacKenzie and McKenzie

Neither version is more correct than the other. The spelling often depends on family tradition, historical records and regional usage.

The Connection Between Mac Surnames and Scottish Clans

Many Mac surnames are closely associated with Scottish clans.

A clan was much more than an extended family. It was a community connected by loyalty, shared ancestry and common identity. Clans often controlled territories, maintained strong traditions and played important roles in Scottish history.

Names such as MacDonald, MacLeod, MacDuff and MacGregor remain strongly linked to famous clans today.

However, not every person sharing a clan surname is necessarily descended from the same ancestor. Clan structures were often complex and included many associated families.

Why Scottish Clan History Remains Popular

Interest in Scottish ancestry continues to grow around the world. We regularly hear from customers whose families left Scotland generations ago but who still feel a strong connection to their Scottish roots.

For many people, researching a clan history or surname is a way of reconnecting with that heritage and learning more about the stories behind their family name.

At Hall of Names, our database contains around 35,000 Scottish clan histories. Our Scottish Clan History Prints include information about:

• Clan origins
• Clan badge and heraldic imagery
• Clan seat
• Clan motto
• Pipe music
• Traditional clan history

These prints provide an engaging introduction to Scottish heritage and remain popular with people exploring their ancestry.

Scottish Clan History Prints

Scottish Roots Around the World

Here at Hall of Names, we regularly hear from customers with Scottish ancestry. Some visit us in our Dunster shop, while many others contact us from the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

For many, researching a Scottish surname is the first step in discovering more about their family history. Some are surprised to learn that Mac and Mc mean the same thing, while others are delighted to uncover connections to a Scottish clan and its traditions.

A Word from Wendy

One of the most rewarding parts of what we do is hearing from customers who are exploring their Scottish roots,” says Wendy Spencer, owner of Hall of Names. “Many people contact us from America and beyond because they want to learn more about the story behind their surname. It’s always a pleasure to help them discover more about their heritage and the fascinating history connected to their clan name.

Whether a surname begins with Mac or Mc, the interest people have in Scottish ancestry remains as strong as ever.

If you enjoy learning about surname history, you may also like our articles on why Irish surnames start with O’ and whether people with the same surname are related.

Why Do So Many Irish Surnames Start With O’?

Scottish Septs: Understanding How Some Surnames Belong to Larger Clans

More Ways to Celebrate Scottish Heritage

Many people who discover Scottish ancestry choose to display or enjoy gifts inspired by their heritage.

Popular options include Scottish Clan History Prints, engraved whisky tumblers and personalised decanters featuring historically recorded heraldic designs associated with the chosen name.

These items can help bring family history to life while creating interesting talking points for the home.

Crystal & Glass Collection

Why Scottish Surnames Still Matter Today

Scottish surnames provide a direct connection to centuries of history, language and tradition.

Whether your surname begins with Mac, Mc or another Scottish name entirely, researching its origins can reveal fascinating insights into family heritage and clan culture.

At Hall of Names, we have spent many years researching surname history and heraldry. Our databases help visitors explore the stories behind their names while learning more about Scotland’s rich historical traditions. For example, our friends art Scotland Magazine provided this fascinating guest blog: Scotland’s Famous Clans

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Mac mean in a Scottish surname?

Mac means “son of” and comes from the Gaelic language.

Is Mc the same as Mac?

Yes. Mc is simply an abbreviation of Mac and both forms have been used historically.

Is Mac Scottish or Irish?

The prefix appears in both Scottish and Irish surnames because both cultures share Gaelic linguistic roots.

Does every Mac surname belong to a clan?

Many do, but clan relationships can be complex and not everyone with a clan surname is necessarily descended from the same ancestor.

How many Scottish clan histories does Hall of Names hold?

Our database contains around 35,000 Scottish clan histories.

Visit Us in Dunster

If you would like to learn more about Scottish clan history, surname origins and heraldry, we would love to welcome you to our Dunster shop. Our team is always happy to help visitors explore the stories behind their names.

