The Banks Family Crest framed artprint. Beautifully illustrated. Carefully researched. Uniquely personal.
Whether it’s a gift to celebrate a milestone birthday, a wedding or a housewarming—this piece is an instant heirloom.
The origin of the name Banks
Banks is a classic topographic surname of English origin, derived from the Middle English banke (from Old Norse banki), describing one who lived near a prominent riverbank, hillside, or raised embankment. Essential to early agriculture and town settlements, families holding land along raised banks adopted the hereditary name throughout the twelfth and thirteenth centuries. The surname established prominent seats across Yorkshire, Lancashire, Dorset, and London, recorded in early administrative rolls including the 1297 Subsidy Rolls of Yorkshire (Robert del Banke) and the 1332 Lay Subsidy of Lancashire.
The symbolism of the Banks coat of arms
Commanding and spiritual, the Banks coat of arms features a sable (black) shield charged with a broad golden (or) cross set between four silver (argent) fleurs-de-lis. In heraldry, the sable field represents wisdom, constancy, and dignity, while the golden cross symbolises faith, protection, and noble service. The four silver fleurs-de-lis are ancient emblems of chivalric honour, purity, and light. Positioned above the helm, the crest displays a silver stork standing atop an oak stump surrounded by green oak leaves and acorns. Below, the family motto scroll displays Nullius in verba, translating to "Take no one's word for it" (the famous motto of the Royal Society). This specific layout is catalogued in Burke's General Armory (1884) for Banks of Revesby Abbey, Lincolnshire, and Kingston Lacy, Dorset.
Historical figures
Sir John Banks (1589–1644): Eminent English lawyer and judge who served as Attorney General and Lord Chief Justice of the Common Pleas to King Charles I.
Sir Joseph Banks (1743–1820): Renowned British naturalist, botanist, and long-serving President of the Royal Society who accompanied Captain James Cook on his first voyage.
Ernie Banks (1931–2015): Legendary American baseball icon, Hall of Famer, and beloved ambassador for the sport known affectionately as 'Mr. Cub'.
Product details
- Ayous wood 0.75″ (1.9 cm) thick frame from renewable forests
- Paper thickness: 10.3 mil (0.26 mm)
- Paper weight: 189 g/m²
- Lightweight & acrylite front protector
- Hanging hardware included
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. ⚜️
