Our databases consist mostly of European surnames. It should be noted that people and names traveled throughout Europe extensively and that names can be traced through many countries. These same countries have been under various rulers with shifting borders from time one. Since the fall of the Soviet Union researchers continue to conpile information on former Eastern Block countires.
Of course not all surnames have a Coat of Arms. These names do however have a history of origin that can be presented along with the country arms. Research on surnames and countries of origin is ongoing.
Hispanic Names
Many Hispanic surnames can trace their roots back to the European continent. Names can come from a variety of countries including: Italy (Roman Empire), Spain and Portugal. As an interesting example of how far a name can travel is the name Gonzales/Gonzalez. The name Gonzales/Gonzalez can trace its roots back to Visigothic tribes that traveled from Scandinavia to Spain via Eastern Europe and the Mediterranian.
Some Hispanic names are completely Native American. These names are as yet not available in our database. However, you can create your own Coat of Arms with symbols representing the family name, occupations, regions, etc.
African American Names
African American surnames are available in our database. These names relate to African slaves who took on European surnames after achieving their freedom. We do not have any African surnames in our database at this time. However, you can create your own Coat of Arms with symbols representing the family name, occupations, regions, etc.
Asian and Pacific Islander Names
We have a limited number of Asian names available in our databases. These names are usually represented by a chop of the family name or pictoral symbol. Research is continually ongoing.
Pacific Islander names that do not have a European origin are not currently in our database. However, you can create your own Coat of Arms with symbols representing the family name, occupations, etc.
Middle Eastern Names
Middle Eastern surnames that are not of European decent are not available in our database at this time. The Complete Book of Heraldry notes that Arabic roundels representing families in the Middle East date back to the Crusades.
