First again I will note that arms are not associated with surnames, but with individuals and, in some countries, with families. None of the arms listed on this site are known to be associated with any direct ancestor.

Since most of our ancestors are English, the following is used to describe English Arms:

A full English coat of arms (an "achievement") consists of:

- a shield (with arms painted on it, obviously);
- above the shield, a helm or helmet;
- hanging from the helm, the mantling, which represents a piece of cloth used for protection from the sun. The mantling is frequently arranged in decorative swirls around the shield, suggesting a tattered cloth hacked about in fighting;
- a torse, or wreath, being twists of cloth wound around the helmet; - the crest, sitting on the torse.

There may also be, if the bearer is entitled to them:

- a supporter on each side of the shield (in some cases there may be only one supporter);
- a compartment for the supporters to stand on;
- one or more collars of orders of knighthood surrounding the shield, or symbols of office (eg batons) behind it.

Not all the elements have to be present; the essential part is the shield. There may also be other bits and pieces, such as mottos, badges or war cries.