The post Why Do Scottish Surnames Start With Mac? appeared first on Hall of Names.

In Scotland, many surnames are connected to larger clans as what are called septs. A sept is a family or group of families who may not share the same surname as the clan chief but historically owed allegiance to the clan.

Septs were often smaller branches of a clan, families living in the same area, or households brought under the protection of a chief. This system allowed clans to grow, form alliances, and strengthen ties across regions.

For example, the MacLaren clan historically included septs such as McFarlane and McLachlan. These families were connected to the clan through loyalty, shared ancestry, or protection agreements, even if their surnames differed.

Why Septs Matter in Heraldry

Septs do not automatically have the legal right to the clan chief’s coat of arms. The Lord Lyon King of Arms grants arms to individuals, not surnames or clans. However, members of septs often use a crest badge or elements from the chief’s heraldic symbols to show their connection.

These badges may include:

• Crests from the chief’s arms
• Plants or heraldic symbols indicating allegiance or shared heritage
• Strap-and-buckle designs encircling the crest to show it belongs to the clan chief

This distinction is important: sept members can display a badge symbolically, but it does not give legal entitlement to the arms themselves.

Clan and Surname History Prints

Our Scottish Clan History Print is ideal for exploring the history of a clan, including its symbols, crest, and associated families. If your surname is actually the clan name, this print gives a full picture of your clan’s heritage and heraldic symbolism.

However, if your surname is a sept of a larger clan, the Clan History Print will show the history of the main clan rather than your surname specifically. In that case, the Coat of Arms and Surname History Print is the better choice. It focuses on the earliest recorded arms linked to your own surname, giving detailed history, symbolism, and context specific to your name.

Both prints are also available as digital downloads, so you can view, print, and share your surname heritage instantly—perfect for overseas customers or families wanting multiple copies.

Customer Experiences

Our prints are valued for both their historical detail and visual appeal. Jane said of the Coat of Arms and Surname History Print, “Such prompt service.” Malcolm added, “The quality and the history about the name is fantastic. Would recommend your company to anyone who is looking to find the history of their name.”

Sharing and Learning About Septs

Many customers enjoy sharing their surname and clan prints online with relatives. Our Facebook page is a great place to post images, share stories, or see how others display their clan and surname heritage.

For further reading on heraldry, symbolism, and Scottish history, explore our Heraldry Blog Posts.

Explore Your Scottish Surname Heritage

Whether your surname is a sept of a larger clan or a clan name itself, our range of prints gives you a detailed look at the earliest recorded coats of arms, crest symbolism, and clan connections. Browse our Digital Gifts Collection for convenient downloads or traditional prints to display at home.

The post Scottish Septs: Understanding How Some Surnames Belong to Larger Clans appeared first on Hall of Names.

Discovering the history of your surname has never been simpler. A downloadable coat of arms print provides access to the earliest recorded coat of arms associated with your name, based on historical records, not a personal or family-owned crest. These prints allow you to learn about the origins, meaning, and historical context of your surname quickly, without waiting for delivery.

While our traditional prints are always shipped promptly, the digital version is ideal if you want a format that can be shared with relatives, printed multiple times, or kept for research purposes. It’s convenient, flexible, and perfect for anyone who wants a practical way to explore their name’s history.

All Your Favourite Prints, Now Downloadable

Many of our popular prints are available as downloadable versions, including the Coat of Arms and Surname History Print, the Double Coat of Arms Print, and the Scottish Clan History Print. You can also download our Coat of Arms Print A4 or Irish Surname History Prints.

Each print includes the earliest recorded coat of arms for the surname, detailed information on the origin and meaning of the name, historical context, and notes on notable bearers or geographic variations. Together, these elements make the prints both educational and visually striking, perfect for gifting or keeping as a personal memento.

