How to search for your family's coat of arms or signet.
/
How to S
earch for your Family’s Coat of Arms or Signet
Passing down family history from generation to generation is important in order to preserve family memories. Everything from old family photographs to family videos to mementos can be used to create a comprehensive overview of your family’s history. One of the most interesting aspects of family history is the coat of arms or signet, which is a visual representation of your family’s legacy. Many families around the world have a family coat of arms—but not many people realize it! If you want to know how you can expand your family history by searching for a coat of arms or signet, take a look at the following how-to guide.
About Family Coat of Arms
A note on family crests, coat of arms and signets: in many cases, your family history may have more than one crest! This can occur when different lineages with coat of arms come together. You should take all of the information you can find regarding the history of your family’s coat of arms so you can get a better idea of the history behind them.
How to Search for Family Coat of Arms
It is thankfully easier than ever to search for family coat of arms, especially if you live in Europe and/or the UK. There are many books you can find which have countless pages of family coat of arms, but the simplest way for modern people to find out is to use online websites that allow you to search for family signets, coat of arms and crests.
Best Websites to Use
The following are the most popular sites you can use that will help you on your quest.
All of these sites have some free options with regards to searching for family coat of arms, crests, signets, and similar visual identifiers from your family’s history. Some of these sites also have paid options that can allow you to access more detailed features, but for the purposes of simply finding the coat of arms in the first place, the free option will do fine.
Genealogists
If you are unable to find a family crest on your home, then you can hire a professional genealogist who will be able to research your family history and hopefully find a crest, signet or similar symbol for you. Genealogists may need access to family history records, such as any relevant documents or old family photographs.
To check out why you should hire a genealogist click here.
After You Find Your Family Coat of Arms
Once you find your family coat of arms, you should make sure to copy it digitally so that it can be shared with other family members. You can even have it professionally printed and framed so that it can be displayed in your home. Other options include printing it out on a historical-style banner so that you can share your crest as your ancestors might have shared it.
Remember to keep the above guidelines in mind when it’s time to find out more about your family coat of arms.
Check out our 10 questions to ask your parents before it's too late!
To learn which are the best DNA test sites available in the UK click here.
To learn which is the best software for doing a family tree click here.
To learn how to film your grandparent with a smartphone click here.
To learn how to trace holocaust survivors and victims in your family history click here.
To learn whether we should record the lives of our pets click here.
To learn how to research gay family history click here.