Have you ever been captivated by a coat of arms or a family crest and wondered about the meaning behind the intricate symbols? You’re not alone. For centuries, these heraldic emblems have served as visual languages, communicating lineage, values, and history through a rich tapestry of images. While the precise interpretations may sometimes vary among heraldry experts, this comprehensive A-Z glossary, drawing upon decades of heraldic art expertise and extensive historical resources, aims to illuminate the symbolic ancestry woven into countless family names.
A
ABYSS: Representing the very heart of the shield, the abyss signifies the central honor point, a place of prominence and importance within the heraldic design.
ACORN: More than just a nut, the acorn is a powerful symbol of potential and plenty. In heraldry, it speaks to abundance and prosperity, often employed in a playful manner known as “canting arms,” where the symbol puns on the family name, such as “Acorn” itself.
ANCHOR: A steadfast emblem of hope and stability, the anchor, typically depicted with a rope, represents a life grounded in faith and unwavering resolve amidst life’s storms.
ANNULET: This simple ring carries significant weight, symbolizing strength and continuity. Historically, the annulet was also a Roman symbol of liberty, adding layers of meaning to its heraldic use.
ANT: Also referred to as the emmet, the ant is a tiny creature embodying immense virtues: patience, diligence, and foresight, reminding us of the power of persistent effort.
ANTELOPE (Heraldic): Unlike its real-world counterpart, the heraldic antelope is a mythical being of peace and harmony. It blends the stag’s body, unicorn’s tail, and formidable horns, creating a creature of both grace and strength, symbolizing gentle power.
APE and MONKEY: These primates are not symbols of mischief in heraldry, but rather of sagacity and wisdom. Notably, the ape appears in the crest of the Fitzgerald family, highlighting their esteemed lineage.
ARK-NOAH’S: A rare but powerful symbol, Noah’s Ark represents the Church, signifying salvation, refuge, and divine protection through faith.
ARM: A common motif in crests, the arm is a symbol of industry, strength, and capability, often depicted embowed (bent at the elbow) and sometimes wielding a weapon or tool to further emphasize action and labor.
ARROW: The arrow is the epitome of readiness and direction. Frequently used in canting arms for names like “Fletcher” (arrow maker), it symbolizes purpose, aim, and a swiftness to act.
ASS: While uncommon, the ass in heraldry represents patience, humility, and steadfastness, virtues often overlooked but highly valued.
AXE: A clear emblem of military service and unwavering duty, the axe speaks to courage and strength in battle. It’s a frequent charge in crests, less so on the main shield, signifying its role as a tool of action.
B
BADGER: Also known as a brock, the badger symbolizes intelligence and strategic thinking. Its rarity in heraldry adds to its distinctiveness and quiet strength.
BARNACLE: Surprisingly, this isn’t a sea creature in heraldry, but a tool for grooming horses. It represents service, care, and attention to duty, even in mundane tasks.
BAR-SHOT: A formidable symbol of military might, bar-shot – two cannonballs linked by an iron bar – speaks of naval power and destructive force in warfare.
BAT: Often misunderstood, the bat in heraldry embodies watchfulness and keen senses, navigating the darkness and symbolizing vigilance, not evil.
BEACON: Derived from the Saxon word “becnian,” the beacon is a call to action, a symbol of summoning, alerting, and rallying forces in times of need.
BEAR: A powerful and protective emblem, the bear represents family protection, courage, and ferocity when defending loved ones, a symbol of guardianship and strength.
BEAVER: Known for its industrious nature, the beaver symbolizes industry, perseverance, and resourcefulness, highlighting the virtues of hard work and determination.
BEE: A more common symbol of industry than the beaver, the bee specifically denotes a self-made individual, highlighting diligence, community, and the sweet rewards of labor.
BELL: The ringing bell serves as an emblem of warning, alarm, and a call to attention, but also can be used in canting arms for names like “Bell.”
BEZANT: This gold coin-like roundel symbolizes someone involved in banking, commerce, and fair dealing, representing wealth, integrity in business, and trustworthiness in financial matters.
BILLET: These oblong rectangles, said to represent building bricks, symbolize construction, foundation, and the building blocks of society or family.
