How to Write a Family Motto for Your Tribe

Is a family motto part of your ancestral heritage? Not sure what a family motto or slogan is? A family motto is a short phrase that captures the essence of your family’s values, beliefs, and goals. It’s a way of expressing who you are as a family and what you stand for.

In this article, you’ll learn some of the benefits of having a family motto, get some tips on how to create one that represents and inspires everyone in the family, and review some famous and unique examples to get you started.

What is a Family Motto?

A family motto is a succinct expression of the goals, values, or philosophy of your family. It could be a proverb, slogan, quote, or remark that has special meaning for your family.

Some common examples of family mottos are:

Anything that captures the spirit and goals of your family can serve as your family’s motto. It could be poignant, humorous, serious, or catchy. What matters is that it have significance for you and your family.

Benefits of Having a Motto or Slogan

Having a family motto can benefit you and your family in many ways, including:

• Giving the family a sense of identity and cohesion. You might feel more bonded to and proud of your family by adopting a family motto. It can also assist you in celebrating your individuality and setting your family apart from others.
• Instilling in kids the values of the family. Creating a family motto is a wonderful method to teach and reaffirm the morals you want your kids to grow up with. It can also act as a roadmap for decision-making and problem-solving within the family.
• Acting as a reminder of the family’s priorities. A family motto can assist you in avoiding distractions and concentrating on what is most important to your family.

Tips for Creating a Family Motto

Creating a family motto can be a fun and rewarding activity for you and your family. Here are some pointers for coming up with an inspiring family motto:

• Brainstorm ideas for a family motto as a family. Gather your family members and ask them to share their thoughts and feelings about your family. What are your family’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and challenges? What are your family’s values, beliefs, and goals? What are some words or phrases that describe your family? Write down all the ideas that come up and see if there are any common themes or patterns.
• Decide on a family motto that holds significance for all members. After you’ve compiled a list of possible mottos, select the ones you like most. Next, talk about which one best embodies the spirit and essence of your family. Ensure that the family’s selected motto is embraced and agreed upon by all members. If you’d like, you can also ask your friends or family for their opinions.
• Make it succinct and memorable. A good family motto ought to be simple to recall and say out loud. It must also have appeal and be memorable. Try to keep your motto to a single sentence or a few syllables. To make it more memorable, you can also employ humor, alliteration, or rhyme.
• Make sure it’s a standard that all of you can meet. A family motto ought to be a way of life rather than merely a catchphrase. It ought to motivate you to behave in a way that upholds the ideals and objectives of your family. It ought to push you as a family to develop and advance. Make sure you are prepared to stick with your slogan and that it is both achievable and realistic.

How to Use Genealogy or Family History to Craft Your Motto

Using genealogy or family history as a source of inspiration is another method to come up with a family motto that captures your family’s identity and background. Family history tells the tale of your family’s past events, whereas genealogy studies your ancestors’ beginnings. You can find intriguing facts, tales, and customs that can guide you in creating your motto by doing genealogy or family history research.

Your motto could be derived, for instance, from the origins, surname, or coat of arms of your family. Your motto might also be inspired by significant occasions, accomplishments, or difficulties in your family’s past. You can also base your motto on the ethnic, religious, or cultural background of your family.

Creating a motto based on your ancestry or family history is a great way to honor the past, celebrate the present, and motivate the future of your family. This method also makes the motto very personal and unique to your lineage.

Famous Mottos from Coats of Arms

Here are some examples of mottos from famous families:

• Dieu et mon droit, which translates to “God and my right,” is the motto of the monarch of the United Kingdom. It is displayed on a scroll below the shield of the United Kingdom’s version of the coat of arms.
• The Greek royal family moto reads “ Ἰσχύς μου ἡ ἀγάπη τοῦ λαοῦ” (“The people’s love is my strength”).
• The motto of the German Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen royal family is Nihil sine Deo, which translates to “Nothing without God” in Latin (German: Nichts ohne Gott; Romanian: Nimic fără Dumnezeu). It was also the motto of the former Principality of Romania and the former Kingdom of Romania.
• The coat of arms of George Washington, 1st president of the United States, 1789–1797, carries the motto “Exitus Acta Probat” (“The outcome is the test of the act”).
• Thomas Jefferson, 3rd president of the United States, 1801–1809 has the motto “Ab Eo Libertas A Quo Spiritus” (“The one who gives life gives liberty”) on his coat of arms.
• Arms of Dwight D. Eisenhower, 34th president of the United States, 1953–1961 bears the motto “Peace Through Understanding.”

Inspirational Ideas

• Laughter lights the way.
• More spice than sugar, more hugs than rules.
• Rooted in love, reaching for the sun.
• From saplings to soaring oaks.
• Stars in our eyes, mud on our boots.
• Imperfectly perfect, forever family.
• Nexum nostrum infrangibile est – Our bond is unbreakable.
• Una, sumus invicti – Together, we are unstoppable.
• Vide Bonum – See the good.
• Fortuna audaces iuvat – Fortune favors the bold.

Funny Slogan Examples

• We’re not weird, we’re limited edition.
• Second place is the first loser (but at least we’re not last!)
• Stardust and sticky fingers.
• Hugs, hot sauce, and honest words.
• We’re not a family, we’re a sitcom.

What Can You Create Together?

A family motto is a powerful tool that can help you and your family create a strong and positive identity, teach and learn family values, and remind and motivate you to pursue your family’s vision. By following the tips above, you can create a meaningful family motto that will resonate throughout the generations.

For more family history and heritage project ideas visit:

Turning Family History Items into Meaningful Art

Sewing Family Heirlooms: Keepsake Traditions From Around the World

Family Recipe Book Ideas: Are You Old School or Digital?

Sources:
List of personal coats of arms of presidents of the United States
List of Mottos