Check list Creation Coat of arms and symbolism

According to the modern rules of heraldry and on the prevailing opionion the coat of arms is a picture of the family name. We describe and what you should pay attention to at the creation of a new coat of arms and what can be helpful when choosing the symbols.

Like your Family name is not freely available, your coat of arms isn´t either. There are a few things to consider.

  1. Is or has the coat of arms been beared in another family
  2. Can it be mistaken with another coat of arms?
  3. Does the symbolism have a reasonable relation with your family name and/or your family history?

Coat of arms symbols and their meaning

The motives that we use for the creation of a coat of arms, are essentially the same like in historical coat of arms. To get an intensive connection from family history and family symbol, you may consider the following:

1.Names, their meaning and “canting coat of arms”

Many family names give a hint on the profession, the origin or the position of the ancestors. Thats the reason why it is often symbolized in the coat of arms and optically expressed through the matching symbols. Such a coat of arms is a “canting” coat of arms.

2. Native Home of the family

Where the family comes from has a big influence on its family history. To symbolize the native or current home of the family, often city coat of arms or country coat of arms are used. These coat of arms may not be used unaltered, so you have to limit to use single elements.

3. professions and professional traditions today and yesterday

Professional Tradition or professinal development might be very characteristic for a family. In this case you can add some professional symbols to your coat of arms.

4. special events in the family history

Sometimes there is one characteristic event in the family history which can be symbolized in heraldry as distinctive feature.

5. Ideas and wishes of the Commissioner of the coat of arms

The Ideas and wishes of the commissioner of the coat of arms provide valuable information for the creation of the coat of arms. But it has to be inspected carefully, if they match with the scientific and aesthetical rules and can be realized under coat of arms regulations.

The most important thing is, that the coat of arms which is created under all these aspect, is unique.

To check the uniqueness, you need a experienced Heraldist who has access to the required records.

This post is also available in: German