How do you get a coat of arms?

Coats of arms belong to individuals. For any person to have a right to a coat of arms they must either have had it granted to them or be descended in the legitimate male line from a person to whom arms were granted or confirmed in the past.

What does the coat of arms represent?

A coat of arms is a symbol that represents a specific family or person. Originally appearing on shields or flags, coats of arms were once used as a way of distinguishing one knight from another on a battlefield. The study, classification, and design of coats of arms is known as heraldry.

Can I design my own coat of arms?

There is always an option to create a crest for yourself or your family from scratch. It may not be “official,” but it can be fun to customize a coat of arms that is specific to you, your interests, hobbies, family history, philosophy, or religion, to name a few examples.

Who grants a coat of arms?

A grant of arms or a governmental issuance of arms are actions, by a lawful authority such as an officer of arms or State Herald, conferring on a person and his or her descendants the right to bear a particular coat of arms or armorial bearings.

What did heralds do?

herald, originally, an officer in medieval Europe charged with carrying messages to and from the commanders of opposing armies; in modern times, a professional authority on armorial history and genealogy. In the late 14th century the authority of the heralds was expanded.

Where did coat of arms come from?

A coat of arms is a hereditary device, borne upon a shield, and devised according to a recognised system. This system was developed in northern Europe in the mid-12th century for the purpose of identification and was very widely adopted by kings, princes, knights and other major power holders throughout western Europe.

Where can I find my coat of arms?

The best way to find out your coat of arms is to check an online database like 4crests.com.

Where can I find my family coat of arms?

Do I have to use my family crest or coat of arms?

The coat of arms or crest you get may or may not belong to your family (and it might be made up completely by the company selling it to you), or you may not have the hereditary right to use it. If you really want to know something about heraldry (the art of studying coats of arms and crests) and how it applies to your family, read on.

What is the difference between a coat of arms and crest?

What is the Difference Between a Coat of Arms and a Family Crest? The family crest is part of the overall coat of arms. It is the three-dimensional object at the top of the arms…the top of something is often referred to as a crest, such as the crest of a wave on the ocean, or the crest of a mountain or building.

What is the history of the coat of arms?

Families originally assumed their own coat of arms, and in cases where two clans used the same design, there would be a case in the High Court of Chivalry to decide who had the better right. In 1484, the College of Arms was incorporated to administer the system.

Why do people with the same surname have different coat of arms?

This rule of legitimate male-line descent is why some people with the same surname have the legal right to use a coat of arms in the UK, and others with the same surname do not. A real coat of arms is divided into several parts. Each part tells you something about the individual, family, corporation, or organization to which it was granted.