English, Scottish, and Irish Family Crests: Whats the difference

Exploring Family Crests

Have you ever looked at a family crest and imagined what life would’ve looked like back in the medieval period? 

Family crests are like time machines, taking you back to your ancestors’ era, full of vibrant (although bloody) stories full of knights, noblemen, and battles of honor. 

When Did They Emerge

English, Scottish, and Irish heraldic traditions all began for military purposes. It started in medieval Europe around the 11th century. This was a time when knights in battle painted unique symbols on their shields, banners, and surcoats. Eventually, the designs became known as “coats of arms.” 

Coats of arms helped knights identify allies from enemies during battles. The use of coats of arms evolved from military markers into emblems of family heritage. As time went on they later became symbols to show honor and prestige of businesses and schools, offering a tribute to the past. 

Clans vs Family Vs Septs

When exploring family crests, you’ll encounter different heraldic systems: clans, families, and septs. 

In English heraldry, “family” is the term used when describing the lineage of the person who was originally granted a coat of arms, i.e his descendants.

Meanwhile, in Scottish heraldry, a clan is like a big family led by a chief, who has a noble status in Scotland. Historically, the chief decides who gets to be part of his clan, in addition to his family. 

Septs, in simple terms, are the Irish equivalent of Scottish clans. But septs could also be groups of people, related or unrelated, united by following a chief. Multiple families could belong to one larger Sept in ancient Ireland based on their alliances or relationships. For example, the McCarty family were part of the ‘Eóganacht’ sept in Ireland - one of the most powerful and prominent septs in the region of Munster.

While they might seem similar, each term has its unique meaning in the world of heraldry. 

Have you ever traced your family’s roots to one of these heraldry systems? 

Heraldic Design - Symbols and Colors 

The visual elements that set family crests apart are the symbols (or heraldic charges) and colors used in heraldry. 

Here is a table highlighting some of the most common symbols that appeared in English, Scottish, and Irish heraldry. 

Design Style Differences

English heraldry is a bit more formal and structured. The Oxford Guide to Heraldry explains that symmetry is important, which is why coats of arms in English heraldry were often divided into clear sections, such as “quarters.” 

Early Scottish heraldry emphasized simplicity in designs. Unlike English heraldry, which puts no limit on sectioning their design, Scottish heraldry is limited to sixteen quarterings or sections where symbols can appear on the shield.

Irish heraldry blends native tradition with English influence, especially among Anglicized septs. These septs incorporated their clan symbols and Celtic influences into English-style designs. However, those who held firmly to Gaelic customs rejected English heraldry altogether, so many Irish family crests still reflect deeply native roots. 

As you start your journey to find your family crest, working with experts can help you understand what each symbol means and how they weave together to tell your family’s story.

How They Were Used

Family crests weren’t just decorative,  they were functional in battle. You could see from a mile away if the knight charging towards you is a friend or foe based on his coat of arms. 

In Scotland, family crests were worn as badges strapped by a buckle. Think about those cool emblems pinned on the caps you might’ve seen in old Scottish paintings! 

Coats of arms in England are often seen displayed on shields during battles or engraved at the gates of Buckingham Palace. 

Meanwhile, in Ireland, crests were often used in family seals to establish social standing within a bearer’s community. 

Regions of Popularity

In England, coats of arms today still often represent nobility. Since the Crown grants them, coats of arms show that you’re somehow connected to the royal family, particularly in regions like London, Kent, and Yorkshire. The City of London, where the College of Arms is located, remains a center for heraldic appreciation.

Regions like the Highlands and the Borders in Scotland have strong clan identities, so they often display their crest and clan badge in family homes. Scottish family crests not only symbolize heritage but also express their cultural pride.

Heraldry in Ireland, much like in Scotland, was used to identify families and septs and those connections are still displayed today. You can see coats of arms still widely being used in pubs, cultural festivals, and of course on major brands like the famous company, Guinness. This is especially practiced in counties like Cork, Kerry, and Galway.

Coats of Arms Today

It’s amazing how coats of arms have truly stood the test of time. These family crests are more than just symbols, they are emblems of heritage, pride, and belonging. 

Think of heraldry as a bridge to your past. Take the time to learn about your family’s history, because it can strengthen your sense of belonging here in the present.

Image credits: 

• "Old City Arms, Hammersmith, W6" by Ewan Munro, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
•  Coat of arms of the United Kingdom (2022, variant 2)" by Sodacan is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
• Royal arms of England" by Sodacan is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons.
• "Dering Roll," British Library, via Wikimedia Commons. Public domain.
• "Coat of arms of Ireland" by Setanta Saki is licensed under CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons.