Heraldic symbols, often seen in family crests and coats of arms, are rich with history and meaning. These emblems, passed down through generations, offer a fascinating glimpse into ancestral values and traits. Understanding the language of heraldry allows us to decode these visual representations of family identity. This glossary explores common heraldic symbols and their meanings, shedding light on the powerful way families have historically chosen to represent themselves.
ABYSS: The very center of the shield, known as the honor point, signifying the heart of the family’s values.
ACORN: A symbol of potential and growth, representing the burgeoning family and the promise of future generations. Also used as a visual pun in names like Acorn (Canting arms).
ANCHOR: Emblematic of stability, hope, and steadfastness, reflecting a family’s enduring foundation. Often depicted with a rope, symbolizing connection and security.
ANNULET: A ring representing unity, wholeness, and strength within the family bond. Historically, it also symbolized liberty.
ANT: Also called an Emmet, it embodies diligence, patience, and foresight – qualities valued in building a strong family legacy.
ANTELOPE: A symbol of peace and harmony sought within the family and extending to relationships with others. Heraldic antelopes are distinct, often resembling a stag with unicorn and other mythical features.
APE and MONKEY: Representing wisdom, cleverness, and adaptability, traits that aid family navigation through life’s complexities. Notably featured in the Fitzgerald family crest.
ARK-NOAHS: A rare symbol representing faith, refuge, and the family as a safe haven, much like Noah’s Ark. Symbolically linked to the Church and spiritual foundations.
ARM: A common symbol denoting strength, labor, and industry – values associated with providing for and building a family.
ARROW: Signifying readiness, focus, and direction, representing the family’s proactive nature. Often used as a pun for names like Fletcher (arrow maker).
ASS: Though uncommon, it symbolizes humility, patience, and service within the family, often overlooked but essential qualities.
AXE: Represents military service, duty, and strength in defense of family and principles. A symbol of fortitude and protection.
BADGER: Also known as a Brock, it denotes intelligence, resourcefulness, and protectiveness of the family den. Rare but meaningful.
BARNACLE: Not the sea creature, but a horse grooming tool, symbolizing service, care, and attention to detail within the family household.
BAR-SHOT: Two cannonballs joined by a bar, a symbol of military service and unwavering commitment to family and country.
BAT: Represents vigilance, awareness, and protection of the family home and members, watching over them like a guardian.
BEACON: From Saxon ‘becnian’, symbolizing guidance, hope, and a call to gather the family together.
BEAR: A powerful emblem of family protection, courage, and strength in the face of adversity, a fierce guardian.
BEAVER: Symbolizes industry, perseverance, and resourcefulness in building a prosperous and stable family life.
BEE: A more common symbol of industry, community, and productivity, reflecting a family that works together and contributes to society. Represents a self-made individual and family.
BELL: Emblem of warning, signaling danger and the need for family unity and preparedness. Also used in names like Bell (canting arms).
BEZANT: Symbolizes financial prudence, responsibility, and fair dealing, reflecting a family’s commitment to sound financial management. Historically linked to banking.
BILLET: An oblong square, representing building blocks, stability, and the foundational elements of a strong family structure.
BISHOPS MITRE: Represents service to faith and community, signifying a family’s dedication to spiritual values and the church.
BLACKAMOOR: Represents a family history of valor and participation in historical events like the Crusades, adding a layer of ancestral stories. Also termed a Moor.
BOAR: Also called a Sanglier, it symbolizes courage, fierceness, and a combative spirit in defending family honor and well-being.
BOOK: Denotes learning, wisdom, and the importance of knowledge within the family. Often shown with a motto, representing guiding family principles.
BUCKLE: Emblem of fidelity, loyalty, and firmness in family bonds and commitments, particularly common in Scottish heraldry.
BUGLE HORN: Another symbol of military service, representing a family’s contribution to defense and readiness to serve. Distinct from a hunting horn.
BULL: Represents strength, determination, and virility, symbolizing robust family growth and leadership. Usually shown walking, representing steady progress.
BUTTERFLY: Symbol of transformation, peace, and the delicate beauty of family life. Used in Butterfield arms as a canting device.
CADUCEU’S: Also Mercury’s Rod, symbolizing wisdom, healing, and care, reflecting a family’s concern for health and well-being.