BISHOP’S MITRE: A clear symbol of service to the Church, the Bishop’s Mitre represents religious authority, piety, and dedication to spiritual leadership.
BLACKAMOOR: Also termed a Moor, this controversial symbol represents someone who fought in the Crusades, denoting historical engagement in these significant religious wars.
BOAR: Also known as a Sanglier, the boar is a fierce and combative emblem, representing courage, resilience, and a willingness to fight fiercely for one’s beliefs or family.
BOOK: An enduring symbol of learning, knowledge, and a willingness to listen and be educated. Often depicted open with a motto, it emphasizes wisdom and the pursuit of understanding.
BUCKLE: Emblematic of fidelity, loyalty, and firmness, the buckle is especially common in Scottish arms, representing steadfastness and unbreakable bonds.
BUGLE HORN: Distinct from the hunting horn, the bugle horn is another symbol of military service, specifically signaling, communication, and readiness for battle.
BULL: Representing valor, strength, and virility, the bull is typically depicted walking, signifying power in motion and a steadfast, grounded strength.
BUTTERFLY: A delicate symbol of peace, transformation, and beauty. Used as canting arms in Butterfield families, it also represents metamorphosis and the fleeting nature of life.
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CADUCEUS: Also known as Mercury’s Rod, this symbol of entwined snakes on a staff represents wisdom, eloquence, commerce, and medicine, historically linked to the Greek god Hermes (Mercury).
CALDRON: This boiling pot denotes a willingness to do battle, representing readiness for conflict, courage, and perhaps hospitality and provision for warriors.
CALTRAP: A nasty device to disable cavalry horses, the caltrap is a stark emblem of warning, defense, and protection against enemies, a symbol of preparedness and strategic defense.
CAMELEOPARD: The ancient name for a giraffe, the cameleopard signifies someone who distinguished themselves in Africa, representing exploration, exotic lands, and unique achievements.
CANNON: A straightforward symbol of military service, power, and defense, the cannon highlights martial prowess and readiness to protect.
CAP OF MAINTENANCE: Also simply termed a Cap, this denotes service to King and country, representing loyalty, honor, and dedication to sovereign and nation.
CARTWHEEL: A common symbol of industry and labor, the cartwheel also features in canting arms, such as for the Carter family, representing occupation and industriousness.
CASTLE: The quintessential emblem of safety, security, and defense. In arms like those of Gonzalez, it represents strength, protection, and a fortified lineage.
CAT (Wildcat): Not the domestic feline, but the Scottish wildcat, representing vigilance, independence, and fierce courage. A symbol of untamed spirit and bravery.
CATHERINE WHEEL: A symbol of martyrdom, derived from the torture device associated with Saint Catherine, representing faith, suffering for belief, and spiritual endurance.
CHAPLET: The chaplet of leaves or roses is an emblem of peace, joy, and triumph, representing honor, victory, and harmonious resolution.
CHOUGH: This raven-like bird, often black or red-legged, symbolizes death, but also vigilance and sometimes pilferage or cunning.
CINQUEFOIL: This five-petaled flower is said to denote joy, pleasantness, and plenty, representing optimism, abundance, and flourishing prosperity.
CLAYMORE: The iconic Highland broadsword, the claymore, represents military fortitude, Scottish heritage, strength in battle, and martial prowess.
CLOUD: Symbolic of faith, consistency, and divinity, clouds represent God, heaven, and constancy through changing times, often associated with divine favor.
COCK (Rooster): The rooster embodies vigilance, virility, bravery, and courage. Its association with dawn signifies awakening, alertness, and boldness.
COCKATRICE: A mythical creature combining rooster and dragon features, the cockatrice is a fantastic heraldic monster symbolizing sin, but also terror and sometimes protection against evil.
CORMORANT: This sea bird denotes wisdom, watchfulness, and resourcefulness, often associated with the sea and coastal regions, symbolizing adaptability.
CORNUCOPIA: The horn of plenty, overflowing with fruits and flowers, is a classic symbol of abundance, prosperity, and generosity, representing wealth and bounty.