Customer Experiences

Our customers often tell us how much they enjoy the combination of history and presentation in these prints. Julie shared, “The print exceeded my expectations. It is beautiful and excellent quality,” while Maria mentioned, “Bought as a gift and he was really happy with it, thinks I’m brilliant lol, so thanks to you!” Michael described the Double Coat of Arms Print as “Absolutely first class,” and Judy added, “Beautiful. Exactly what I wanted.” These testimonials show how valued our prints are, whether traditional or downloadable.

Sharing Your Surname History

One of the greatest benefits of a downloadable print is the ability to share it with family. You can email it to relatives, print extra copies for gifts, or even display it digitally. Many customers enjoy posting photos of their prints and sharing family stories on our Facebook page, joining the Hall of Names community to celebrate their heritage.

For those who prefer a physical option, all of our downloadable prints are also available as traditional printed versions, shipped quickly and with the same attention to detail.

Discover Your Surname’s Story Today

If you want quick access, shareable copies, or a reusable digital format, a downloadable coat of arms print is an ideal choice. Explore your surname’s history through our Digital Gifts Collection and uncover the fascinating story behind your name. For more insights into surnames and their meanings, visit our Meaning of Surnames blog to explore even more history behind family names.

The post Downloadable Coat of Arms Print: Access Your Name’s History Easily appeared first on Hall of Names.

Personalised gifts for autumn are the perfect way to mark seasonal celebrations, birthdays, or simply show someone you care. Here at Hall of Names in West Somerset, the changing leaves of the Quantock Hills are a daily reminder that autumn has arrived — and with it, the desire to give meaningful, heritage-inspired gifts.

We recently turned on the office heater, much to the delight of Willow, our office Jack Russell, who’s been curled up next to it ever since. It’s that time of year — a season of reflection, warmth, and comfort. And we are also gearing up for the ‘C’ word and some exciting plans ahead…watch this space!

With that in mind, here are ten of our most popular personalised gifts for autumn 2025, each one designed to celebrate the past while creating new memories.

Best Personalised Gifts for Autumn 2025

1. Coat of Arms Scroll – A3 Hand-Framed or Unframed

A top-selling autumn gift, this scroll features the surname’s earliest recorded coat of arms and a full surname history. It’s a thoughtful option for family-focused occasions. A gift that will surprise and delight the recipient – and it does not break the bank!
👉 View our prints

2. Crystal Whisky Tumbler with Coat of Arms

Cooler evenings call for a warming drink. This engraved tumbler includes your chosen coat of arms and can be personalised further, making it a superb personalised gift for autumn birthdays.
👉 Explore crystal gifts

3. Scottish Clan Badge Print

For those with Scottish roots, our clan badge prints make a distinctive autumn gift. They look fantastic in any hallway, office or living space. We have a wide selection of gifts and also blog posts that celebrate Scottish heritage.
👉 Browse Scottish prints

4. Personalised Coat of Arms Cushion

Autumn is the season for soft textures and indoor comforts. Our cotton cushions, printed with your surname’s coat of arms, are ideal for sofas and armchairs. Willow would pinch one if we gave her half a chance!
👉 See homeware collection

5. Coat of Arms Paperweight

Compact, classic, and practical. Our paperweights make ideal desk gifts, especially for teachers and home workers. A thoughtful and affordable autumn gift.
👉 View all gifts

6. Double Coat of Arms Print

Perfect for anniversaries or engagements, this print features two coats of arms side by side. You can include a custom message, making it ideal for shared celebrations this season. You can include things like the full names of the happy couple, the date and place they got married or other significant details.
👉 Double prints available here

7. Hand-Painted Heraldic Shield (Order Early)

Each shield is hand-painted by our heraldry artist and takes up to 4 weeks to complete. For this reason, they’re a personalised gift for autumn that requires advance ordering.
👉 See all shields and plaques

8. Champagne / Prosecco Flutes with Family Crest

Raise a glass to autumn celebrations. Our personalised flutes make excellent gifts for housewarmings, promotions or weddings this time of year.

9. Pocket Watch with Coat of Arms

This mechanical pocket watch features your surname’s coat of arms in full colour. A refined and historic gift for special birthdays or retirements.

