Before people had profile pictures and personal logos, people had something way cooler to show who they were: Coats of Arms. They were like ancient brand logos that represent identity, influence, and family pride.
At the heart of many family crests are heraldic animals. They tell a loud visual story of a family’s strengths, values, and principles without a single word.
From mighty lions to mythical beasts, heraldic animals symbolize characteristics echoed throughout a family’s history.
Why Use Animals in Heraldry?
Back when literacy wasn’t as common, people relied on symbols. And let’s be honest: having animals on a coat of arms brought life, personality, and a more layered meaning to a family sigil. It’s like saying, “This is who we are.”
For example, families with lions on their crests meant they were brave and bold. Those with eagles showed sharp vision and leadership. And those clans with bears meant they were strong and could protect each other.
It’s like how sports teams today pick their mascots to rally their fans. Having a heraldic animal on a crest makes it instantly recognizable.
What if heraldry had no animals? Well, animals made crests instantly memorable and were some of the earliest symbols used. These symbols represent admirable characteristics a person has. Without animals, coats of arms would look like they were designed by the same minimalist artist.
Common Heraldic Animals and What They Represent
Famous families, like the Royal Families of the UK and Spain, have distinct animals they use in their family crests to represent their power.
If you’re curious which animals are often seen on family crests, here’s the heraldic hall of fame of beasts used since the medieval ages:
Land animals
Lion: Symbolizes fierceness, bravery, and valor
Griffin: Represents bravery and death-defying nature
Dog/Hound: Represents loyalty and courage
Boar: Symbolizes resolve, strength, and willingness to fight adversities
Bear: Represents command and ferocity
Wolf: Represents relentlessness
Horse/Stallion: Symbolizes speed, intellect, and having a warrior spirit
Stag: Famous as a symbol of peace and harmony
Birds
Eagle: Symbolizes quick-wittedness and nobility. Meanwhile, eagle wings symbolize protection.
Owl: Symbolizes wisdom, intelligence, and insights.
Falcon: Represents being driven and determined
Goose: Represents resourcefulness and the ability to survive
Mythical Creatures
Dragon: Considered the strongest symbol of valiance and strength (a perfect fit for Daenerys Targaryen, of course)
Unicorn: Symbolizes hope, resilience, and virtuousness. It’s also part of the coat of arms of Scotland.
Pegasus: A powerful symbol of moral values, physical strength, and bravery
If you’re curious about that animal in your family crest, you can see our full list of heraldic symbols here.
Steps For Choosing Your Own Symbolic Animal
Maybe you’re in the process of finding your family crest and you’re not quite vibing with the animal it came with (no offense to the medieval otter). Or maybe you already have a family crest passed down from your ancestors but it doesn’t exactly scream “you.” That’s totally fine. You can make your own coat of arms and choose a heraldic animal that resonates with your personalities and beliefs more!
The beauty of heraldry today is that it’s rooted in tradition and rules but remains ever-evolving as times change and pass.
Step #1: Know your core values
First, in choosing an animal for your family crest, ask yourself:
-
What qualities do I or my family stand for?
-
Is my family known for a certain trait like generosity, love, and hospitality?
Designing a new design for your coat of arms doesn’t mean you’re erasing hundreds of years of family history. It means you’re adding to its richness! Plus, it’s a powerful way to add your own narrative to your family story.
Step #2: Match Those Traits With an Animal
Pick animals (yes, you can have more than one!) from this list that mirror the qualities you listed in the first step. For example, if you and your family like reading books, you can choose animals that symbolize intellect, like owls and ravens.
Step #3: Check Your Ancestors’ Coat of Arms
To create a history-inspired design for your coat of arms, start by finding your family crest. Use the animals and symbols there as a guide for your new design since these heraldic charges collectively tell what kind of people your ancestors were.
For those who don't have the time to scour through hundreds of heraldic records and check every genealogy website known to man, our team of professional researchers can find your family crest for you so you can concentrate on customizing it however you like!
Step #4: Decide The Pose
Now that you already have an animal that represents you or your family, think about how it’s going to show up on the design.
In heraldry, the different animal poses or “attitudes,” convey different meanings:
-
A lion rampant (standing on hind legs with claws raised) is a power stance that represents readiness and boldness.
-
A fox sejant (sitting) represents cleverness and being strategic. If your family is the kind who doesn’t rush, this pose is a good option.
-
A bear passant (walking with one front paw raised) symbolizes being in control. It’s about being calm, collected, and steady. Basically, it’s like that one cousin you never want to mess with!
-
A wolf salient (leaping with forepaws raised) conveys an energetic courage and persistence in facing challenges. This pose is for the go-getters and risk-takers!
-
A stag couchant (lying down with head up) symbolizes peace and watchfulness.
-
A dog courant (running at full speed) represents ambition and energy. This is perfect for those who always chase their goals.
-
A cat (yes, you can use your pet) dormant (lying down with eyes closed) means inner peace and security.
-
A bird disjointed (separated limbs or wings) reflects transformation and survival through hardship. This pose fits families or individuals who have been through a wringer and came out stronger.
Why It Matters
Think of heraldic symbols as your ancestors’ way of sending a message of identity that you can be proud of keeping alive. The animals on your family crest are not chosen randomly. It’s a privilege to be part of a family lineage whose members have amazing qualities that mirror the best strengths of these animals, both real and mythical!
Bringing Your Heraldic Animal to Life
Knowing what the animals mean on your family crest is a great way to get to know what your ancestors were like. You might find surprising details and quirks that make you say, “Oh, I’m just like him!”
If you’re on a personal quest to find your family crest or looking into making one, consider how these animals reflect who you are and how you wish to be remembered. And hey, if you want to have some fun with your design, it doesn’t always have to be that serious. You can add a nod to a family inside joke, your favorite films, or even your favorite jokes! It is your story, after all.