CRAB: An uncommon but intriguing symbol, the crab represents patience, cunning, and protection, due to its hard shell and sideways movement.
CRANE: Often depicted holding a stone (to stay awake), the crane is an ancient representation of vigilance, watchfulness, and longevity, symbolizing alertness and careful guardianship.
CRESCENT: Said to denote service in the Crusades, the crescent, particularly when reversed, is associated with Islamic symbolism and Crusader campaigns in the Holy Land.
CROSS: The preeminent symbol of Christianity, with over 200 variations in heraldry, the cross represents faith, sacrifice, redemption, and Christian belief.
CUSHION: A symbol of authority, dignity, and state, the cushion, often tasselled, represents rank, honor, and sometimes ease or comfort associated with high status.
D
DAGGER: A short sword symbolizing honor in battle, courage, and chivalry, the dagger is a common charge in crests, representing personal valor and readiness to defend honor.
DART: Essentially an arrow, the dart symbolizes readiness, swiftness, and purpose. Some heraldic depictions may distinguish it slightly, but the meaning remains similar to the arrow.
DOLPHIN: In heraldry, the dolphin is not Flipper, but a stylized creature of charity, swiftness, and love. Often depicted green and red with scales and spikes, it symbolizes benevolence and playfulness.
DOVE: The gentle dove is a universal emblem of peace, purity, gentleness, and chastity, representing tranquility, hope, and divine spirit.
DRAGON: This powerful and fearsome heraldic monster embodies courage, strength, and protection. A symbol of might, valor, and a fierce guardian.
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EAGLE: The majestic eagle is emblematic of fortitude, courage, magnanimity of mind, and leadership. A symbol of power, vision, and soaring spirit.
ELEPHANT: Typically awarded to those who distinguished themselves in the Far East, the elephant represents wisdom, strength, memory, and dignity, associated with eastern cultures and achievements.
ENFIELD: A fantastical creature unique to heraldry, found on the crest of Kelly, the Enfield is a mix of eagle, fox, lion, and wolf, symbolizing strength, vigilance, and mythical power.
ESCALLOP SHELL: An early symbol of Christianity and pilgrimage, the escallop shell, often associated with Saint James, represents journey, faith, and travels, particularly to holy sites.
ESCARBUNCLE: An ancient symbol of a leader and strength, originally representing the radiating clasps and bolts that strengthened a shield, symbolizing protection and centrality.
EYE: The eternal emblem of providence, divine watchfulness, and wisdom. The all-seeing eye symbolizes omniscience, protection, and spiritual insight.
F
FALCON: Representing a man of action, determination, and keen pursuit, the falcon symbolizes focus, speed, and relentless drive to achieve goals.
FASCES: Symbolizing authority, power, and justice, the fasces – bundles of rods with an axe – represent magisterial office and, historically, Roman authority. (Note: also associated with Italian Fascism).
FETTERLOCK: Often mistaken for a horse fetlock, it’s actually a medieval handcuff, symbolizing authority, restraint, and sometimes captivity or security.
FISH: Another common Christian symbol in heraldry, fish represent faith, abundance, and baptism, often associated with early Christian symbolism and the apostles.
FLEUR-DE-LYS: Said to represent the Christian Trinity, the fleur-de-lys is a stylized lily, a national emblem of France, but also common in English, Spanish, and Italian heraldry, symbolizing purity, royalty, and French heritage.
FORK (Hay or Dung): An emblem of industry, agriculture, and labor, the fork represents farming, hard work, and connection to the land.
FOX: Emblematic of intelligence, cunning, and a refusal to be captured, the fox symbolizes wit, strategy, and adaptability.
FRET: The true love knot of heraldry, the fret symbolizes intertwined bonds, persuasion, and sometimes network or connection.
FROG: The frog, often green, is a symbol of harmony, peace, and sometimes resurrection or renewal, representing tranquility and natural balance.
FUSIL: A spindle used in spinning, the fusil is an emblem of industry, production, and domestic skills, representing diligence and craftsmanship.
G
GALTRAP: Another term for the Cheval Trap or Caltrap, this spiked weapon is designed to disable cavalry and serves as an emblem of warning and defense against mounted attacks.