👉 Watches and clocks here

10. Personalised Coat of Arms Hoodie

Warm and practical, our hoodies feature a full-colour coat of arms on the chest. A great choice for autumn walks or weekends away. Our specialist fabric printer is based in the nearby historic and medieval village of Dunster, famous for its castle and ancient yarn market. As a business, we like to support independent specialist suppliers, who share our values and desire to deliver exceptional products for our customers.

Why Choose Personalised Gifts for Autumn?

Each of our products is based on historic surname records and includes the earliest known coat of arms for that name. With access to a database of over one million surnames, our gifts are rooted in authenticity and crafted with care.

Whether you’re planning early for Christmas or buying for an autumn birthday, our personalised gifts are designed to create a lasting impression.

Want to know what the symbols on your coat of arms mean? Read more in our Heraldry Symbols blog.

The post Top 10 Personalised Gifts for Autumn 2025 appeared first on Hall of Names.

At Hall of Names, we’re privileged to create gifts that celebrate family history, heritage, and identity. We manufacture every coat of arms scroll, crystal glass, or handcrafted shield with care and pride. And it means the world when our customers take the time to tell us how much they’ve loved their order.

We’ve gathered a few recent testimonials. Some are short and sweet, some more detailed — but all reflect the care we put into everything we do.

“Perfect for my dad’s 60th” – Thoughtful Gifts That Make an Impact

“Fantastic item, perfect for my dad’s 60th. Will look great when it is framed and on the wall.”
— Natalie, 9 September 2025

A framed surname history scroll or coat of arms makes a meaningful milestone gift. Whether it’s for a 60th birthday, retirement, or wedding anniversary, there’s something very personal about seeing your family name displayed with pride. Thank you Natalie for this lovely testimonial!

👉 Explore prints and scrolls

“Nothing was too much trouble” – Gifts for Weddings and Special Occasions

“I asked for a specific clan crest on champagne glasses. Nothing was too much trouble. Very stylish design and beautiful materials and packaging for a wedding gift. Superb service.”
— Sylvia, 5 September 2025

When someone like Sylvia takes the time to find the right crest, glassware, and message for a wedding gift, we do everything we can to get it just right. That’s why our crystal and glass coat of arms gifts are a popular choice for celebratory occasions. Thank you Sylvia and we hope the happy couple were thrilled with their gift!

“You do beautiful work” – Moments That Matter

“I bought this as a gift for my father. He absolutely loved it! You do beautiful work.”
— David, 30 August 2025

There’s something powerful about giving a gift that reflects a family’s history. Our Irish surname history prints are a particular favourite for those with Gaelic roots — especially when combined with the coat of arms for the name’s earliest recorded bearer. Thank you David and we are so pleased your Dad was happy!

“Lovely quality and an ideal gift” – Simple Feedback That Means a Lot

“Arrived punctually. Lovely quality and an ideal gift.”
— Lynn, 24 August 2025

Short reviews say a lot. Whether it’s for a Scottish clan history print or a framed scroll, it’s always good to hear when gifts arrive on time and as expected. Thank you Lynn – your review will have helped other customers to decide!

“So happy” – When It All Comes Together

“Great product, seller’s communication was amazing, so happy.”
— Donna, 15 August 2025

From order to delivery, communication matters. Especially for personalised gifts like our bespoke shields, where we often work with customers to get every detail right. In this day and age, we really try our best to ensure that our customers know that they are not dealt with like a number, but a real person, with a real name and real loved ones they are purchasing for. Thank you Donna, and for recognising our excellent communication with customers!

“Absolutely outstanding” – Sparkle and Style

“Absolutely outstanding. The paperweight is amazing. I’m so pleased with the quality and the look of it.”
— Yvonne, 5 August 2025

We love hearing this kind of feedback. Our coat of arms paperweights combine practicality with style — and they’re perfect for desks, studies, or home offices. Thankyou Yvonne, and we hope your item graces its desk for many years to come!

