Family Crest vs. Coat of Arms: What's the Difference?

People often use "family crest" and "coat of arms" as if they mean the same thing. In heraldry they’re related but not identical. Here’s a simple breakdown so you can choose the right term and the right kind of design for what you have in mind.

What is a coat of arms?

A coat of arms is the full heraldic achievement. It usually includes:

• The shield (escutcheon) with its colors and symbols. This is the heart of the design.
• A helmet and crest on top. The helmet style could indicate rank; the crest is the figure mounted on it.
• Sometimes supporters (figures on the sides, like lions or unicorns), a motto, and other details such as a crown or badge.

So the coat of arms is the whole picture. When someone says they have "a coat of arms," they often mean this full composition: shield, helmet, crest, and any extras. Historically, a coat of arms was granted or recognized by a heraldic authority. Today, many people create or adopt one for their family even without a formal grant.

What is a family crest?

The crest is just one part of that picture: the figure or device that sits on top of the helmet. In medieval times, the crest was literally worn on top of the helmet at tournaments. Over the centuries, "family crest" became a catch-all term for any heraldic design tied to a family, which is why it’s often used loosely today. You might see "family crest" on rings, stamps, or logos when the design is actually a full coat of arms, or only a shield, or only a crest. So in strict terms:

• Coat of arms = full design (shield + helmet + crest + optional extras).
• Family crest = the crest only, or, in everyday language, any family heraldic symbol.

If you want to be precise, reserve "crest" for the element on top of the helmet. In casual use, "family crest" is widely understood to mean "our family’s heraldic symbol" in general.

Why the distinction matters

Knowing the difference helps when you’re ordering a design or talking to an artist. If you want a full traditional look, you’ll ask for a coat of arms (shield, helmet, crest, and maybe a motto). If you want something smaller or simpler, for a ring or a logo, you might ask for "just the crest" or "a simplified version." Some families have both: a full achievement for formal use and a crest-only or shield-only version for everyday use.

Does it matter which term I use?

For creating your own design, what matters most is what you want:

• A full coat of arms gives you a complete, traditional look (shield, crest, and optional motto). It works well for a framed print, a certificate, or a main family symbol.
• A crest-only or simplified design can be easier to use on rings, stamps, or logos. It reads clearly at small sizes and still feels personal and rooted in heraldic tradition.

At mycoatofarms.com, you can create either: a full coat of arms or a focused crest-style design. You describe your family, your values, or the symbols you care about. We generate a unique design based on that. You can use it as a full achievement or crop and simplify it for different uses. The choice of name (coat of arms vs. family crest) is less important than ending up with a design that fits how you plan to use it.