CALDRONA: A boiling pot, symbolizing courage, readiness, and a fiery spirit to defend family and home.
CALTRAP: A device to disable cavalry, symbolizing warning, protection, and a deterrent against threats to the family.
CAMELEOPARD: Actually a giraffe, representing unique distinction, vision, and perhaps a family history connected to distant lands like Africa.
CANNON: Another common symbol of military service and defense of family and nation, representing strength and firepower.
CAP: Also Cap of Maintenance, symbolizing service to leadership and community, representing honor and loyalty.
CARTWHEEL: Symbol of industry, progress, and contribution to society, also a pun for names like Carter.
CASTLE: Emblem of safety, security, and protection, representing the family home as a sanctuary and stronghold. As in the Gonzalez arms.
CAT: Specifically a Scottish wildcat, symbolizing vigilance, independence, and courage in protecting family and territory.
CATHERINE WHEEL: Symbol of martyrdom, sacrifice, and enduring faith, reflecting a family’s commitment to beliefs.
CHAPLET: Emblem of peace, harmony, and reconciliation, representing a family’s desire for peaceful relationships.
CHOUGH: A raven-like bird, symbolizing foresight and perhaps a connection to fate or mortality.
CINQUEFOIL: Said to denote joy, happiness, and abundance within the family and home.
CLAYMORE: Symbol of military fortitude, strength, and Scottish heritage, representing a family’s warrior spirit. The Highland broadsword.
CLOUD: Symbol of faith, constancy, and divine guidance, representing a family’s reliance on higher powers.
COCK: The rooster, emblem of vigilance, courage, virility, and leadership within the family and community.
COCKATRICE: A mythical creature symbolizing sin, warning, and the need for moral strength within the family.
CORMORANT: A sea bird denoting wisdom, resourcefulness, and watchfulness, particularly in navigating life’s challenges.
CORNUCOPIA: The horn of plenty, a classic symbol of abundance, prosperity, and blessings for the family.
CRAB: An uncommon symbol of patience, tenacity, and the ability to navigate difficult situations, representing family resilience.
CRANE: Often shown holding a stone, representing vigilance, alertness, and guardianship of the family.
CRESCENT: Said to denote ancestral service in the Crusades, linking the family to historical events and religious devotion.
CROSS: The universal symbol of Christianity, representing faith, salvation, and the family’s spiritual foundation. Many variations exist in heraldry.
CUSHION: Symbol of authority, comfort, and nurturing within the family, representing care and leadership.
DAGGER: Symbol of honor in battle, courage, and protection of family interests, often found in crests.
DART: Like an arrow, symbolizing readiness, swiftness, and purpose in family endeavors.
DOLPHIN: Symbol of charity, playfulness, and love of family. Heraldic dolphins are stylized, not realistic.
DOVE: Emblem of peace, love, purity, and gentleness within the family home.
DRAGON: A mythical creature symbolizing courage, strength, and protection of family and possessions.
EAGLE: Emblematic of fortitude, vision, courage, and magnanimity, representing a family’s noble spirit and aspirations.
ELEPHANT: Symbolizes wisdom, memory, and often awarded for distinction in the Far East, representing a family’s global connections or experiences.
ENFIELD: A mythical creature symbolizing strength, loyalty, and protection, notably on the Kelly crest, embodying family virtues.
ESCALLOP: An early Christian symbol of pilgrimage and journey, representing family journeys of faith and life.
ESCARBUNCLE: Symbol of leadership, strength, and protection, originally shield reinforcements, representing family resilience and leadership.
EYE: The eternal emblem of providence, vigilance, and divine watchfulness over the family.
FALCON: Representing determination, action, and pursuit of family goals with focus and speed.
FASCES: Symbolizing authority, justice, and strength in unity, historically representing magisterial office.
FETTERLOCK: Symbol of authority, restraint, and perhaps overcoming obstacles, often misunderstood as a horse fetlock but actually a handcuff.
FISH: A common Christian symbol, representing abundance, faith, and blessings for the family.
FLEUR DE LYS: Representing purity, light, and often associated with royalty and France, also symbolizing the Christian Trinity. Common in European heraldry.
FORK: Symbol of industry, labor, and agricultural roots, representing a family’s hardworking nature. Usually a hay or dung fork.
