The design is based on the oldest seals of the Vilnius City Council dating back to the 14th century.

It was speculated that in pagan times, i.e., until the end of the 14th century, it featured Titan Alkis, a hero of ancient Lithuanian tales, carrying his wife Janterytė on his shoulders across the Vilnia River.

The great coat of arms bears the Latin motto "Unitas – Justitia – Spes" ("Unity – Justice – Hope").

The words are echoed by objects held by the shield supporters: the axe and tied rods represent unity; the scale, justice; and the anchor, hope.

A separate design historically associated with the region surrounding Vilnius is the image of a horse-rider with a shield featuring a two-barred cross.