So, You Found Your Family Crest… or Did You?
If you tried searching for your surname online and up popped a shiny crest with lions, swords, and maybe even a motto in Latin. But wait. A few clicks later, you find another crest for the same surname. And then another.
Cue the confusion: Which one is real? Should you just pick the coolest one?
Here’s what you need to know: Not all family coat of arms designs you find online are accurate, and there’s a good reason for that.
Why Surname-Based Crests Vary So Much
1. Many online designs have no historical basis
Unfortunately, a lot of the images you'll find online for your 'family crest' aren't much more than nice images.
Real family crests are based on ancient written armoury records. These were called 'blazons' where the exact details of the crest were documented including its colors, symbols and arrangements on the shield.
For a crest to be authentic it needs to follow the exact rules of heraldry in re-creating these written descriptions. Most designs online are unfortunately not based on anything.
2. Not Every Surname = One Single Crest
It’s worth knowing that surnames often have several branches, and over time different families with the same name may have developed their own variations of arms.
For example, a common surname like 'Brown' is shared by thousands of families across America, the UK, Ireland, and beyond. Because of this, you’ll sometimes find multiple versions of crests linked to the same name, each tied to a different branch or region rather than to every individual with that surname.
3. Geographic Twists and Spelling Variations
Surnames often shift as they travel across regions, and small spelling differences can hint at very different origins.
What looks like the same name today might have started from separate roots altogether.
For example, the surname Siegel in Germany could stem from an occupation like a seal maker, while another Sigel might actually be a variation of 'Sigl', which is a very different family name and points to a different lineage.
These kinds of twists mean that families sharing what appears to be the same surname may carry coats of arms that reflect entirely different beginnings (these are the details that a professional research team can help with).
How Heraldry Changed Over Time (And Why Your Crest Might Look Different Because of It)
In the 1100s and 1200s
Early heraldic designs were made for one job, and that was for recognition in battle. Shields and surcoats featured large, geometric shapes and a limited number of colors. Think: red chevrons, gold stripes, or a single heraldic animal on a plain background.
At this stage, the designs were personal and practical, not family-wide.
In finding your family crest, if your ancestor had a crest in this era, it was probably simple and looked very different from what you see online now!
In the 1300s and 1400s
As heraldry spread, countries began setting rules. England established the College of Arms. Scotland created the Court of the Lord Lyon. These offices tracked who had the legal right to use a coat of arms.
This period introduced the idea of inheritance (yes, crests can also be passed down!). Younger sons, for example, added marks called cadency, which made small changes to the original crest.
Also, in other countries like Poland, coats of arms were often shared across entire clans, with families adding small variations (like stars or crosses) to show their branch, which also explains why multiple versions of the same Polish family crest exist.
From the 1500s Onward
Once knights stopped wearing armor, heraldry lost its battlefield purpose and was used to show off status, marriage ties, or noble connections. Artists began adding shadows, flourishes, and creatures from mythology.
That’s why your family crest may have grown more ornate over the centuries, even if it started out plain. A lion might gain wings and become a griffin. Colors may shift based on style or regional preferences. Even the shield’s layout could change with each generation or artistic update!
How Crests Evolve Within Families
Family Branches Create Their Own Designs
As families grew and spread out, they often adjusted their crests to reflect their specific branch. That means you might find several crests all tied to the same surname but slightly different depending on the location or name of the people who used them.
You can make your own coat of arms, too! Especially if you want to reflect your modern heritage in a meaningful way.
Women Could Influence Heraldic Design Too
When a noblewoman inherited her family’s arms, she became what’s called a heraldic heiress. If she married, her children could combine her arms with their father’s. That resulted in a new, blended coat of arms.
An example is Birgitte, Duchess of Gloucester. She brought her father’s Danish arms into her British royal crest after marrying Prince Richard. Her design reflects both sides of her heritage.
This blending of arms through female inheritance often created entirely new designs that didn’t exist in earlier generations. Over time, these changes contributed to the variety of family crests, especially in noble lines where heraldic heiresses were more common.
These cases often included crests, mottos, and even supporters (figures that stand beside the shield).
What People Get Wrong About Family Crests
Designs Were Not Set in Stone
Some families updated their arms based on new titles, political changes, or marriages. A lion might be replaced by a unicorn. A motto might shift to reflect new values. So, even within the same bloodline, the design might not stay the same across generations.
How to Identify the Correct Crest for Your Family
1. Start with Basic Genealogy
Before you claim a crest, you need to trace your family history. That means finding out as much info as possible about what country your ancestors came from and ideally, what region within the country.
Once you have traced your lineage, you (or your researcher) can narrow down which regional crest or which individual your family might be tied to.
2. Look for Official Heraldic Records
Real coats of arms were granted by heraldic authorities. Depending on where your ancestors came from, you can check:
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The College of Arms (England)
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The Court of Lord Lyon (Scotland)
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National archives or heraldry societies in Ireland, France, Germany, and elsewhere
These institutions keep records of who was granted what design. If your ancestor is in the records, that crest is legitimate.
To make the search easier and more accurate, consider working with a professional genealogist! We can trace your lineage, navigate heraldic records, and help you find your family crest.
3. Match the Crest to the Right Branch
Suppose you find two crests for your surname. One has a bear and one has a phoenix. Which one is yours?
If your ancestors lived in Yorkshire and the crest with the bear belonged to a branch in Yorkshire, that is likely your match. If the phoenix design is tied to a completely different region or person, it may not be related to your line.
Context is very important in basic genealogy research!
What’s Next After Finding Your Crest?
Finding your family crest online is just the start. The real magic? Using it to explore your heritage, learn your story, and maybe even share it with the next generation.
And when you do spot a family crest with your surname on it, use that as a starting point, not as proof!
Image Credits:
Arms of the Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach, with fifteen crested helms via Wikimedia Commons, source
Coats of arms of prince electors surrounding the double-headed Reichsadler via Wikimedia Commons, source
