How to Find My German Family Crest

Crests were used in Europe to distinguish members of different families.

Family crests began to gain popularity in Germany and other European countries during the Middle Ages as a way to distinguish members of different families. The crests usually displayed a family's coat of arms and often would be seen on decorated shields or tunics. In modern times, a family crest or coat of arms can be put on many different items such as mugs and T-shirts. Family crest search engines can be found on the Web and hold a database of many German family crests.

Instructions

1. Navigate to a family crest Website such as House of Names, which is listed in the References section.

2. Enter the surname for the family crest you would like to find in the surname search engine found in the upper left of the Web page, and then click "Go." This will find family crests for German surnames, as well as those of other origins such as British or Irish.

3. View the family crest on the right side of the next page. A surname origin, family history as well as notable people who hold the surname also can be found on the page. You have the option of buying products with the family crest printed on it by clicking the image of the family crest.

References

• House of Names: Coat of Arms & Family Crests