2007-02-23 16:33:16 · 4 answers · asked by brianandmartha2000 1 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Genealogy
Other then Scotish Clan and some names in eastern Europe there are no Family name that entitle one to a Coat of Arms nor to a Family crest. Coats of Arms have always been a personal thing and Crest were use to show Loyality to an overlord (nolonger used out side of Scottish Clans).
General speaking Arms are personal not for family . IF there is a Coat of Arms in your family history you may be able to have Lord Lyon or the Garter King of Arms matriculate the arms to you
2007-02-26 08:40:12 · answer #1 · answered by Bruce W 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Again, per legal standards of Heraldry, there are no such things as a family Coat of Arms. Coats of Arms were issued to specific individuals as a form of identification. Please go to the Lord Lyon of London or Scotland for the specifics. Now here is the exception, clan symbols are another matter. Per Scots law, if the coat of arms is surrounded by a belt, then it is a Clan Crest and any Clan member may display it. If it isn't then it is the personal crest of the Clan Chief and to use it is very similiar to identity theft. Most European countries have similiar laws and enforce those laws there. The Scottish Lord Lyon has extra territorial authority and does use it. I would suggest that you research your surname and if Scottish or Irish then use the Clan Crest, otherwise go through the process to be granted a coat of arms.
2007-02-24 02:50:20 · answer #2 · answered by mcdomnhal 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As the first poster said, most places are pay sites. Great list, no wonder he's a top answerer! But there's one site I didin't see among his list (may have overlooked it) but it will let you at least view and occasionally print. Depending on what name you're looking for, try
www.houseofnames.com
2007-02-24 08:32:50 · answer #3 · answered by princessmikey 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hey Brian and Martha,
These sites all make you pay for the COA. They mean nothing anyway. If you still want one here are some of the sites. A better hobby or representation of your family and legacy to hand down to your kids would be your Family Tree. All the people that came together to create you, or a picture you believe is yours. There are plenty of people here that can help you.
2007-02-24 00:44:05 · answer #4 · answered by BuyTheSeaProperty 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