Motto in a Coat of Arms

When you first look at a coat of arms, it is almost always the symbols that catch the eye.

A lion rising.
An eagle with outstretched wings.
A sword, a tree, or a star.

The colours create contrast.
The figures tell a story.

But if you let your gaze drift a little further, you will often find something else.

A ribbon.

And on that ribbon, a few words.

A motto.

The motto is a quiet part of a coat of arms — but often the most personal.
Where the symbols speak in images, the motto speaks in words.

It may be a statement of courage.
A reflection on loyalty.
A reminder of what the family stands for.

Some mottos consist of only a few words, yet they can hold the values of an entire family.

That is why a motto in heraldry has never been mere decoration.
It is the voice of the coat of arms.

From War Cry to Philosophy

The tradition of mottos in heraldry developed over several centuries.

In the Middle Ages, a motto was not always a refined or thoughtful phrase. Often, it began as something far more practical.

A cry.

When knights rode into battle or took part in tournaments, they used short battle cries to rally their followers and signal allegiance. These cries could be tied to a family, a lord, or a region.

Over time, the nature of the motto changed.

During the Renaissance, noble families and scholarly circles began to adopt short phrases that expressed a personal philosophy or code of honour. The words became less about signalling in battle — and more about expressing character.

This is when the motto took on the form we recognise today:

A short phrase that expresses what the bearer of the arms stands for.

The shield showed who you were.
The motto showed what you believed.

A Unique Freedom in Heraldry

One of the most interesting aspects of mottos is that, in most heraldic traditions, they have never been as fixed as the coat of arms itself.

The arms are defined by a precise blazon — a formal description that ensures they can be reproduced correctly across generations.

The motto is different.

Historically, families have had the freedom to change or adapt their motto over time. Some have shortened them. Others have expanded them.

In some cases, different branches of the same family have even used different mottos, while bearing the same arms.

This means that the motto has often been a living part of the heraldic tradition.

It is heritage — but also choice.

Words Beneath the Arms

Traditionally, the motto is placed on a ribbon beneath the shield.

This ribbon is often called a motto scroll or devise scroll, and it serves as a foundation for the arms — a place where the words can stand clearly and visibly.

In some traditions, especially in Scotland, the motto is placed above the crest. In such cases, it acts almost like a heading for the entire achievement.

The placement varies.

But the function remains the same.

The symbols show the story.
The motto gives it direction.

The Language of Mottos

When looking at historical coats of arms, one quickly notices that many mottos are written in Latin.

For centuries, Latin was the shared language of learning in Europe. It gave mottos a sense of tradition and gravity, and was therefore often chosen for heraldic phrases.

Some well-known examples include:

Semper fidelis — always faithful
Per ardua ad astra — through adversity to the stars
Nil desperandum — never despair

But heraldry has never been limited to Latin.

Mottos also appear in French, English, and many other languages. In modern heraldry, many families choose their own native language.

This makes the motto more immediate.
More personal.

The words become part of the family's own story.

Choosing a Motto

When a family chooses a motto, the process often begins with the shield itself.

The symbols have already been selected.
The colours carry meaning.

And the motto can feel like a natural continuation of what is already expressed in images.

A motto can do two things:

It can reinforce the message of the shield — or it can expand it.

Some families use the motto to put words to the values already reflected in the symbols. In this way, the motto becomes almost a translation of the imagery.

Others choose a different approach.

Here, the motto adds something new — an additional value or idea that the family wishes to carry forward.

It may express something not directly visible in the shield, but still central to the family's identity.

In this way, the motto becomes more than a comment.

It becomes part of the legacy.

What Makes a Motto Strong

When working with a motto, one quickly discovers that strength does not lie in length.

Quite the opposite.

Most mottos that have endured through history consist of only a few words — sometimes just two, rarely more than five or six.

This is no coincidence.

A motto was meant to be remembered.

It was something that could be spoken aloud — repeated in a hall, in a speech, or in conversation. The words needed rhythm.

That is why heraldic mottos are rarely long explanations.

Instead, they are short expressions that carry a larger idea.

A guiding principle.
A reminder.
A direction.

Strong mottos are also timeless.

A coat of arms is not created only for the present — it is meant to endure.

For that reason, many families choose words that are not tied to a specific event, but that remain meaningful across generations.

Values such as loyalty, courage, unity, or hope.

Words that do not lose their meaning as time passes.

When Words Become Heritage

A coat of arms is meant to last.

It can be passed down through generations — carried forward by children and grandchildren.

And this is where the motto takes on a special role.

The words beneath the shield are read again and again over time. They become part of the story a family carries with it.

A motto can remind a family where it comes from.

And where it wishes to go.

It may be a reminder of courage in difficult times.
Or a quiet declaration of loyalty, unity, or hope.

Whatever the words, the motto becomes more than a sentence.

It becomes part of the identity of the arms.

And one day, a future generation may read those same words beneath the same shield — and understand that they are not only part of the past.

They are part of the inheritance.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mottos in Coats of Arms

What is a motto in a coat of arms?
A motto is a short phrase or device that accompanies a coat of arms. It is typically displayed on a ribbon beneath the shield and expresses the values, ideals, or philosophy that the bearer of the arms wishes to represent.

Does a coat of arms need a motto?
No. A motto is not a required element of a coat of arms. Many historical arms consist only of the shield and its symbols. The motto is an optional addition that allows a family to express its values in words.

Which language is usually used for a motto?
Historically, many mottos were written in Latin or French, as these languages held a special status in European heraldry. In modern heraldry, however, many families choose their own native language to make the motto more personal and accessible.

Can a motto be changed over time?
Yes. In most heraldic traditions, the motto is not considered a fixed part of the arms. Families have often changed or adapted their motto over time, even while keeping the same coat of arms.

How long should a motto be?
Most mottos are very short. Historically, many consist of just two to five words. Their brevity makes them easier to remember and gives them greater impact.

How do you choose a motto for a family coat of arms?
Many families find their motto by reflecting on their values, history, or meaningful phrases that have been part of the family over time. Others draw inspiration from literature or philosophy. The most important thing is that the words feel authentic and can carry meaning across generations.