Crests in Heraldry

When looking at a classical coat of arms, it is easy to think that everything centres on the shield.

The colours, charges, and divisions of the shield are, of course, the heart of the arms.

But above the shield, there is often another element that brings the arms to life.

This is the crest.

The crest is the figure that rises from the helmet above the shield.
It may be an animal, a symbol, a wing, a horn — or something entirely unique to the family.

In heraldry, the crest is not merely decorative.
It is often the most personal and dynamic element of the entire achievement.

Where the shield tells the story through symbols and colours, the crest gives the arms movement and character.

The origin of the crest

The crest originated in the tournaments of the Middle Ages.

When knights took part in tournaments, they often wore large and spectacular figures on top of their helmets.
These could include:

• wings
• horns
• animals
• banners
• or symbols from their arms

These figures made it easier to recognise the knight at a distance — even when the face was hidden behind armour.

But they served another purpose as well.

They made the knight visible and memorable.

A well-designed crest could make a knight recognisable across the tournament field long before his shield could be seen.

Over time, these figures became a permanent part of heraldry.
What began as tournament equipment evolved into a symbolic element of the coat of arms.

An echo of the shield

In many arms, the crest repeats an element from the shield.

If the shield shows a lion, the crest may be a lion rising.
If the shield shows an eagle, the crest may be an eagle's wing.

This creates a natural unity within the arms.

It almost feels as if the figure rises from the shield and continues upward into the helmet.

However, the crest does not need to be identical to the shield's charge.

Sometimes the crest is used to expand the story.

A shield might display an anchor as a symbol of stability and hope, while the crest could be a star pointing toward direction or the future.

In this way, the crest can add another layer to the achievement.

A place for personality

In modern family arms, the crest is often a natural place to introduce something personal.

Where the shield is usually kept clear and simple, the crest allows space for an element that feels unique to the family.

This might be:

• an animal symbolising strength or character
• an object representing a craft or passion
• a symbol passed down through generations

Some families also choose a crest that expresses movement or growth.

Where the shield tells who you are, the crest may suggest what you aspire to.

The crest and the direction of the helmet

In classical heraldry, the crest is closely tied to the helmet.

The type and direction of the helmet therefore influence how the crest is displayed.

A helmet facing forward may give a more formal and majestic impression.
A helmet turned to the side may give the arms a more dynamic and chivalric character.

The crest naturally follows the direction of the helmet, ensuring that the entire achievement appears as a unified composition.

This is one of the small details that make heraldry an art form.

Inspiration for a crest

When choosing a crest for a family coat of arms, it is often helpful to think in terms of forms that feel natural above the helmet.

The crest should not be overly complex.
It must remain clear — even when the arms are shown at a smaller scale.

Many classical crests are therefore simple, yet powerful.

Examples include:

• a lion rising
• a winged helm
• a star between two wings
• a horn
• an arm holding a sword

Such motifs give the arms a strong silhouette.

When the crest becomes the crown of the arms

In some achievements, the crest becomes the most striking element.

It gives the arms height and a sense of dignity.

When viewing a full heraldic achievement with:

• shield
• helmet
• mantling
• and crest

…it is often the crest that completes the whole.

It is the final element the eye meets.

Almost like a symbolic crown above the family's story.

Frequently asked questions about crests

What is a crest in a coat of arms?

A crest is the figure placed on top of the helmet above the shield in a full heraldic achievement. It may be an animal, a wing, a symbol, or an object representing the family or expanding the story of the arms.

Where the shield forms the core of the arms, the crest adds height, movement, and personality.

Is a crest the same as a helmet ornament?

Yes, in practice they refer to the same element.

In English heraldry, the correct term is crest. It refers specifically to the figure placed above the helmet.

Must a coat of arms have a crest?

No.

A coat of arms can exist as the shield alone. In fact, it is the shield and its blazon that define the arms.

When the helmet, mantling, and crest are added, one creates what is known as a full heraldic achievement.

Should the crest match the symbol on the shield?

Not necessarily.

Many arms repeat a motif from the shield in the crest to create visual unity, but this is not required.

A crest may also add a new dimension and represent something that complements the story of the shield.

What motifs are commonly used as crests?

Classical crests often include:

• animals
• wings
• horns
• weapons or tools
• arms holding objects
• stars or coronets

The motifs are typically chosen so they stand clearly above the helmet and create a strong silhouette.

Can a crest have personal meaning?

Yes — and this is often where families place a significant part of their personal story.

A crest may represent:

• a value the family holds
• a profession or craft
• a historical event
• a symbol of importance to the lineage

It is therefore an ideal place to add an extra narrative layer to the arms.

Are there rules for crests in heraldry?

There are traditions and stylistic principles, but fewer strict rules than for the shield itself.

The most important guidelines are:

• the motif should be clear and simple
• it should harmonise with the shield's symbols and colours
• it should remain legible even at smaller sizes

As with the rest of heraldry, it is about balance between tradition and personal expression.