GARB: A sheaf of wheat, the garb is a classic symbol of plenty, harvest, and abundance, representing fertility, prosperity, and agricultural wealth.
GAUNTLET: Signifying military service, protection, and readiness for combat, the gauntlet represents strength, defense, and martial commitment.
GILLYFLOWER: An ancient emblem of generosity, beauty, and love, the gillyflower (carnation or pink) symbolizes charity, kindness, and floral elegance.
GLOBE: When shown fractured with clouds and a rainbow, the globe becomes a symbol of hope after adversity, representing resilience, global reach, and optimism after trials.
GOAT: Emblematic of persistence, strength, and virility, the goat symbolizes determination, hardiness, and sometimes stubbornness or independence.
GRAPE: Denoting industry and plenty, grapes and vines represent fruitfulness, agriculture, celebration, and the bounty of the earth.
GRENADE: In heraldry, the grenade (bomb) is not necessarily about destruction, but serves as a warning, alarm, and readiness for defense, symbolizing vigilance and potential danger.
GRIFFIN: The majestic griffin, a mythical mix of eagle and lion, is the most well-known heraldic monster, embodying valor, courage, strength, vigilance, and guardianship.
H
HALBERT: A battle axe mounted on a long shaft, the halbert is a symbol of military service, authority, and strength in arms, representing martial prowess and readiness for war.
HAND: Emblematic of faith, trust, justice, and sincerity, the hand, often dexter (right) or sinister (left), symbolizes honesty, oath-keeping, and manual skill.
HARE: Denoting one who is intelligent in warfare, swift, and alert, the hare symbolizes agility, quick thinking, and strategic prowess in battle.
HARP: The harp is the heraldic symbol of Ireland for centuries, representing Irish heritage, music, culture, and sometimes sovereignty and joy.
HARPY: A mythical creature, a cross between a virgin and a vulture, the harpy’s meaning is debated, but often associated with swiftness, fierceness, and sometimes retribution.
HAWK: Like the falcon, the hawk is the symbol of a man of action, keen sight, and determination, representing focus, hunting prowess, and sharp intellect.
HAWTHORN TREE: Denoting bad luck to one’s enemies, the hawthorn tree symbolizes protection, defense, and a warning to adversaries, sometimes associated with folklore and magic.
HEART: Often depicted in flames, the heart is a universal emblem of love, devotion, charity, and sincerity, representing affection, passion, and heartfelt emotion.
HEDGEHOG: An ancient symbol of cunning, resourcefulness, and perseverance, the hedgehog represents defense, protection, and quiet strength.
HIND: The female of the stag, the hind is emblematic of one who will fight if provoked, representing gentleness unless threatened, and defensive courage.
HORSE: Denoting one who is ready for battle, nobility, and swiftness, the horse symbolizes readiness, action, and equestrian prowess.
HORSE SHOE: The age-old symbol of good luck, protection against evil, and fortune, the horseshoe represents good omen, protection, and often associated with blacksmithing.
HOUND (Talbot): Usually the Talbot breed, the hound is an emblem of leadership, loyalty, and courage in the hunt, representing guidance, faithfulness, and tracking ability.
HYDRA: A fantastic monster with seven heads (regenerating when cut off), the Hydra symbolizes fortitude, overcoming adversity, and resilience against challenges.
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IBIS: The Egyptian bird, the Ibis, is emblematic of patience, wisdom, and virtue, associated with ancient Egyptian mythology and knowledge.
IMPERIAL EAGLE: An eagle with two heads, the Imperial Eagle symbolizes fortitude, magnanimity of mind, and imperial power, representing double vigilance and widespread dominion.
INK-MOLINE: The center of a mill wheel (millrind), the ink-moline is an emblem of industry, mechanics, and often associated with milling or grinding.
IVY: The clinging ivy symbolizes eternal life, strong bonds, and fidelity, representing everlasting connection, resilience, and clinging affection.
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JACKDAW: A member of the crow family, the jackdaw, similar to the chough and raven, can symbolize death, but also cleverness and sometimes pilferage.
