A lot of people get confused on the difference between a Coat of Arms and a Family Crest. They really are the same thing. However, if you want to get technical, COAT OF ARMS is the more correct term. A CREST is actually a “PORTION” of the Coat of Arms. It is the part of the coat of arms that usually shows up above the helmet. However, when people talk about a FAMILY CREST, they are usually reffering to the whole COAT OF ARMS.
So, a CREST is just a portion of the arms, but a FAMILY CREST or a COAT OF ARMS are usually used to describe the same thing.
I get asked a lot about this, so I hope this helps a little.
Mike
October 16, 2007 at 2:58 am |
My boyfriend was born and raised in Connemara, Galway. His surname is Folan. He told me that his coat of arms is blue and white checkered with a picture of a stag on it. I know Folan comes from Foley (or the other way around?) But every site i go on shows different coats of arms for Folan, but not the one im looking for. Foley ones are completely different too. I’ve even tried the gaelic version O’Cualain. Is there anyway you would know how i can find the stag? I would appreciate it so much. Thanks
Lori