What does a sword mean on a family crest?

Sword/dagger/dart: justice and military honour. Torch: life; zealousness; engaging in signal service; truth and intelligence. You can trace your family history by researching your family tree on Genes Reunited. Perhaps you’ll find out if anyone in your family acquired a family crest or coats of arms.

Where do I find my family crest?

What Is a Family Crest? In a full coat of arms, the crest literally crests the design—that is to say that it is often located at the top of the image. The family crest is a smaller part of the design that can be used on its own when the entire coat of arms is too complex.

What is a family crest or shield?

A coat of arms is a heraldic visual design on an escutcheon (i.e., shield), surcoat, or tabard. The coat of arms on an escutcheon forms the central element of the full heraldic achievement which in its whole consists of: shield, supporters, crest, and motto.

Are family crests real?

A. No. There is no such thing as a ‘coat of arms for a surname’. Many people of the same surname will often be entitled to completely different coats of arms, and many of that surname will be entitled to no coat of arms.

Why do some families have a crest?

Centuries ago, family crests or coat of arms were used much like a company logo to identify different royal families in countries all over the world. As time went on, every family, not just royal families, began to use crests to mark their property and distinguish themselves from others.

What does a sword symbolize?

The sword symbolizes power, protection, authority, strength, and courage; metaphysically, it represents discrimination and the penetrating power of the intellect. The sword is phallic, with the sheath being yonic. It is a symbol of knighthood and chivalry.

What goes on a family crest?

A family coat of arms has several basic components. These individual parts include the shield, the mantling and the helm and wreath. Some, but not all, also include a crest. Colors, animals or other artwork and mottoes are all additional choices to make.

What is the symbolic meaning of the helmet on a family crest?

Helmet. The helmet supports the crest. Positioning of the helmet represents rank: For example, a helmet facing forward with the visor opened means a knight, while a helmet facing side-ways with the visor closed is for a gentleman.

Where does the last name sword come from?

Sword History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms. Origins Available: Irish , Scottish. The Sword surname in Scotland has two distinct origins. In some instances it is an old occupational name for an armorer, derived from the Old English word “sword,” while other occurrences of the name are from derivations from the personal name Siward.

How is the crest related to the coat of arms?

Every other object in a full heraldic achievement is dependent upon the shield or coat of arms. The technical use of the heraldic term crest refers to just one component of a complete achievement. The crest has evolved from the three-dimensional figure placed on the top of the helm as a further means of identification.

What was the coat of arms called in medieval times?

These were not heraldic in the medieval sense, as they were associated with military units, not individuals or families. The official, written description of the coat of arms is called the “blazon of arms”.

How are family crests and surnames are researched?

We use trusted and credible resources to provide our customers with authentic and thoroughly researched family surnames, coats of arms and family crests. We guarantee authentic historical accuracy not only through our resource library, but also the expert historians who conduct the research.