JANUS HEAD: Depicting the two-faced Roman god Janus, this symbol represents the passage of time, wisdom, and looking to both the past and future.
JOUSTING LANCE: Symbol of a knight in service, chivalry, and martial skill in tournaments, the jousting lance represents knighthood and honorable combat.
K
KEY: An emblem of one in the service of the Church, authority, knowledge, and guardianship, the key represents access, secrets, and sometimes prison or confinement.
KINGFISHER: Symbol of the halcyon of the ancients, peace, and tranquility, the kingfisher is rare in heraldry, representing calm, serenity, and mythical peace.
KNOT: In its many forms (e.g., Stafford Knot, Bowen Knot), the knot is a symbol of love, faith, and intertwined destinies, representing connection, unity, and unbreakable bonds.
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LAMB (Passant with Flag): Typically depicted passant (walking) with a staff and banner (flag of St. George), the lamb is the emblem of Christianity, innocence, gentleness, and sacrifice, representing Christ as the Lamb of God.
LANCE: Denoting one in active service as a knight, courage, and readiness for battle, the lance represents knighthood, chivalry, and martial commitment.
LARK: An ancient symbol of eloquence, joy, and daybreak, the lark represents communication, cheerfulness, and the beginning of a new day.
LAUREL: Often shown as a wreath, laurel is the emblem of triumph, victory, honor, and peace, representing achievement, glory, and recognition.
LEGS IN ARMOR (Manx Legs): The emblem of the Isle of Man, also seen in arms like MacLeod, the three legs in armor symbolize stability, defense, and Manx heritage, representing resistance and territorial claim.
LEOPARD: Emblematic of a valiant warrior, fierceness, and courage, the leopard is often interchangeable with the lion in heraldry, representing bravery and martial skill.
LILY (Fleur-de-Lys or Natural Lily): The regular lily, not the stylized fleur-de-lys, is a symbol of purity, innocence, and resurrection, representing virginity, virtue, and floral elegance.
LION: Regarded as the noblest of beasts, the lion is the most well-known heraldic symbol, representing strength, valor, courage, royalty, and magnanimity.
LIZARD: An emblem of vigilance, agility, and adaptability, the lizard symbolizes alertness, quickness, and ability to survive in diverse environments.
LOCHABER AXE: From the Scottish region of Lochaber, this polearm is a symbol of military duty, Scottish heritage, and strength in battle, representing martial prowess and Highland tradition.
LOZENGE: A diamond-shaped symbol, the lozenge specifically denotes a widow in heraldry, representing lineage through the female line and widowhood.
LURE (Hawk’s Lure): A device to recall hawks, the lure is an emblem of pursuit, hunting, and desire, representing ambition, chase, and allure.
LYMPHAD: An ancient one-masted ship (galley), the lymphad is emblematic of expedition, seafaring, and naval prowess, representing voyages, maritime trade, and exploration.
LYNX: The wildcat, similar to the cat and leopard, denotes vigilance, keen eyesight, and sharp senses, representing alertness and sharp perception.
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MACE: An ornamental staff, the mace is the emblem of authority, justice, and magisterial power, representing civic authority and ceremonial office.
MAUNCH: The sleeve of a lady’s dress, the maunch denotes service as a knight to a lady, chivalry, and high honor, representing devotion to courtly love and service to women.
MARINE-WOLF (Seal): A fanciful name for a seal, the marine-wolf is a symbol of vigilance at sea, adaptability, and resourcefulness in marine environments.
MARTLET: A swallow-like bird thought to be footless in medieval times, the martlet symbolizes somebody who subsists on wings of virtue, agility, and often younger sons or landless individuals, representing mobility and grace.
MERMAID (Siren): The age-old symbol of eloquence, charm, and allure, the mermaid or siren represents persuasive speech, enchantment, and sometimes danger.
MILL-RIND (Ink-Moline): The center part of the mill wheel, the mill-rind, like the ink-moline, is a symbol of industry, mechanics, and milling, representing labor and productivity.
MILL-WHEEL: Another symbol of industry, mechanics, and productivity, the mill-wheel often appears in the arms of families like Miller, representing occupation and industriousness.
