Whether you're exploring your family's genealogy for fun or you finally have free time, chances are you’ve come across two terms: family tree and family crest.
They both sound historical. They both involve family. But they are of course two very different things!
Let’s break down what makes each unique — and why having both might just be the glow-up your family history project needs.
What is a family tree?
Let’s start with the family tree. It’s the go-to visual aid for anyone who’s starting out in genealogy. Although it’s common for people to use trees, tracing your family lineage can take any shape or form.
When you build a family tree, it helps you map out your family members across generations. Basically, it traces who came before you, such as your parents, their parents, and their parents’ parents — you know how it goes—and how you’re all connected, as represented by the “branches.”
Having a family tree in your home helps answer questions like:
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Who were my great-great-grandparents?
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How many siblings did my grandpa actually have?
A family tree is a living, evolving chart of names. Some even include information like birthdates, marriages, and many relevant details. Like an ancestral roadmap, a family tree also shows how the people in your family relate to each other.
What is a Family Crest (aka Coat of Arms)?
A family crest is the medieval version of a family logo. Rooted in heraldry, it doesn’t tell you who your great-grandma was (unlike family trees), but it does tell you how your ancestors may have presented themselves, what they accomplished in their lives, and what values they followed. Things like loyalty, bravery, and wisdom.
Family crests are made of symbolic designs with special meanings to represent the character and even societal status of your ancestors in a way that says, “Yes, I’m important, and here’s a lion symbol to prove it!”
Common elements in a coat of arms include:
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Shield - The main ‘field’ of the coat of arms. This is where most heraldic symbols appear.
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Helmet - Positioned above the shield. It can also indicate a person’s social rank or status. For example, the helmets on the crests of royal families usually have crowns.
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Supporters - Usually in the form of animals or mythical creatures like griffins and unicorns.
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Motto - The family’s ‘slogan,’ so to speak, because this phrase serves as their guiding principle.
While ‘family crest’ is the term often used, it technically refers to the topmost part of the full coat of arms, but over time, these terms are now used interchangeably.
Family Tree vs. Family Crest: Side-by-Side
Think of it this way: the family tree is your ancestral roadmap, and the family crest is the cool medieval merch. See below for more differences between the two:
Why You Might Want Both
1. You can learn more about your family lineage
Your family tree shows who the individuals in your family roots were. On the other hand, your family crest shows what kind of people they were through combinations of symbolic elements like animals, colors, and patterns.
For example, having an eagle on the crest represents that the person who owned it was an embodiment of quick-wittedness and nobility. Discovering such traits from ancestors can be a powerful way to connect with your heritage and maybe even see a bit of yourself in the people who came before you!
2. It adds depth to your genealogy research
There are family trees that attach family crests along with the person who owned them. It can be interesting to see how these crests evolve, as the design can change by way of marriage, conquering lands or territories, and even buying the right to own one.
3. Both are great for personal projects
Building a family tree, as well as finding your family coat of arms, is a great idea to display in your home! You can turn it into wall art to incorporate history with style! Displaying both can instill the importance of family heritage, especially in the younger kids of your family.
Here are some other personal project ideas where you can incorporate both a family tree and a family crest:
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Home decor - Family history wall, framed family tree with the crests attached, and wood and metal sculptures.
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Tech - Personalized wallpaper for your laptop and phone, a custom family blog for relatives to see, and a Zoom background for virtual family meetings.
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Genealogy binder/journal - A binder or journal to track your growing family. It can include photos, documents, your family crest, and your family tree.
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Gift - Customized gifts, like mugs, are great for family reunions and keepsakes during anniversaries and birthdays.
Common Mistakes When Using Family Trees and Family Crests
Before you go and start looking for your crests and building your trees, here are a few reminders on how to avoid common mistakes that beginners make:
❌ Mistake #1: Some people skip the family tree and go straight to the crest.
Don’t. You could end up claiming arms that belong to a totally different family. Start with a family tree! It helps you trace your lineage easily, as it can track generations and locations and identify which family you really branched from.
❌ Mistake #2: Even if your last name is Smith, it doesn’t always mean your Smiths had a coat of arms.
To avoid that, find your real crest by consulting with professionals who can help you track the right one down without you breaking a sweat. They’ll dig through tons of heraldic records to ensure that the accurate symbols indeed belong to your ancestors.
❌ Mistake #3: Thinking a crest alone is enough to understand your family history.
Finding your family crest can be exciting because of the cool symbols and the rich medieval history behind it. But, for beginner researchers, building a family tree will serve as the backbone of your genealogy research. A family crest is a great visual piece to attach to your research but a family tree gives that piece a rich ancestral narrative! So, they’re really meant to complement each other, not replace one another.
Which one is better?
Trick question! Both family crests and family trees serve totally different purposes. One’s for structure, while the other’s a meaningful family emblem. However, when used together, they give you a fuller and richer family history. And both deserve a spot in your genealogy research!
Ready to explore your family history? building a family tree and finding your real coat of arms are both great starting tools to connect with your heritage and make your research an exciting journey!