Let’s say you just found a bold, griffin-covered shield with your last name on it from a quick Google search. Cool, right? But... is it actually real?
(And by “real,” we don’t mean whether it exists as a JPEG file. We mean historically, heraldically real. Yes, that’s a word.)
Behind the symbols and shields on a coat of arms lies a system shaped by centuries of medieval rules, heraldic records, and royal approvals. So how do you know if a coat of arms is actually real? And what about all those trendy symbols floating around online?
What Is a Coat of Arms, Really?
A coat of arms is a special design on a shield which emerged in medieval times, used to identify families or individuals, especially in battle.
These designs were first used in northern Europe in the mid-1100s and became popular among kings, knights, and nobles. Think Game of Thrones, but real and with more actual paperwork.
The key thing? Coats of arms followed a system, heraldry. A real coat of arms was composed of symbols like animals, shapes, and colors that uniquely represent the individual who wears it. So no, it wasn’t just whatever looked cool.
How Can I Know If My Coat of Arms Is Real?
Don't trust random search results that say "Fowler Family Crest" with a too-good-to-be-true download button. Those are usually generic templates with no historical link to your specific Fowler family.
Here’s how to really check:
1. Research Heraldic Records
Check official heraldry offices, like:
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The College of Arms (England, Wales, Northern Ireland)
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The Court of the Lord Lyon (Scotland)
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Canada, South Africa, and New Zealand also have heraldic authorities
If your family’s coat of arms is recorded in one of these places, congratulations! It could be the real deal. But even if the surname matches, that alone isn’t enough. You’ll need to check if the context lines up too, like your family’s location, trade, or migration history.
The right name in the wrong place might belong to a completely different family branch!
2. Trace Your Ancestry
Your last name alone usually isn’t enough to hand you a family crest on a silver platter but poking around your family history might just drop a few golden clues!
Every faded record, half-told story, or dusty photograph could point you toward something remarkable. You might uncover ancestors that were knights, nobles, or master craftsmen and no, you don’t have to send us their birth certificate. Their tales can simply inspire the colors, symbols, or motifs that make your crest feel timeless!
Symbols That Don’t Belong on a Real Coat of Arms
Many coats of arms images floating online today include symbols that have zero historical backing.
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Guns or rifles – Firearms were not part of medieval heraldry. Ever.
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Motorcycles or cars – Very cool. Very modern. Very not-12th-century.
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Modern flags – Like the U.S. flag or modern national emblems. These didn’t exist during the era of heraldic grants. Although you’ll notice that heraldic symbols can find their way to national flags, like shields, crosses, and lions.
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Smiley faces, emojis, favorite food, unicorns with sunglasses – If it looks like it belongs on a sticker, it probably doesn’t belong on a real coat of arms.
What About Lions and Dragons?
Some mythical creatures like dragons, griffins, and unicorns were used in heraldry but in stylized, traditional forms.
If your crest has a 3D fire-breathing dragon with LED eyes? That’s probably Narnia and not medieval.
How to Spot if a Coat of Arms is Official
Besides historical records, real coats of arms tend to follow a visual “language.” Here are some classic elements:
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Shield shape – No, not a heart or oval. A proper medieval-style shield.
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Helm and mantling – A knight's helmet and decorative cloth
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Charges – Symbols like lions, eagles, and fleurs-de-lis. Learn about heraldic charges here.
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Colors (called tinctures) – With rules like: no color on color and no metal on metal (so, gold and silver never sit directly on red or blue). Yes, it’s a whole thing (and it matters if you want to get it right!).
Are Coats of Arms Real?
Yes! Real coats of arms are officially recorded. They are a part of heraldry, a centuries-old system for recording and designing armorial bearings. That’s why heraldic researchers like us can identify the symbols historically tied to your name!
Having one means you’re carrying a piece of your family with you. And each heraldic element holds their stories, values, and legacy that you can pass on to the next generations.
Do I Even Have a Coat of Arms If I’m American?
Yes but remember, If you're a U.S. citizen interested in heraldry, you’ll find yourself digging through international records. That is because arms would have been granted in places like England, Ireland, Canada, Australia, or even British India before ancestors emigrated to the United States.
Can I Make My Coat of Arms?
Absolutely! You can design a symbolic family crest, especially if you want something meaningful and rooted in your family story.
Professional heraldic researchers can help you trace possible ancestral connections, identify traditional symbols tied to your family’s trade, values, or region, and use that to recreate a design that feels authentic. It’s a great way to celebrate your history while keeping things accurate and respectful of heraldic tradition.
Real or Just for Fun?
Finding a “real” coat of arms for your family can be a fun deep dive into your roots. Always check the heraldic records and understand the nuances and rules.
You can even work with heraldic researchers to trace possible connections and symbols. If you're curious to see what might be out there, you can start by finding your family crest.
Image Credits:
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Crest of the empire gravestone of Johann von Moro via Wikimedia Commons, source
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G. J. J. van Melckebeke via Wikimedia Commons, source
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Les armoiries de la famille Baroncelli-Javon. Via Wikimedia Commons, source
