The College of Arms is the official repository of the Coats of Arms of England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Commonwealth. Other nations have similar organizations. Coats of Arms are authorized by senior Heralds on letters patent. A Coat of Arms with royal connection may carry elements of the royal coat of arms within it. There are several websites which list coats of arms, families and their connections; DeBretts being a good example.

Colors and animals were, and are, used in coats of arms because they are used a symbols.

The plural of "coat of arms" is "coats of arms".

Coats of arms were used to identify individuals of high status on the battle field when they were otherwise unrecognizable in their armor.

Coats of arms do not themselves have surnames.