Baker Family Crest mug

The Baker Family Crest mug. Beautifully illustrated. Carefully researched. Uniquely personal.

Eminently suited for a proper brew! Whether it’s a gift to mark a milestone birthday, a new home, or Christmas morning — here’s an artwork with history in your hands.

The origin of the name Baker

Baker is an ancient occupational surname of English origin, derived from the Old English bæcere, meaning one whose trade was baking bread. In medieval England, the baker was an essential and highly respected figure in every village and feudal manor. The surname became hereditary throughout the twelfth and thirteenth centuries as trade guilds expanded across the realm, appearing in early administrative rolls including the 1177 Pipe Rolls of Kent (Richard le Bakere) and the 1273 Hundred Rolls of Norfolk.

The symbolism of the Baker coat of arms

The Baker coat of arms is a magnificent example of chivalric heraldry. Set upon a sable (black) shield within an engrailed silver (argent) bordure, it is proudly charged with five silver escallop shells arranged in a cross formation. Across the top, a sable chief features a silver lion passant. In heraldry, the sable field denotes wisdom and constancy, while the engrailed silver bordure signifies protection and defensive fortitude. The silver escallop shells are traditional symbols of pilgrimage, steadfast faith, and honourable service across distant seas, while the lion passant represents regal courage and vigilance. Positioned below the shield, the family motto scroll displays the Latin phrase Dum spiro spero, translating to "While I breathe, I hope." This armorial layout is catalogued in Burke's General Armory (1884) for Baker of London and Worcestershire, and Fairbairn's Book of Crests.

Historical figures

Sir Richard Baker (c. 1568–1645): English politician, historian, and chronicler who authored the celebrated Chronicle of the Kings of England.
Thomas Baker (1656–1740): Esteemed English antiquarian and scholar at St John's College, Cambridge.
Sir Samuel White Baker (1821–1893): Famed English explorer, officer, and naturalist who explored the basin of the River Nile and served as Governor-General of the Equatorial Nile Basin.

Product details

• High quality white ceramic mug with the family crest printed two sides
• Dishwasher and microwave safe
• 15 oz mug dimensions: 4.7″ (11.9 cm) in height, 3.3″ (8.5 cm) in diameter

No Warehouses. No Waste. Just for you, made to order

This product is printed especially for you when ordered, one at a time, by royal decree of Mother Nature to keep the realm beautiful. Family Crests Store guarantees your custom treasure meets all EU and USA safety standards.

About the artist

Each coat of arms in the Family Crests Store is an artwork by heraldic artist Éamonn Breathnach. All are carefully researched, drawing from the earliest available records across multiple heraldic archives. Noted for their elegance and attention to detail, these artworks make meaningful gifts for family occasions.

Don’t see your family name?

I’m always happy to add new crests and products to the collection, so please get in touch if you can’t find what you're looking for. ⚜️