Bowen Family Crest framed artprint

The Bowen 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 Bowen

Bowen is an ancient Welsh surname derived as a patronymic contraction of Ap Owen or Ab Owen, meaning "son of Owen" (from the Welsh Eoghunn, meaning youthful or noble-born). Established across Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire, and Glamorgan, major branches of the family settled in Ireland (Counties Cork and Mayo) following the 16th century. The surname is recorded in early Welsh administrative rolls including the 1539 Muster Rolls of Pembrokeshire.

The symbolism of the Bowen coat of arms

Displayed upon an argent / silver or white shield, the Bowen coat of arms features a red stag (hart) resting upon a green mound, holding a green three-leaf clover in its mouth. The argent / silver or white shield denotes sincerity, peace, and purity of motive, while the red stag represents quiet dignity, harmony, and wisdom. The green clover in the stag's mouth symbolises fortune, faith, and ancestral ties. Positioned above the helm, the crest features a golden hawk with spread wings. Below, the motto scroll bears the Latin phrase Esse quam videri, translating to "To be rather than to seem." This design is catalogued in Burke's General Armory (1884) for Bowen of Llwyngwair, Pembrokeshire.

Historical figures

Elizabeth Bowen (1899–1973): Celebrated Anglo-Irish novelist and short-story writer best known for The Death of the Heart and The Heat of the Day.
Bruce Bowen (b. 1971): Three-time NBA champion and elite defensive basketball player for the San Antonio Spurs.
Julie Bowen (b. 1970): Emmy Award-winning American actress famed for her starring role in Modern Family.

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.