FOX: Emblematic of intelligence, cunning, adaptability, and resourcefulness in navigating family challenges.
FRET: Symbol of interconnectedness, love knot, and persuasion, representing strong family ties and communication.
FROG: Symbol of harmony, peace, and transformation, representing a family’s ability to adapt and live in peace.
FUSIL: A spindle, symbol of industry, productivity, and domestic skills within the family.
GALTRAP: Another term for Caltrap/Cheval Trap, symbolizing warning and defense of family territory.
GARB: A sheaf of wheat, the classic symbol of plenty, harvest, and family prosperity and abundance.
GAUNTLET: Symbolizing military service, readiness, and protection of family and honor.
GILLY FLOWER: An ancient emblem of generosity, kindness, and a giving nature within the family.
GLOBE: Symbolizing wide scope, global perspective, and when fractured with clouds and rainbow, hope amidst adversity.
GOAT: Emblematic of persistence, determination, and strength in overcoming challenges for the family.
GRAPE: Denotes abundance, celebration, and the fruits of family labor and togetherness.
GRENADE: A bomb, symbolizing warning, defense, and a readiness to protect the family from threats.
GRIFFIN: A mythical creature symbolizing valor, courage, and vigilance in guarding family treasures and values.
HALBERT: A battle axe, symbol of military service, strength, and defense of family and community.
HAND: Emblematic of faith, sincerity, justice, and hospitality within the family.
HARE: Denotes intelligence, speed, and strategic thinking, particularly in overcoming challenges and protecting family.
HARP: The heraldic symbol of Ireland, representing heritage, music, and family traditions.
HARPY: A mythical creature, meaning less clear but possibly representing fierceness or allure.
HAWK: Symbol of action, focus, and determination in pursuing family goals and protecting interests.
HAWTHORN TREE: Denotes protection for the family and perhaps ill fortune to those who threaten it.
HEART: Emblem of love, devotion, sincerity, and courage, often depicted in flames to emphasize passion.
HEDGEHOG: Ancient symbol of cunning, resourcefulness, and defense of family and home.
HIND: Female stag, symbolizing gentleness but also a readiness to defend if provoked, reflecting protective maternal instincts.
HORSE: Denotes readiness for battle, strength, and nobility, representing a family’s active and honorable nature.
HORSE SHOE: Age-old symbol of good luck, protection, and fortune for the family.
HOUND: Usually a Talbot, emblem of loyalty, guardianship, and leadership within the family pack.
HYDRA: Mythical seven-headed monster, symbolizing overcoming adversity and fortitude in family challenges.
IBIS: Egyptian bird emblematic of patience, wisdom, and virtue, representing thoughtful family leadership.
IMPERIAL EAGLE: Two-headed eagle, symbolizing strength, dominion, and far-sightedness for the family’s future.
INK-MOLINE: Center of a mill wheel, symbolizing industry, productivity, and family contributions.
IVY: Symbol of eternal life, enduring bonds, and strong family connections that last through generations.
JACKDAW: A crow family member, symbolic of death, perhaps a reminder of mortality and family legacy.
JANUS HEAD: Emblematic of wisdom, experience, and looking to both the past and future of the family.
JOUSTING LANCE: Symbol of knighthood, honor, and service to family and community.
KEY: Emblem of knowledge, authority, and often service to the Church, representing family leadership and wisdom.
KINGFISHER: Symbol of peace, tranquility, and good fortune, though rare in heraldry.
KNOT: Symbol of love, unity, and strong family ties in various forms like the true love knot.
LAMB: Often with staff and flag, emblem of Christianity, innocence, gentleness, and faith within the family.
LANCE: Denotes active service as a knight, honor, and protection of family and community.
LARK: Ancient symbol of eloquence, joy, and communication within the family.
LAUREL: Often in wreath form, emblem of triumph, honor, and achievement for the family.
LEGS IN ARMOR: Emblem of The Isle Of Man and MacLeod arms, symbolizing strength, heritage, and territorial connection.
LEOPARD: Emblematic of courage, fierceness, and a valiant warrior spirit in defense of family.
LILY: Regular lily, symbol of purity, innocence, and virtue within the family.
LION: The noblest beast, symbol of courage, strength, royalty, and leadership, a prominent family emblem.
