How to Create an Online Family Crest

Stars on a family crest are believed to indicate a divine quality.

A family crest, also known as a coat of arms, visually represents the values for which a family stands. Fleur-de-lis Designs, a custom family crest designer explains that the origins of heraldry, "the art of blazoning, assigning, and marshaling a coat of arms," are unknown. By the year 1400, in order to participate in a tournament in Europe, a knight had to have a coat of arms. You may not need your family crest for a jousting tournament, but you can create one to represent your family online at several websites.

Instructions

1. Create a very basic family crest online using the family crest maker at the Alnwick Castle website, alnwickcastle.com. With simple options for color, graphics and design, this tool is ideal for younger family members who want to make their own family crest. The tool allows you to print copies of your design for free.

2. Use the Design a Coat of Arms tool at the Victoria and Albert Museum website, vam.ac.uk, to create a family crest. This tool allows you to create a crest with options for the type of shield, the style of shield division and the color. You can select from five "subordinary" designs and add one of five mottos. The tool allows you to print copies of your design free.

3. Visit Make Your Coat of Arms to create a personalized family crest, makeyourcoatofarms.com. This tool offers a wide range of options for every aspect of your crest. You are able to add your own text to the crest, including your family name and your own motto. You have the option of printing free copies of your design or ordering items with your family crest from the Make Your Coat of Arms website.

References

• Fleur-de-lis Designs: A Brif History of Heraldry
• Fleur-de-lis Designs: The Meanings Behind the Symbols

Resources

• Alnwick Castle: Family Crest Maker
• Victoria and Albert Museum: Design a Coat of Arms
• Make Your Coat of Arms: Coat of Arms Application