It was where waiting guests could admire the family heirlooms and paintings of notable ancestors, before being admitted into the rest of the house.

The first notable ancestor of the De Saram family was an interpreter who accompanied the Dutch Embassy to Kandy 1731-1732.

Both the General and the Judge believed that the family was descended from some notable British ancestors including a 16th century member of Parliament.

Other notable ancestors on her mother's side include the historian and senator Gaius Asinius Pollio, who was consul in 40 BC.

Another example of celebrity is a family that has notable ancestors or is known for its wealth.

Others are rationalizations of mythical figures, or pure inventions to provide notable ancestors for status-seeking Roman families.

Some of the Lopez-Barillas family's notable ancestors are:

The funeral procession was public and elaborate, led by professional mourners, including actors who wore the portrait masks (imagines) of the dead person's notable ancestors.

Brahmins classify themselves on the basis of their patrilineal descent from a notable ancestor.

At many times these newly created arms were equipped with several helmets and crests giving the false impression that the armiger had many notable ancestors.