LIZARD: Emblem of vigilance, adaptability, and resourcefulness, representing family survival skills.
LOCHABER AXE: Scottish symbol of military duty, strength, and heritage, representing family ties to Scotland.
LOZENGE: Diamond shape, symbol of a widow, representing family lineage and remembrance.
LURE: A hawk’s lure, emblem of pursuit, ambition, and striving for family goals.
LYMPHAD: Ancient ship, emblem of expedition, journey, and family voyages or migrations.
LYNX: Wildcat denoting vigilance, keen eyesight, and protection of family territory.
MACE: Ornamental staff, emblem of authority, justice, and leadership within the family.
MAUNCH: Lady’s sleeve, symbolizing service as a knight, honor, and family connections to chivalry.
MARINE-WOLF: Fanciful name for a seal, symbol of vigilance, adaptability to different environments, and family resilience.
MARTLET: Swallow-like bird without feet, symbolizing perseverance, resourcefulness, and living by virtue.
MERMAID: Age-old symbol of eloquence, charm, and allure, perhaps representing family communication skills.
MILL-RIND: Center of mill wheel, symbol of industry, productivity, and family contributions.
MILL-WHEEL: Another symbol of industry, often in Miller arms, representing family trade and hard work.
MITRE: Emblem of high authority in the Church, representing family connection to religious leadership.
MOON: Emblematic of serenity, tranquility, and cyclical change within family life.
MULLET: Star, often 5, 6, 8, or 12 points, associated with military service, honor, and family achievements.
MURAL CROWN: Brick crown, emblem of power, strength, and defense of a city or family stronghold.
MYRTLE: Given for victory in Julian Games, symbolizing triumph, achievement, and family success.
NAIL: Symbol of passion, strength, and perhaps religious significance related to Christ’s crucifixion.
NAVAL-CROWN: Denotes naval service, composed of masts and rigging, representing family maritime history.
NIGHTINGALE: Emblematic of eloquence, truth, and beautiful expression, representing family communication.
OAK: Tree or leaf, emblem of strength, endurance, virtue, and longevity of the family line.
OLIVE TREE: Best known symbol of peace, harmony, and reconciliation within the family and community.
OSTRICH: Emblem of knowledge, wisdom, and perhaps a family with wide-ranging understanding.
OTTER: Denotes intelligence, playfulness, and industry, representing a balanced and resourceful family.
OWL: Symbol of prudence, wisdom, and knowledge, representing a family that values learning and insight.
OX: Emblem of persistence, strength, and patience, representing family endurance and hard work.
PALMER STAFF: With Palmers Script, symbols of Crusader service, representing family religious devotion and travel.
PARCHMENT: Depicted rolled, emblem of wisdom, records, and family history preservation.
PEACOCK: Symbol of pride, beauty, and omniscience, often in ecclesiastical heraldry, representing family grandeur.
PEAR: Canting device for Perry, symbol of plenty, abundance, and family prosperity.
PEGASUS: Mythical winged horse, emblem of fame, aspiration, and reaching for high family goals.
PELICAN: Wounding breast to feed young, symbol of charity, sacrifice, and parental love within the family.
PENTAGON: Rare, emblem of health, well-being, and family wholeness.
PHEON: Broad arrow head, symbolizes readiness, focus, and martial prowess in family defense.
PHOENIX: Symbol of resurrection, renewal, and the family’s ability to overcome adversity and rebuild.
PILLOW: Emblematic of authority, comfort, and rest, representing nurturing and leadership within the family.
PLATE: Silver disc, said to denote Crusader involvement, representing family historical connections.
POMEGRANATE: Seedy fruit, ancient symbol of plenty, fertility, and family abundance.
PORTCULLIS: Armored gate, symbol of protection, security, and defense of family home and members.
PROBOSCIS: Elephant trunk, emblem of nobility, wisdom, and strength, representing family dignity.
QUATREFOIL: Primrose, symbol of spring, renewal, and immortality, adopted by the Church, representing family hope.
QUIVER: Arrow case, symbolizes military readiness, preparedness, and family protection.
RABBIT: Termed a coney, emblem of courage, resourcefulness, and quick wit in family matters.
RAINBOW: Symbol of hope, promise, and divine blessing for the family’s future.