“Very happy with the final design” – When Craftsmanship Counts

“Very happy with final design, customer service was great.”
— Jotopheeney, 7 September 2025

Crafting your surname’s coat of arms into a personalised tankard or scroll isn’t just about printing — it’s about getting the details right. Our customers appreciate both the finished product and the care that goes into the process. Thank you Jo, and we are so pleased you were happy!

👉 Explore all gift ideas

Want to Be Featured Next Time?

If you’ve purchased from us recently and loved your order, we’d love to hear from you. Your comments help others choose meaningful gifts and give our small team a real boost. And who knows? You might feature on our next ‘Reviews’ blog!

Leaving a review will help others to make their gift decisions and you’ll be helping our independent business too. And for that we sincerely thank you.

The post We Love Your Feedback: Real Reviews of Our Coat of Arms Gifts appeared first on Hall of Names.

As golf’s oldest major, The Open Championship—commonly called The Open—has been held since 1860 and is steeped in heritage. While the focus often falls on present-day glory, there’s another layer of fascination in tracing the roots of the names that have made history.

Woods: Norman Origins and Strength in Name

Tiger Woods, a three-time Open champion, is a name known worldwide. But the surname Woods predates even the game of golf itself.

This ancient Norman name arrived in England after the Norman Conquest of 1066. The Woods family first settled in Leicestershire, and the name itself stems from the Old English word wode, meaning “wood.” It likely referred to someone who lived near or worked in a forested area.

The surname has appeared throughout British history—Joseph Woods, for example, was an English fireman who survived the sinking of the RMS Lusitania in 1915. Heraldic arms associated with the Woods name often depict trees, oaks, or other nature-based symbols that speak to resilience and endurance.

Want to see if your family has its own Coat of Arms? It might surprise you.

Nicklaus: From Saints to Statesmen

Jack Nicklaus—widely regarded as one of the greatest golfers in history—claimed three Open Championship titles. His surname Nicklaus is a patronymic variant of Nicholas, a name popular in medieval Europe due to the influence of St. Nicholas, a revered 4th-century bishop.

The Nicklaus surname came to England with the Bretons during the Norman invasion. Early records place the family in Cornwall, with another branch in West Horsley, Surrey. Prominent bearers included Matthew Nicholas, Dean of St. Paul’s Cathedral, and Sir Edward Nicholas, Secretary of State under both Charles I and Charles II.

The Nicholas family’s heraldic arms often feature religious or protective imagery—shields, crosses, and lions—representing honour, faith, and service.

Explore your Surname History to uncover connections to saints, scholars, or even politicians.

Ballesteros: The Crossbowman of Aragon

Seve Ballesteros, the Spanish icon and three-time Open winner, brought charisma and flair to the sport. His surname has medieval military origins—Ballesteros derives from the Spanish word ballestero, meaning “crossbowman,” and ballesta, meaning “crossbow.”

The name means “descendant of the crossbowman” and reflects an occupational identity rooted in the powerful medieval kingdom of Aragon in northeastern Spain. The Ballesteros family became established as prominent members of their community and expanded across Andalusia, Murcia, and Catalonia during the Reconquista—a key period in Spain’s medieval history.

Spanish heraldry is rich and symbolic, and names like Ballesteros often carry coats of arms displaying weaponry, strength, and loyalty to kingdom and crown. Curious whether your surname has similar roots? Visit our blog: The mysteries behind coats of arms and family crests

Tracing the Surnames of Open Championship Golf Legends is one thing – but what about your own name?

Tracing the Roots of Open Championship Golf Legends by Surname shows us that greatness doesn’t just come from skill—it often comes from legacy. Whether your name echoes medieval trades, noble clans, or ancient lands, it’s a powerful part of your identity.

At Hall of Names, we help people uncover the meaning, story, and symbolism behind their surnames—because every name deserves to be celebrated.

Begin exploring today:
📜 Your Surname History
🛡️ Coat of Arms Gift Ideas
🔎 Do you have a family crest?

You don’t have to win The Open to have a name worth knowing.

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