The difference between a coat of arms and family crest.

Aren’t coats of arms and family crests the same thing?

Coat of arms and family crests are often used interchangeably in speech, but they are not the same thing. It is true to say that both are symbols used to represent a family, individual or organisation, but they have distinct meanings and origins.

A coat of arms is a complex design that includes a shield, helmet, crest, motto, and other elements. It is a unique combination of symbols and colours that represents a particular family, group, or individual. The coat of arms was originally designed for use in battle.  And it was used to identify knights and their lineage. Over time, the design of the coat of arms became more elaborate and was used as a status symbol.

A family crest, on the other hand, is a simpler symbol that is often used interchangeably with the term ‘coat of arms’. However, the crest is only one part of the coat of arms. The crest is the emblem that sits on top of the helmet in a coat of arms. It is usually a stylised representation of an animal, plant, or object that has some connection to the family or individual it represents.

So in summary, the main difference between a coat of arms and a family crest is that a coat of arms is a complete design that includes multiple elements, while a family crest is just one part of the coat of arms.

According to English Heritage “a coat of arms is the name for the colourful decoration that noble families used to represent themselves, and they date all the way back to the 1100s. When they went into battle or competed in tournaments, knights and royalty wore their coats of arms on their shields and as part of their outfits, so they could tell who was who. Sometimes, two families wanted to have the same design. When this happened, a special court – called the High Court of Chivalry – would decide which family was allowed to keep it.  For anyone to have a coat of arms today, it must have either been given to them or inherited from another member of their family.”

Who grants coats of arms?

In the United Kingdom, coats of arms are regulated by the College of Arms and can only be granted to individuals or families who meet certain criteria. The coats of arms on the Hall of Names database are for interest / artwork purposes and they relate to the earliest coat of arms our research team could find, relating to a bearer of the name.

In conclusion, while coat of arms and family crest are often used interchangeably, they are not the same thing. A coat of arms is a complex design that includes a shield, helmet, crest, motto, and other elements, while a family crest is just one part of the coat of arms. o find out if there was ever a coat of arms related to your surname and to order a scroll with information all about your name, click here.