Family crests are coats of arms that represent a particular family. They often contain symbols, colors, and designs that have special meaning for that family. Family crests originated in medieval Europe as a way for knights and nobles to identify themselves on the battlefield. Over time, they became hereditary and were passed down through generations. While family crests were initially reserved for the noble class, eventually non-nobles such as wealthy merchants and landowners adopted them too. Today, many people are interested in learning about their family crest as a way to connect with their heritage.
Origins and history of family crests
The use of crests to identify knights in armor began in the 12th century during the Crusades. As battles involved hand-to-hand combat between fully armored knights, it became difficult to distinguish ally from enemy. To solve this, the knights painted symbols onto their shields to identify themselves. This eventually evolved into the family crest system we know today.
Early family crests were simple, featuring just one or two symbols. But over the centuries crests became more elaborate as families added to them to reflect accomplishments and allegiances. By the 14th century, many noble families across Europe bore ornate crests featuring personal symbols as well as visual references to their fiefs, titles, and deeds.
While crests originated as a practical tool for warfare, they soon became much more. They represented a family’s stature, history, and reputation. The use of crests spread from the battlefield into noble homes, artwork, seals, flags, architecture, and clothing. Having a coat of arms became a mark of nobility and prestige.
As heraldry evolved, a complex set of rules and regulations also developed around it. This governed everything from who could bear a coat of arms to the specific symbols and colors they contained. Special officers known as heralds enforced these rules. Today, heraldry remains a highly structured system.
Common symbols and meanings
Family crests contain a myriad of symbols and design elements, many of which have ancient origins. Here are some of the most common elements and their historical meanings:
- Lions – Strength, courage, royalty
- Eagles – Nobility, honor, ascension
- Serpents – Wisdom, cunning
- Unicorns – Purity, healing powers
- Axes – Executioner’s symbol
- Swords – Justice, military honor
- Arrows – Readiness for battle
- Castles – Safety, security
- Chains – Reward for acceptable service
- Crescents – One who has been honored by the sovereign
- Crowns – Royal or noble rank
Colors also carried meaning in heraldry. For example, red signified boldness and valor, blue meant truth and loyalty, and black symbolized Constancy and wisdom. Metals like gold and silver also held significance.
Rules and guidelines
Heraldry operates under a complex system of rules and regulations. While some details can vary between countries, most heraldic traditions follow the same basic guidelines:
- Crest designs cannot be identical – Each family must have a unique coat of arms.
- Elements are symbolic – Every object in a crest has a specific meaning.
- Colors are limited – Heraldry only uses a few standard colors.
- Simplicity is key – The design should be simple enough to identify from afar.
- Inheritance is patriarchal – Crests pass from fathers to their children.
- Women’s arms differ – Women’s crests are depicted on lozenges or ovals.
- Cadency marks differentiate relatives – Special symbols are added to indicate each son.
Experts called heralds were tasked with approving and recording crests to ensure they adhered to heraldic rules. Heralds still exist today in several countries such as Canada, South Africa, and the United Kingdom.
Most common family crests
Because early crests developed among medieval nobility in Europe, the most common family crests belong to lineages that originated among the aristocracy. Here are some of the most prevalent:
British Isles
| Family name | Crest design |
|---|---|
| Campbell | A boar’s head |
| Stewart | A pelican in her piety |
| Gordon | A stag’s head |
| Hamilton | An oak tree |
| Wallace | A dexter arm in armor holding a sword |
As Scottish clans, these names feature heavily in British heraldry. Other common British crests include lions for the Herbert family, elephants and castles for the Churchill family, and a hand grasping a nettle leaf for the Urquhart family.
France
| Family name | Crest design |
|---|---|
| Robert | A sword and olive branch |
| Richard | A lion rampant |
| Petit | An anchor |
| Lefebvre | A lion’s face surrounded by three stars |
| Girard | A cubit arm grasping five arrows |
Common French crests feature fleur-de-lis, symbol of the French monarchy, as well as bees, crowns, crosses, and other Christian symbols. Regional crests like the heraldic dolphin of Dauphine also appear.
Germany
| Family name | Crest design |
|---|---|
| Müller | A hand holding a sword emerging from a cloud |
| Schmidt | A demi-lion holding a hammer |
| Schneider | A woman’s bust with spiderwebs on the head |
| Fischer | A fish |
| Weber | A beaver |
Common German crests feature mythological creatures, saints, livestock, natural elements, and occupational symbols. Regional symbols also appear, like the brandenburg eagle or the saxon steed.
Modern uses of family crests
While they originated as identifiers for knights in battle, today family crests no longer serve a practical purpose. However, they remain meaningful symbols of lineage and heritage. Some common modern uses of family crests include:
- Stationery – Crests often appear on letterhead, invitations, documents
- Jewelry – Cufflinks, signet rings, pendants featuring the crest
- Decor – Flags, wall hangings, mosaic tiles, stained glass
- Ceremonial – On uniforms, vestments, medals
- Memorabilia – Framed prints, mugs, car decals
- Academic – Integrated into college seals, fraternity symbols
Genealogy enthusiasts also research their family crest as a way to celebrate their heritage and may use it quite extensively. However, there are strict rules around proper use of crests.
Conclusion
Family crests are a enduring symbol of lineage and honor. While crests originated as a battlefield necessity among European nobility, today they connect us to history and represent the shared stories that shape our identities. The most common family crests belong to noble lineages from Britain, France, Germany, and beyond. With strict rules guiding their inheritance and use, family crests remain a timeless expression of heritage.