Clarke Family Crest mug

The Clarke 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 Clarke

The surname Clarke is an ancient occupational name of Anglo-Norman and Old English origin, deriving directly from the Latin clericus (via the Old French clerc and Old English clerec), meaning "cleric" or "clergyman." During the Middle Ages, because literacy was almost exclusively confined to religious orders, the term expanded to describe any educated individual who served as a scribe, scholar, secretary, or official record-keeper. As surnames became hereditary, the title evolved into a widespread family name across England, Scotland, and Ireland—where it was also used to anglicise Gaelic patronymics such as Mac a' Chléirich ("son of the clerk"). First documented in Latinised forms like Clericus in the 1086 Domesday Book, Clark remains one of the earliest and most enduring occupational surnames in the English-speaking world.

The symbolism of the Clarke 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. This crest is strongly linked to the Irish name Cleary so aligns best for Irish origin families from the Ó Cléirigh Sept whose name was anglisied to Clarke. 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 :)

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. ⚜️