MITRE: Emblem of high authority in the Church, the mitre represents ecclesiastical rank, spiritual leadership, and religious office.
MOON (Crescent Moon): Emblematic of serenity, chastity, and sometimes change or cycles, the moon represents tranquility, purity, and lunar symbolism.
MULLET (Star): A star of 5, 6, 8, or 12 points, the mullet is associated with military service, honor, and nobility, representing celestial guidance, rank, and sometimes divine favor.
MURAL CROWN: A crown composed of bricks or stones, the mural crown is an emblem of civic power, fortification, and urban authority, representing city walls and defense.
MYRTLE: Given to victors at the Julian Games, myrtle symbolizes victory, honor, and love, representing triumph, peace, and poetic achievement.
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NAIL: A symbol of passion, suffering, and sometimes craft or construction, the nail represents the nails of Christ’s crucifixion and sometimes carpentry or building skills.
NAVAL CROWN: Denotes service in the navy, composed of masts and rigging, the naval crown represents maritime service, naval victory, and seafaring prowess.
NIGHTINGALE: Emblematic of eloquence, truth, and beauty of voice, the nightingale represents communication, song, and honesty.
O
OAK (Tree or Leaf): Painted as a tree or leaf, the oak is an emblem of virtue, strength, endurance, and antiquity, representing resilience, long life, and steadfastness.
OLIVE TREE (Branch): The best-known symbol of peace and harmony, the olive branch or tree represents tranquility, reconciliation, and victory in peace.
OSTRICH: An emblem of knowledge, understanding, and sometimes swallowing difficulties, the ostrich represents wisdom, learning, and ability to overcome obstacles.
OTTER: Denoting one who is intelligent, playful, and industrious, the otter symbolizes resourcefulness, adaptability, and sometimes amphibious nature.
OWL: No surprise, the owl is the symbol of prudence, wisdom, and knowledge, representing learning, insight, and nocturnal vigilance.
OX: An emblem of persistence, strength, and patience, the ox symbolizes steadfastness, hard work, and agricultural labor.
P
PALMER STAFF and SCRIPT: Along with the Palmer’s Script (scroll), the Palmer Staff are symbols of those who fought in the Crusades or went on pilgrimages, representing religious journeys and devotion.
PARCHMENT (Scroll): Depicted as a roll, parchment is an emblem of wisdom, learning, and records, representing knowledge, literacy, and historical documentation.
PEACOCK: A symbol of power, omniscience, beauty, and resurrection, the peacock is often used in ecclesiastical heraldry, representing glory, immortality, and vanity.
PEAR: Used as a canting device for names like Perry, the pear is a symbol of plenty, sweetness, and fruitfulness, representing abundance and specific family names.
PEGASUS: The winged horse Pegasus is the emblem of fame, poetic inspiration, and swiftness, representing glory, imagination, and rapid achievement.
PELICAN (Vulning): Normally depicted “vulning” (wounding herself in the chest to feed her young), the pelican is a powerful symbol of charity, sacrifice, and parental love, representing selflessness and nurturing.
PENTAGON: Rarely found in heraldry, the pentagon (five-sided figure) is an emblem of health, safety, and protection, representing well-being and security.
PHEON: A broad arrowhead, the pheon symbolizes readiness to do battle, military preparedness, and sharp focus, representing aim and attack.
PHOENIX: Known universally as the symbol of resurrection, immortality, and rebirth, the phoenix represents renewal, overcoming death, and cyclical life.
PILLOW (Cushion): Emblematic of authority, ease, and rest, the pillow or cushion represents rank, comfort, and sometimes sleep or repose.
PLATE: A silver roundel, the plate is said to denote involvement in the Crusades or silver coinage, representing wealth, pilgrimage, and sometimes purity.
POMEGRANATE: This seedy fruit is an ancient symbol of plenty, fertility, and abundance, representing prosperity, numerous offspring, and richness.
PORTCULLIS: The armored gate with chains and spikes, the portcullis is a symbol of protection, defense, and security, representing fortified strongholds and guarded entrances.
PROBOSCIS (Elephant Trunk): The elephant trunk, or proboscis, is an emblem of nobility, strength, and wisdom, specifically associated with the elephant’s power and intelligence.
