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House of Names

Traditional coat of arms designs date back to the 12th century, where decorating defensive shields became a useful way of identifying knights in the heat of battle. These insignia were created by officials known as heralds, who also recorded and regulated armorial bearings. Their records were known as blazons. Typically a blazon has three components - arms (the 'flag' part of the image), crest (the design surrounding the flag), and the motto (which often originated as a war cry).

Established in 1953 as the manufacturing wing of the 'Historic Families' business, House of Names is a leader in the field of heraldry and Irish family coat of arms. Their product range consists of detailed Irish-made shield plaques engraved with surnames, skilfully crafted by a team of heraldic artists. Through their vast library, researchers trace 96% of all known names requested, including those of Irish, British and European origin.

Be proud of your name, know your coat of arms - remember, it is a link between you and the forbears of your name from the distant past!  

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