heraldry
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Crest vs Coat of Arms: Understanding the Difference
Categories: Heraldry
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…
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Family Crest Gifts That Create Meaningful Memories
Many presents are enjoyed for a moment, then quietly forgotten. However, some gifts stay in a home for years and become part of family life. That is often why family crest gifts remain such a popular choice. At least that’s what our customers tell us. A well-chosen print can feel personal, thoughtful and lasting. It…
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Why Do Some Surnames Have More Than One Coat of Arms?
Why do some surnames have more than one coat of arms? The answer lies in how heraldry developed. Historically, coats of arms belonged to individuals rather than entire surnames. Over the centuries, different people with the same surname could acquire, inherit or be granted different heraldic arms. This often surprises people researching a surname coat…
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Can You Create a Coat of Arms Using AI?
Many people now use AI tools to create heraldic artwork and personalised shield designs. However, can somebody legally or historically create and claim their own coat of arms? In most cases, the answer is no. While anybody can design heraldic-style artwork for enjoyment or decoration, official coats of arms follow long-established heraldic rules and traditions.…
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Dunster School launches a creative heraldry project
Dunster School has recently completed a wonderful school heraldry project. We were delighted to hear that the children have been busy designing coats of arms ready for the celebrations. With the Dunster Winter Festival approaching on 6 and 7 December, pupils have been creating hearldic shields with a wide variety of colourful symbols. (You can…
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Why Do Some Surnames Have a Coat of Arms and Others Don’t?
Why Do Some Surnames Have a Coat of Arms and Others Don’t? Many people wonder why some surnames appear to have a coat of arms while others do not. The answer lies in how heraldry developed. Historically, coats of arms were granted to individuals or specific family lines rather than to every person with the…
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Why Engraved Glassware Makes the Perfect Heritage Gift
Choosing the right gift isn’t always easy — especially when you want something truly thoughtful and personal. That’s where engraved glassware comes into its own. Elegant, timeless and meaningful, it’s the perfect choice for anyone with a love of family heritage, Scottish or otherwise. Whether you’re buying for a birthday, wedding, retirement or anniversary, a…
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Famous Titanic Passengers and the Stories in Their Coats of Arms
The sinking of the RMS Titanic on 15 April 1912 remains one of the most haunting events in maritime history. As the luxury liner made its maiden voyage from Southampton to New York, it carried more than 2,200 people — from third-class emigrants to first-class aristocrats and millionaires. Among the passengers were some of the…
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Bringing Vintage Home Decor to Life with Meaningful Ancestral Art
Categories: Blog
If you love vintage home decor, you’ll know how it brings warmth, character, and a timeless charm to your living spaces. But what if your vintage style could also tell a story—one rooted in your family’s heritage? At Hall of Names, we specialise in helping you decorate your home with meaningful ancestral art that connects…
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How to Decorate Your Home with Meaningful Ancestral Art
Categories: Blog
Your home is more than just a living space—it’s a reflection of your heritage and the stories that connect you to the past. One wonderful way to bring this history to life is through ancestral art featuring historic coats of arms and family crests associated with your surname’s earliest known bearers. Unlike modern family logos…