What nationalities are included in the database of Surnames ?

The name database has names originating from many geographical areas and ethnic groups, including England, Ireland, Wales, Scotland, Poland, Germany, Belgium, France, Spain, Italy, Luxembourg, Sweden, Switzerland, Norway, Denmark, just to name a few. Research on names is on-going and the database is continually being updated by surname history researchers.

How authentic are the Surname histories ?

The Surname database has been created and researced over thirty (30) years. This research has resulted in over 1 million Surnames and authenticity and accuracy are always strived for.

Who can have a Coat of Arms ?

Anyone has the right to bear a Coat of Arms. Arms can be held by individuals, countries, municipalities and corporations.

Searching for your Surname

Please know that if your surname is found, then in the majority of cases, then your Coat of Arms can be printed, carved, etched, sewn or printed onto any number of items that you see in my store.

Some products have coloured Coat of Arms images - others do not - this will be given individually for each product so you can make an informed choice.

In most cases, spelling variations are possible and the use of accents or special characters is also possible for most surnames that I have available. Please let me know in advance of your order being prepared.

If you have an Irish surname, then you are able to buy a Coat of Arms print that has a slightly different "Mantle" (feathers around the outside) of your shield. This is only available for Irish surnames.

If you have a French or Spanish surname and order an Armorial History with Coat of Arms - Portrait or Landscape, then you are also able to buy a very special item in that I can provide the history documnt printed in French or Spanish in addition to English (requires a separate purchase for each language used). This is only available for French or Spanish surnames.

Please be advised that due to the size of the database that I hold of surnames, I am only able to put up a small fraction of the surnames available for purchase.

If you don't see your surname in my store - please ask. Many customers have asked about unusual surnames and have been pleasantly surprised that I do have their name available.

You can either leave a message in my booth - or send me a question through email - enquiries are always welcome and I will do my very best to help you as quickly as possible. Whether you are looking for 1 surname or 10 or 100. All enquiries are welcome.

If you are concerned about confidentiality, then please know that your privacy is very important to me. If you wish a private listing which doesn't reveal your surname, I can accomodation those wishes as well.

Special Note: In some cases, I may be able to provide a Coat of Arms print but may not be able to provide a Surname History or Armorial History - this doesn't happen very often - but there are a few surnames where this happens. I will advise in advance of any purchase if this is the situation.

Searching for your Clan Badge

Although I have a good range of Scottish Clans (over 50 000) and Irish Septs (over 35 000) - I was not able to make all Clan names into the Clan Badge and Tartan Stickers or similar products. This was only possible on a number of Badges due to the complexity of the artwork involved.

For example MACLEOD Clan has 2 different Tartans in my booth - but actually has approximately 114 known tartans. I am only able to offer the colours that I have on display.

MACDONALD Clan has 2 different Clan Badges - but actually has approximately 84 known tartans.

With my Clan Badge and Tartan Bookmarks and Stickers and other such products that these are put onto - unlike the Coat of Arms surnames - spelling variations is not possible for example MAC to MC.

This is because these are recognized blazons and badges and must have the original spelling to be authentic.

This is slightly different in the case of specialized glassware and wooden items that are made in Canada - where the engraver is often able to change the spelling and remove certain parts of the Badge at the request of the customer (done recently on one of my keepsake boxes to remove the belt and scroll name bar from the Clan Badge).

Please remember that even if you think your surname belonged to a Scottish Clan - some surnames were a "Sept" rather a clan in their own right and came under the 'banner or badge' of a much more dominent Clan.

I can usually tell you which Clan or Sept your surname belonged to. For Clan Badge Prints in these situations - it will be the "dominent" Clan name and Badge that will appear on the print - with reference at the top of the print "Surname ............A Distinguished Sept fo the Clan ................."

For Example - the surname CREE is a Sept of the MACRAE Clan - the Badge shown is for MACRAE Clan with the above reference given about being a Sept."

Please note - if any of this is too confusing - please know that I am always here to help you decipher it all.

Can you help in the search for my Family Tree ?

The Surname histories and Coats of Arms give a broad historical review of your last name which includes key name related events and dates.

I am however a Professional Genealogist for over 10 years in some 15 countries worldwide.