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Every Coat of Arms ordered from AncestralName will be accompanied by a booklet which includes the full heraldic description of the Arms for the commissioned name(s), including a translation of the Motto, and the explanations and symbolic meanings of the Charges depicted.  For an example...

CHEQUY is a design of squares in two colours and is a symbol of wisdom and verity.

COMPONY COUNTER-COMPONY is a design of two lines of squares using two colours, and is symbol of wisdom and verity.

The ANCHOR is usually borne in armory as the Christian emblem of Hope. It is also symbolic of safety, security and good luck.

The ARROW symbolises Martial readiness.

The AXE, long associated with thunder gods, is an emblem of a warrior, chief or divine being.

The BATON is a staff given to high officers, borne as a symbol of authority.

The BEAR is an emblem of strength and policy, also ferocity in the protection of family. It was highly valued as an heraldic device.

The BEND is a diagonal band and represents either the scarf or the shield suspender of a Knight commander.

The BOAR is the armorial bearing of a warrior.

The BOAR’S HEAD was an emblem of hospitality and an important feudal offering. It was often the fee due to the King or to the great lord as the condition of feudal tenure.

The BORDER or Bordure is a coloured strip round the edge of the Shield.

The BUCKLE is a symbol of fidelity and protection.

The CAMEL symbolises docility, dignity and stamina.

The CANTON is an honourable bearing, resembling a flag, placed at the top corner of the shield.

The CAT-A-MOUNTAIN signifies liberty, vigilance, forecast and courage. It is a common charge on the Arms of those clans affiliated to Clan Chattan, or the Clan of the Cats.

The CHEVRON is an embowed ‘v’- shaped band and signifies Protection.

The CHIEF is a horizontal section at the top of the Shield and signifies Dominion and Authority.

The CINQUEFOIL symbolises a five-petalled flower and signifies hope and joy.


The CROSS is the badge of the Christian and regarded as the most honourable charge in heraldry. It was originally adopted by those who had served in the Crusades.

The CUTLASS is a curved SWORD.

The DOG signifies courage, vigilancy and fidelity.

The DOVE represents love and peace and symbolises a messenger of good tidings, also innocence and gentleness.

The DRAGON is a symbol of a defender of treasure.

The EAGLE is emblematic of strength, power, and a noble nature.

The ELEPHANT signifies courage and strength.

The FALCON, associated with keen eyesight, signifies determination to one’s desires.

The FESS is a horizontal band borne in the centre of the shield and represents the military belt of honour.

The FEATHER signifies willing obedience and serenity and is emblematic of steadiness through difficult times. The original bearing of Feathers in heraldry is said to date from the Crusades.

The FLAUNCHES: This bearing comprises rounded segments on each side of the shield.

The FINGER RING, or ANNULET, is an emblem of fidelity, eternity, dignity and strength.

The GRIFFIN, one of heraldry’s fabulous creatures, has the head, wings and talons of an Eagle and the body of a Lion. It is one of the principal bearings in heraldry and symbolises someone who would rather fight to the death than be held captive. It also symbolises Vigilancy.

The GYRON is a triangular shaped section and, as it is never borne singly, it signifies Unity.

The GYRONNY consists of six to twelve GYRONS.

The HAND is the pledge of faith, sincerity and justice. It signifies power, strength, providence and blessing.

The HAND in ARMOUR signifies a man armed for martial duty and enterprise.

The HEART signifies a man of sincerity, one who speaks the truth from his heart. It is often used as an emblem of Charity.

The HEDGEHOG signifies a prudent or thrifty provider.

The HORSE signifies readiness for all employments for King and Country.

The HUNTING HORN was an emblem of the Chase or Hunt which were anciently reckoned, next to war, to be the most noble employment.

The LION is heraldry’s definitive symbol of courage.

The LIZARD is a small reptile often used in the arms of ancient Irish families. Generally, the Lizard was regarded as a symbol of silence.

The LYMPHAD, or Galley, refers to an expedition by sea by which perhaps the first bearers had become famous. It symbolises adventure and exploration, but also safety.

The LYNX is a rare bearing in heraldry, and, as the lion signifies a brave man, itself signifies a beautiful woman, fierce in nature but loving to her young.

The MOOR’S HEAD refers to conflicts with the Saracens and to deeds of prowess in the Crusades. Human Heads in Heraldry signify Honour.

The MULLET is a star fallen from above to denote Divine qualities of virtue, learning and piety.

The MURAL CROWN, adorned with battlements, signifies the defender of a fortress and was a token of civil honour.

The OAK TREE signifies Antiquity and Strength. Wreaths of oak leaves were consecrated to Jupiter and awarded to those who had saved life. In Christianity the Oak Tree is a symbol of Christ as strength in adversity and also as steadfastness in faith and virtue. The acorn was a Celtic symbol of life and immortality.

The OLIVE BRANCH is the emblem of Peace and Concord.

The ORLE is an inner Border that does not touch the extremities of the shield. It signifies protection.

The PALE is a vertical band and denotes military strength and fortitude. The term originates from the ‘pales’ of wood soldiers used to collect to build their encampments.

The PALL is a bearing representing an archbishop’s pall or vestment.

The PILE can represent either the pieces of wood used by engineers in the construction of bridges, or of buildings on insecure ground, or, if only one is borne, more usually a Pennon or pointed flag.

The SALAMANDER, a mythical animal resembling a small dragon, was regarded as a Fire elemental which could resist and extinguish fire because its body was so cold.

The SALTIRE is a diagonal cross and the symbol of resolution.

The SEAHORSE, half Horse and half Fish, is one of the remarkable animals originating from the Crusades and pilgrimages to the Holy Land, when the tales of travellers suggested fabulous beasts for the varieties of distinguishing heraldic charges.

The SHIP signifies an expedition by sea by which perhaps the first bearers had become famous. It also symbolises safety.

The SNAKE, a very ancient symbol, is an emblem of wisdom.

The SPEAR is an emblem of honour and Knightly service.

The STAG signifies policy, peace and harmony.

The SWORD is a weapon of execution and justice and an emblem of military honour and power.

The UNICORN is one of heraldry’s fabulous beasts and symbolises virtue, strength and courage.

The WATER BOUGET symbolises the ancient custom of carrying water in skins, and is relevant in heraldry as the bearing for those who brought water to an army or to a besieged place.

The WHALE, by being an inhabitant of water, was anciently classed as a Fish. It is associated with regeneration and as a place of death and rebirth, as in the Old Testament symbol of Jonah.

The WHEAT SHEAF symbolises abundance and fertility and signifies fruition of one’s hopes.

The WHEEL is an emblem of destiny, fate and fortune.

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