Blog

POLISH SURNAMES

Published on: 07/25/2013

One of the most treasured reference books we have at www.shieldandcrest.com is Herbarz Polski. Compiled by H.Stupnicki in 1855, it is a comprehensive list of Polish surnames and their link to a particular coat of arms (Family Crest). It wa...

IRISH SURNAMES IN THEIR ORIGINAL FORM

Published on: 07/22/2013

I get lots of calls on the Shield And Crest Toll-Free line (866-289-2798) from folk with Irish names who worry about the difference between, for example, O’Connor, Connor, Connors, MacConnor, and Conor. The truth is that all those na...

MacDonalds and Campbells

Published on: 06/10/2013

These venerable clans have been at loggerheads for centuries in the Highlands of Scotland. After King William of Orange defeated King James and assumed the English monarchy, he offered pardons to all the Scottish Clans which had opposed hi...

HERALDIC SUPPORTERS

Published on: 04/18/2013

Supporters are figures or animals, placed on either side of the shield area of a coat of arms. (Family Crest) Sometimes they are the same on each side, other times there is a different image of either side. Woodward & Burnett, writing in &...

THE HERALDIC SERPENT

Published on: 04/04/2013

The serpent occurs quite often in coats of arms (Family crests) from England and Ireland. Some believe the snake was used as a symbol of wisdom, however it may well have been a reference to medicine and doctors. To this day, the Caduceus, ...

BUYING A COAT OF ARMS GIFT?........HERE ARE SOME TIPS

Published on: 03/26/2013

A coat of arms (Family crest) gift is one of the best ways to celebrate someone’s family name, and all the history attached to that name. The arms may date back over eight hundred years and some of them contain enough information in ...

LIST OF HERALDIC SYMBOLS AND THEIR MEANINGS- L Through Z

Published on: 03/20/2013

LAMB- Normally painted with the staff and flag is the emblem of Christianity. LANCE- Denotes one in active service as a knight. LARK- An ancient symbol of eloquence. LAUREL- Sometimes shown in a wreath, is the emblem of triumph. ...

LIST OF HERALDIC SYMBOLS AND THEIR MEANINGS. A Through K

Published on: 03/20/2013

ABYSS- The honor point of the shield, the very center. ACORN-The symbol of plenty, also used in coats of arms as a pun on the name (Canting arms) ANCHOR- The emblem of hope, usually painted with a rope attached. ANNULET- A ring, t...

BATTLE SHIELDS AND COAT OF ARMS â€“ THE STORY WITHIN

Published on: 03/20/2013

The charges ( animals, divisions, etc.) depicted on a coat of arms (family crest) can sometimes be the result of great family legends and stories. One of the best comes from the Scottish family name Cunningham. The story dates back to Dunc...