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Frequently asked questions

Herald Lab delivers researched surname history and coats of arms associated with a last name as gift-ready PDFs by email, with optional physical products (prints, framed editions and other keepsakes) made to order and shipped to your door. Custom research is delivered to your inbox within 3 hours of a paid order, often sooner, weekends too. If we cannot research the name, we refund 100%.

What do the symbols on the coat of arms mean?

Each coat of arms is shown in association with the surname. Its colors and symbols carry traditional meanings — for example, a lion for courage, red for bravery, blue for loyalty. When a historic design appears, we show it as arms associated with the surname, in an artistic painted rendering.

The four questions most buyers ask

Is this a digital PDF — or do you ship something?

Both. Every pack includes a printable PDF sent by email. You can also add physical products (prints, framed editions and other keepsakes): they are made to order and are usually dispatched within 5 business days (with tracking where the carrier provides it; delivery time depends on your country). Standard shipping (with tracking where the carrier provides it) is included to the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland; most other countries can order with a shipping fee shown at checkout. Your PDF still arrives by email when you order a physical product, and a shipping address is asked at checkout only for physical products. Read the Delivery & Shipping policy.

Not every item ships everywhere. Some items ship to fewer countries (the desk plaque, T-shirts, tote bags, mugs, phone cases, framed editions and empty frames). Each product page shows whether the item can be delivered to your country, and whether shipping is included or shown at checkout. Empty frames (sold without a print) have a shipping fee of US$22.50 to the US, the UK and the European countries listed above (higher elsewhere, shown at checkout); to Canada shipping is included.

How long does it take?

Custom surname research is delivered to your inbox within 3 hours of a paid order, often sooner, weekends too. If research takes longer, we notify you by email. Check your junk/spam folder if you don't see it in your inbox.

Which coat of arms will I receive?

We present arms associated with the surname in heraldic sources, shown as an artistic painted rendering. If our sources show no arms associated with the name, we say so clearly. This is a commemorative digital heraldic document you can print and keep.

Is this a good gift?

Yes — birthdays, Father’s Day, weddings, anniversaries, reunions, and family archives. Recipients get a calm, researched document that is made for them. Digital means you can print locally or forward the file — no parcel deadline panic. For couples, choose Dual ($149).

Ordering

How does an order work?

Choose a pack, enter the surname (Last Name 1 and Last Name 2 for Dual), optionally note a country of origin (and wedding year for Dual), and select the PDF language. After payment, we research the name and email a printable PDF to your inbox within 3 hours, often sooner, weekends too. See How it works.

What do I enter when I order?

Last name is required (both surnames for Dual). Country/region is optional but helpful. Choose the PDF language. For Dual, the wedding year is optional — if you enter it, we print it on the page (for example, EST. 2010). A shipping address is only needed if you add a physical product.

What size is the PDF?

Files are designed for standard letter 8.5×11 inches and A4. Ready to give, or add one of our museum prints or frames.

Want it on the wall? Museum prints · Framed editions

What you receive

What is in the Standard Surname History PDF ($49)?

One landscape page: researched last-name origin narrative + high-resolution arms associated with the surname. Order Standard →

What is the Dual Pack ($149)?

Enter Last Name 1 and Last Name 2. We research arms associated with each surname. You receive a 2-page printable PDF: page 1 shows both coats of arms united, page 2 both surname histories — optional EST. year. Wedding or anniversary gift, delivered digitally. Order Dual →

What is in the Executive Digital Pack ($99)?

A portrait full-page coat of arms (frame page) plus an extended multi-source surname-history essay. Order Executive →

Which should I choose?

Standard ($49) — best everyday “Surname History PDF” order. Dual ($149) — two surnames / couples. Executive ($99) — fuller presentation for framing + archive.

Research

How deep is the research?

Executive and Dual packs go deeper, with multi-source research and sources cited. Every pack, Standard included, is delivered within 3 hours. If we cannot research the name, we refund you in full.

What if you cannot find the name?

We refund 100% of the purchase price. Email orders@heraldlab.com with your order number. Details: refund policy.

Will a relative’s reorder match mine?

Yes. We keep surname artwork consistent so a later family order for the same last name matches the rendering you received.

Can I add a second last name?

Yes. After your Standard order you can add a second surname PDF for $39 (instead of $49) on this page: enter your order number and the second last name. Delivered within 3 hours of payment. Shared surnames from both sides of a family are a popular gift.

Which languages can the PDF be written in?

English, Italian, Spanish, French, German, Portuguese, Polish, Dutch, Romanian, and Swedish. The surname itself stays as you typed it.

Still have a question?

Contact us, read How it works or About Herald Lab, or write to info@heraldlab.com.