Clark Family Crest beer glass

Here’s a proper gift for any Clark who enjoys a beer! The Clark Family Crest on a sturdy 16oz pint glass. Beautifully illustrated. Carefully researched. Uniquely personal.

Nicely suited for the moments that call for a proper toast. Whether it’s a gift for a milestone birthday, a wedding or a housewarming—this piece is an instant heirloom.

The origin of the Clark surname

The surname Clark is an occupational name of significant historical importance, originating from the Latin clericus, meaning "clerk" or "scholar." In medieval society, when literacy was a rare and highly valued skill, the "clerk" held a position of profound responsibility within both religious institutions and secular government. Because these individuals often served as scribes, administrators, and recorders of history, the name became widespread across the Britiain and Ireland. Over centuries, it evolved into various spellings, including Clark, Clerk and Clear. The anglicisation of Irish surnames–a practical response to the socio-political pressures of history is also a factor for why the name is so widespread. The clan name Ó Cléirigh literally translated to "the clerk" or "the scribe," a title of significant scholarly prestige. As English became the dominant language of government, law, and commerce, many families chose to adopt the anglicised versions such as Cleary, Clarke and Clark.

The symbolism of the Clark coat of arms

The vibrant green of the leaves signifies hope, renewal, and vitality. Some references to this coat of arms describe the leaves as nettles and hence also signify a 'defensive strength'. The grouping of three leaves is likely a reference to the holy trinity—a common feature of groupings of three elements in medieval design. The Latin motto "Fortitudo" translates directly to "Strength" or "Fortitude."

Artist's note

This Clarke coat of arms is commonly cited on heraldry websites, but in this case I have found its particular origin difficult to establish with precision. Its occurrence appears more often in later genealogical compilations than in any references I could trace to a clearly documented original grant or contemporary heraldic record. That said...it definitely pre-dates family crest websites by a long way :)

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.

Product details
• Sturdy pint glass
• Volume: 16 oz (473 ml)
Just a heads-up: this piece loves a gentle hand-wash! Dishwashers and microwaves get super hot, which might damage the print—so let's skip those to keep it looking perfect.

Size guide