Q
QUATREFOIL: The primrose, an early spring flower in Europe, the quatrefoil (four-lobed leaf) is a symbol of revived nature, immortality, and was adopted by the Church, representing renewal and hope.
QUIVER: A case filled with arrows, the quiver symbolizes military readiness, preparedness for battle, and provision, representing weaponry and defense.
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RABBIT (Coney): Termed a coney, the rabbit is an emblem of courage, wisdom, and fertility, representing bravery, intelligence, and prolific nature.
RAINBOW: A symbol of hope, promise, and prosperity after storms, the rainbow represents divine promise, good fortune after hardship, and optimism.
RAM: The male sheep, the ram is an emblem of strength, determination, and leadership, representing force, perseverance, and headship.
RAVEN: The symbol of Divine Providence, guidance, and sometimes ill-omen or death, the raven represents divine will, prophecy, and sometimes cunning.
ROCK: Often used as a pun on surnames like “Rockwood,” the rock is an emblem of security, stability, and firmness, representing steadfastness and foundation.
ROSE: Denotes distinction, beauty, love, and is used to denote belonging to the Houses of York (white rose) or Lancaster (red rose), and is the national symbol of England, representing English heritage, beauty, and sometimes conflict.
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SALAMANDER: Depicted in flames, the salamander is an emblem of sacrifice, courage, and purity, representing endurance in fire, faith tested by adversity, and sometimes royalty.
SALMON: From ancient times in Ireland, the salmon is the symbol of knowledge, wisdom, and prophecy, associated with Irish mythology and deep understanding.
SAVAGE (Wild Man): A wild man, usually painted with a club or tree, is a common symbol of strength, valor, and untamed nature, representing primal force and courage.
SCEPTRE: A royal staff, the sceptre is emblematic of authority, sovereignty, and royal power, representing kingship and dominion.
SCIMITAR: The curved sword of the Saracens, the scimitar denotes one who took part in the Crusades, or fought in the East, representing Crusader campaigns and martial experience in the Holy Land.
SCYTHE: The emblem of husbandry, harvest, and time, not just death, the scythe represents agriculture, reaping rewards, and the passage of time.
SEAX: A scimitar with a notch, the seax is the symbol of the county of Essex, England, representing regional identity and Saxon heritage.
SHAMROCK: While trefoil is more common, the shamrock (specifically) is the symbol of the Christian Trinity and Ireland, representing Irish identity, faith, and national emblem.
SHEAF (Garb): Termed a garb in heraldry, a sheaf of wheat is an emblem of peace and plenty, harvest, and abundance, representing agricultural wealth and prosperity.
SHELL (Escallop): Worn on the sleeve as a symbol of pilgrimage, the shell, especially escallop, represents journeys, religious devotion, and travels to holy sites.
SHIELD: Used as an emblem of defense, protection, and security, the shield represents safeguard, defense against enemies, and heraldic display.
SIREN (Mermaid): A mermaid, the siren is the emblem of eloquence, charm, and persuasive speech, representing alluring communication and enchantment.
SKELETON: The emblem of mortality, death, and human frailty, the skeleton, when with a crown, symbolizes Christian death, representing human condition and afterlife.
SNAIL: Rarely encountered, the snail is a symbol of patience, reward after slow progress, and deliberation, representing perseverance and steady advancement.
SNAKE (Serpent): A common heraldic charge, the snake or serpent is emblematic of wisdom, medicine (Caduceus), and sometimes temptation or cunning, representing knowledge and healing.
SPEAR: In its many forms (lance, javelin), the spear symbolizes a knight in service, martial readiness, and direct action, representing combat and attack.
SPUR: An emblem of readiness to do battle, chivalry, and haste, the spur represents prompt action, knighthood, and eagerness for combat.
SQUIRREL: An early symbol of patience, frugality, and perseverance, the squirrel represents preparation, resourcefulness, and gathering for the future.
STAG: A very common heraldic animal, often shown “at gaze” (head turned), the stag is an emblem of one who will fight if provoked, nobility, and grace, representing defensive courage and princely bearing.
