The Roberts surname, widespread across many countries, boasts a rich history, but unfortunately, there isn't one single Roberts family coat of arms. The concept of a single coat of arms for an entire surname like "Roberts" is a misconception. Coats of arms were historically granted to specific families, not surnames in general. Therefore, a "Roberts family coat of arms" would only apply to a specific, historically documented branch of the Roberts family.
This means that tracing your family's potential heraldic history requires genealogical research to identify your specific ancestral branch and its potential arms. Finding a coat of arms associated with your family line requires careful investigation and can't be determined simply by the surname alone.
What Makes a Coat of Arms Unique?
A coat of arms is a unique symbol, granted by a heraldic authority (like the College of Arms in England or the Court of the Lord Lyon in Scotland), to a specific individual or family. These arms represent a family's lineage and history, and their design elements often symbolize the family's achievements, values, or origins. No two legitimate coats of arms are exactly alike; any similarities would be coincidental.
How to Research Your Roberts Family's Potential Coat of Arms
If you're determined to uncover a potential Roberts family coat of arms, you need to engage in genealogical research. Here's a breakdown of the necessary steps:
1. Detailed Family History Research
Begin by meticulously documenting your family's lineage. Trace your ancestry back as far as possible, gathering information on birthdates, marriage records, death dates, locations, and any relevant historical information about your ancestors. This research might uncover family lore or documents mentioning a coat of arms, which could serve as a valuable starting point.
2. Geographic Focus
Identifying the geographic origins of your Roberts ancestors is crucial. Different regions had different heraldic authorities, and coats of arms were granted regionally. Knowing the country, county, or even village your ancestors hailed from significantly narrows your search.
3. Heraldic Resources
Once you have a clear picture of your family's origin and history, you can consult heraldic resources. These can include:
- National Heraldic Authorities: Websites of national heraldic authorities (like the College of Arms or the Court of the Lord Lyon) may have searchable databases. However, access may be limited, and finding your family's arms requires knowing the exact individual or family to whom the arms were granted.
- Genealogical Societies: Local and national genealogical societies often possess extensive archives and can provide guidance on your research.
- Heraldic Libraries and Archives: Libraries and archives specializing in heraldry hold invaluable resources, including records of grants of arms.
4. Caution Against Fraudulent Claims
Beware of websites or companies offering coats of arms for a fee based solely on a surname. These are often fraudulent, generating generic images and attaching them to surnames without historical verification. Legitimate coats of arms are always linked to specific historical individuals and families.
What if I Find a Roberts Coat of Arms?
If your research successfully identifies a historically documented coat of arms associated with your branch of the Roberts family, you've achieved a significant genealogical milestone. Remember that this coat of arms represents only your specific branch of the Roberts family, not the entire surname.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many Roberts family coats of arms are there?
There isn't a single number. Multiple branches of the Roberts family may have been granted coats of arms over the centuries in different locations. Each would be unique.
Where can I find a free Roberts family crest?
Free crests available online for the surname Roberts are generally generic and not historically accurate. Legitimate heraldic research requires time, effort, and often, access to paid resources.
Is there a central database of all Roberts family coats of arms?
No single, central database exists for all Roberts family coats of arms. Research is typically done via regional heraldic authorities and genealogical resources.
Can I create my own Roberts family coat of arms?
No. The granting of coats of arms is a historical process, and the design must conform to heraldic principles and be officially recorded by the relevant national heraldic authority. Creating your own is not legitimate.
The quest for your Roberts family's potential coat of arms is a journey of genealogical exploration. While the process might be challenging, the reward of uncovering your family's heraldic history is undeniably rewarding. Remember to approach your research methodically and critically, verifying information from multiple sources to ensure accuracy.
