The Dawson 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 Dawson
Dawson is an ancient English patronymic surname meaning "son of Daw" (a common medieval diminutive of David). Originating during the 12th century in Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Cumberland, families bearing the name established influential manorial seats across Northern England and Ireland. Codified early in feudal records, the surname appears in the 1379 Poll Tax of Yorkshire (Robertus Dawson) and early border rolls.
The symbolism of the Dawson coat of arms
Visually complex and distinctive, the Dawson coat of arms features a field divided horizontally: the lower deep blue section is charged with an argent / silver or white ermine chevron set between three silver arrows pointing upward. The upper argent / silver or white chief displays three standing black dawes (crows/ravens), flanked by a red canton on the upper left bearing a golden five-pointed star. In heraldry, the dawes/crows serve as an ancient canting symbol for Dawson, while the ermine chevron denotes high judicial purity and architectural strength. The silver arrows symbolise swift readiness, and the gold star represents divine guidance. Positioned above the shield, the crest displays a cat's head holding a rat in its jaws. Below, the motto scroll displays Vitae via virtus, translating to "Virtue is the way of life." Catalogued in Burke's General Armory (1884).
Historical figures
Sir Arthur Dawson (15th Century): Early English landholder and magistrate in Yorkshire.
George Dawson (1637–1700): English scholar, author, and legal writer.
John Dawson, 1st Earl of Portarlington (1744–1798): Irish peer, politician, and Member of Parliament.
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. ⚜️
