The coat of arms of the Cayman Islands was approved by the Legislative Assembly in 1957, and public input was sought on its design.

The Royal Warrant assigning "Armorial Ensigns for the Cayman Islands" was approved by Her Majesty's command on 14 May 1958.

In the top third of the shield, against a red background, is a gold lion passant guardant (walking with the further forepaw raised and the body seen from the side), representing Britain.

The turtle represents the seafaring history; the rope, its traditional thatch-rope industry; and the pineapple, its ties with Jamaica.

The islands' motto, He hath founded it upon the seas, is printed at the bottom of the shield.