What Is a Coat of Arms? A Short Guide to Heraldic Symbols
By Leon Meka
A coat of arms is a unique heraldic design used to identify a person, family, or organization. Originally used in medieval Europe on shields and banners, these symbols combined colors, shapes, and figures to tell a story and signal identity. Even today, families and institutions use coats of arms to celebrate their history and values.
Where did coats of arms come from?
Heraldry developed in the 12th century as a way to tell armored knights apart on the battlefield. When warriors wore full plate armor, their faces were hidden. Painted shields and surcoats became the only way to know who was who. Over time, these designs were passed down through families and became associated with lineage and status. Kings and nobles granted arms to reward service, and the practice spread across Europe. Today, many people still use coats of arms and family crests to celebrate their heritage, even if they have no formal grant from a heraldic authority.
The rules of heraldry varied by region. In England, the College of Arms still regulates grants. In Scotland, the Court of the Lord Lyon does the same. In other countries, heraldic tradition is more informal. What they share is a visual language: colors, shapes, and creatures that carry meaning.
Key elements of a coat of arms
A full coat of arms can include several parts. Here are the main ones you will often see:
- Shield: The main surface that holds the design (colors and charges). This is the core of the arms. Everything else builds on it.
- Crest: The figure on top of the helmet (often what people mean by "family crest"). It might be an animal, a crown, or another symbol. It sits above the shield and helmet.
- Mantling: Decorative cloth draped from the helmet. In older art it often looks like leaves or fabric. It was meant to represent the cloth that protected a knight’s helmet from the sun.
- Motto: A short phrase, often in Latin, expressing values or identity. Not every coat of arms has one, but when present it usually appears on a scroll below the shield.
Colors and symbols each had traditional meanings. Red stood for courage and sacrifice. Blue for loyalty and truth. Gold for generosity and faith. Silver (or white) for peace and sincerity. Animals were chosen carefully: lions for bravery, eagles for strength and vision, wolves for perseverance. Nothing in classic heraldry was random. Every line and color was meant to say something about the bearer.
How coats of arms were used
In the Middle Ages, coats of arms appeared on shields, banners, seals, and tomb effigies. They identified individuals in battle and at tournaments. Later they were used on documents, rings, and the gates of family estates. Today you see them on letterheads, flags, and as part of logos. Some people commission a coat of arms for their family to hang at home or use at weddings and reunions. The use has changed, but the idea is the same: a single, recognizable mark that stands for a person or a family.
Creating your own coat of arms
You don’t need noble ancestry to have a personal or family coat of arms. Modern heraldic art lets you choose symbols and colors that matter to you (your roots, values, or interests) and turn them into a lasting design. You can honor your job, your homeland, or your favorite virtues. The result can be traditional in style or more modern, but it will be yours.
At mycoatofarms.com, we help you create a custom coat of arms or family crest that you can use on prints, gifts, or digital keepsakes. You describe your family, your story, or the ideas you care about. We turn that into a unique design. Start with a few ideas and we’ll turn them into a design you can be proud of. No account required to try, and you only pay when you’re ready to download or print.