STONE (Rock): A symbol of solidity, foundation, and strength, the stone or rock represents stability, firmness, and sometimes remembrance or monuments.
SUN (Sun in Splendor): Often depicted with a face and termed “in its splendor,” the sun is the emblem of glory, brilliance, life, and truth, representing radiance, illumination, and divine light.
SWAN: The royal bird, the swan is the symbol of harmony, grace, beauty, and light, representing elegance, music, and purity.
SWORD: The age-old emblem of honor in battle, justice, and courage, the sword represents martial valor, righteousness, and authority.
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TALBOT (Hound): A medieval type of hunting hound, the Talbot is emblematic of leadership, loyalty, and courage in the hunt, representing guidance, faithfulness, and tracking ability.
THISTLE: The heraldic badge of Scotland, the thistle represents Scottish heritage, resilience, and defiance, national emblem and prickly defense.
THUNDERBOLT: The emblem of Jupiter (Zeus), power, and divine force, the thunderbolt represents strength, divine wrath, and overwhelming power.
TIGER (Heraldic): Distinct from the Bengal tiger, the heraldic tiger is a symbol of courage, ferocity, and strength, representing martial prowess and exotic power.
TILTING SPEAR (Tournament Lance): A tournament lance, the tilting spear is emblematic of a knight in service, chivalry in peacetime, and martial skill in sport, representing knighthood and honorable competition.
TOWER: The symbol of strength, protection, and defense, the tower represents fortification, security, and resilience against attack.
TRIDENT: A three-pronged fork, the trident is an emblem of dominion over the sea, naval power, and often associated with Neptune/Poseidon, representing maritime authority.
TUN (Barrel): A barrel or tun is emblematic of industry, commerce, and sometimes hospitality, representing trade, brewing, and provision.
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UNICORN: The mythical unicorn, with the head, neck, and body of a horse, buck legs, lion tail, and twisted horn, is a symbol of purity, innocence, and power, representing magic, healing, and untamed grace.
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VINE LEAVES: A symbol of industry, plenty, and joy, vine leaves and grapes represent fruitfulness, celebration, and the bounty of nature.
VULTURE: An uncommon emblem of rapacity, keen sight, and sometimes purification, the vulture represents scavenging, sharp vision, and sometimes cleansing or renewal.
W
WALL (Embattled Wall): A symbol of solidity, defense, and fortification, the wall, often embattled (with crenellations), represents protection, urban defense, and strong boundaries.
WATER-BOUGET: A device used in ancient times to carry water to the camp, the water-bouget is a symbol of military service, provision, and resourcefulness, representing supply and logistical support.
WHALE: Emblematic of patience, understanding, and sometimes vastness or power, the whale represents oceanic strength, wisdom, and endurance.
WHEAT (Garb): A symbol of plenty, harvest, and abundance, wheat, like the garb or sheaf, represents agricultural wealth and prosperity.
WHEEL (Cartwheel, Mill Wheel): A symbol of industry, fortune, and sometimes cyclical nature, the wheel, whether cartwheel or mill wheel, represents labor, movement, and destiny.
WING (Vol): Termed a Vol in heraldry, the wing is an emblem of protection, swiftness, and freedom, representing flight, defense, and spiritual aspiration.
WYVERN: A mythical creature, a cross between a dragon and a serpent, the wyvern is a symbol of courage, strength, and pestilence (sometimes), representing martial prowess and mythical power.
WOOL-PACK: An emblem of industry, specifically wool trade, and wealth, the wool-pack represents commerce, textile industry, and prosperity from wool.
Y
YEW TREE: An ancient English symbol of hope, longevity, and resilience, the yew tree represents endurance, remembrance, and sometimes mourning.
Z
ZODIAC: An unusual emblem representing the celestial sphere, astrology, and cosmic influence, the zodiac symbolizes the heavens, fate, and astrological significance.
This glossary serves as a starting point in your exploration of Family Crest Symbols. Delving into heraldry opens a fascinating window into history, tradition, and the symbolic language that connects us to our ancestors. As you research your own family crest, remember that these symbols are not just decorative elements, but meaningful representations of identity, values, and the enduring stories of families through time.