RAM: Male sheep, emblem of strength, determination, and leadership within the family.
RAVEN: Symbol of Divine Providence, guidance, and perhaps a connection to fate or destiny for the family.
ROCK: Pun for surnames, emblem of security, stability, and enduring family foundation.
ROSE: Symbol of love, beauty, honor, and English heritage, also York (white) and Lancaster (red) houses.
SALAMANDER: In flames, emblem of sacrifice, courage, and enduring faith within the family.
SALMON: Irish symbol of knowledge, wisdom, and ancestral wisdom passed down through family.
SAVAGE: Wild man with club, symbol of strength, valor, and primal family protective instincts.
SCEPTRE: Royal staff, emblematic of authority, justice, and family leadership.
SCIMITAR: Curved Saracen sword, denotes Crusader participation, representing family historical involvement.
SCYTHE: Emblem of husbandry, harvest, and family connection to land and agriculture.
SEAX: Notched scimitar, Essex symbol, representing regional family identity and heritage.
SHAMROCK: Irish symbol of Trinity and Ireland, representing faith and Irish family roots.
SHEAF: Termed garb, emblem of peace, plenty, and family prosperity and togetherness.
SHELL: Symbol of pilgrimage, journey, and perhaps family travels or spiritual quests.
SHIELD: Emblem of defense, protection, and family unity against adversity.
SIREN: Mermaid, emblem of eloquence, charm, and perhaps family storytelling traditions.
SKELETON: Emblem of mortality, reminder of life’s brevity and family legacy. Crowned skeleton symbolizes Christian death.
SNAIL: Rare, symbol of patience, perseverance, and slow but steady family progress.
SNAKE: Emblematic of wisdom, healing, and medicine, representing family care and knowledge.
SPEAR: In many forms, symbolizes knighthood, service, and family protection.
SPUR: Emblem of readiness, action, and quick response to family needs and challenges.
SQUIRREL: Early symbol of patience, resourcefulness, and preparation for the future of the family.
STAG: Common heraldic animal, “at gaze,” emblem of one who defends if provoked, representing family dignity.
STONE: Symbol of solidity, stability, and enduring family foundation.
SUN: “In splendor” with face, emblem of glory, brilliance, and family aspirations.
SWAN: Royal bird, symbol of harmony, grace, and beauty within the family.
SWORD: Age-old emblem of honor in battle, justice, and defense of family and principles.
TALBOT: Medieval hunting hound, emblematic of loyalty, leadership, and family guidance.
THISTLE: Heraldic badge of Scotland, representing Scottish family heritage and resilience.
THUNDERBOLT: Emblem of power, strength, and divine force, sometimes Jupiter’s Thunderbolt.
TIGER, HERALDIC: Distinct from Bengal tiger, symbol of courage, fierceness, and family protection.
TILTING SPEAR: Tournament lance, emblematic of knighthood, honor, and family chivalry.
TOWER: Symbol of strength, protection, and family stronghold, representing security and defense.
TRIDENT: Three-pronged fork, emblem of dominion over the seas and perhaps family maritime connections.
TUN: Barrel, emblematic of industry, abundance, and family trade or prosperity.
UNICORN: Mythical creature symbolizing purity, innocence, and courage in defending family values.
VINE LEAVES: Symbol of abundance, festivity, and the fruitful growth of the family.
VULTURE: Uncommon, emblem of rapacity, perhaps symbolizing a family’s fierceness in protecting resources.
WALL: Symbol of solidity, defense, and family boundaries and protection.
WATER-BOUGET: Water carrier, symbol of service, provision, and military support for the family.
WHALE: Emblematic of patience, understanding, and perhaps family connection to the sea or vastness.
WHEAT: Symbol of plenty, harvest, and family prosperity and sustenance.
WHEEL: Symbol of industry, progress, and often a pun on surnames like Carter, representing family trade.
WING: Termed Vol in heraldry, emblem of protection, freedom, and soaring family aspirations.
WYVERN: Dragon-serpent hybrid, symbol of courage, strength, and family protection.
WOOL-PACK: Emblem of industry, trade, and family prosperity through commerce.
YEW TREE: Ancient English symbol of hope, resilience, and enduring family legacy.
ZODIAC: Unusual, emblem of celestial sphere, representing family connection to the cosmos or destiny.
