Now this is something that has us intrigued. Facebook page Araldika Malta has a whole album of coats of arms belonging to Maltese family names. The heraldry spans from obvious, to cool and interesting. Check out our faves below!

1. Drago

Drago is actually an Italian-derived surname from Rome, with the obvious choice of emblem being, yup, you guessed it, a dragon. (We’re sensing a little Khal Drogo and Khaleesi vibes here).

2. Camilleri

If bells are ringing in your mind right now, they’re probably playing the correct tune. The Camilleri coat of arms indeed features a camel and the surname is derived from the Italian word cammelliere (camel driver). Obvi.

3. Fava

This family’s coat of arms comes from simple roots (almost literally). It derives from the botanical term Vicia Faba and the Italian variation of the surname, Fabia. It’s for this reason that the coat of arms bears the fava bean plant as its symbol.

4. Manche

Manche is the French word for ‘sleeve.’ Araldika Malta says that, “In heraldry, the manche is a sleeve having a long lappet hanging from the cuff. This clothing was worn by women in the 12^th century.” Fancy shmancy.

5. Montezin

This one’s for the queen Eileen. The Montezin/Montesin family’s coat of arms bears an animal that is “rarely observed in Maltese heraldry” – the ram. This animal is featured because the name resembles the Italian word for ram, montone.

6. Maniscalco

Although one of the lesser common names, Maniscalco bears quite the cool coat of arms. “This particular shield is referred to as a cant since the charges displayed upon the field make a punning reference to the family name – manis from the Latin manus meaning ‘hand’ and ‘calco’ from the Latin caldus meaning ‘hot’ or ‘fiery.’”

7. Griscti

This one is considered to be one of the most interesting ones of all Maltese heraldry. Griscti’s symbol shows Hercules wearing the Nemean lion’s coat on his head, a symbol that is quite unique.

8. Aquilina

Aquilina’s coat of arms is simple and elegant, bearing one symbol: the majestic eagle. It presumably comes from the Italian word for the bird, aquila, and is the most common one used in heraldry.

Have you spotted your family name?