Etymology Map
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Crest

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means the top of a hill or wave; an emblem

Where does the word "crest" come from? It comes from Latin crista, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
crista
Latin · ancient
"tuft, plume"
a bird's comb or crest
2
Stage 2 of 3
creste
Old French · medieval
"crest"
a plume on a helmet
3
Stage 3 of 3
crest
English · 1300s
"plume; summit"
heraldic 'crests' followed
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Read the full story

Crest’s story begins in Latin: crista meant “tuft, plume.” A bird's comb or crest. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as creste. A plume on a helmet. It reached English by 1300s as crest. Heraldic 'crests' followed. Today, crest means the top of a hill or wave; an emblem.