Doherty Family Crest framed artprint

Celebrate your family heritage with a gift to cherish – the Doherty Family Crest framed and printed on museum-quality matte paper. Beautifully illustrated. Carefully researched. Uniquely personal.

Symbolism of the Doherty coat of arms

The Doherty coat of arms is a definitive expression of northern Gaelic heraldry, centered on the lineage’s dominance of the Inishowen Peninsula. The shield features a Stag Trippant, a symbol that signifies purity, speed, and the ancestral pursuit of wisdom. This is set against a field of Argent (silver/white), representing peace and sincerity, while the Vert (green) chief at the top of the shield denotes hope and loyalty to the land. Within this chief are three Mullets (stars), which symbolize divine quality and the distinct branches of the clan’s territorial holdings.

Surmounting the shield is a crest featuring a hand holding a sword, rising from an Ancient Crown. This specific combination of imagery serves as a formal declaration of the family’s sovereignty as Lords of Inishowen and their perpetual readiness to defend their borders. The motto, "Ar nDúchas," is notable for its use of the native Irish tongue rather than Latin; it translates as "Our Heritage / Birthright / Homeland," a direct reference to the clan’s deep-seated claim to their ancestral lands.

Origin of the Doherty name

The surname Doherty is Ó Dochartaigh in Gaelic. It originates from the personal name Dochartach, meaning "obstructive" or "unyielding," a trait attributed to the clan’s warrior ancestors. As direct descendants of Conall Gulban and the Northern Uí Néill, the family established a powerful lordship that eventually moved from Raphoe to become the primary power in Inishowen by the 14th century. The clan's historical footprint is defined by their governance from strongholds like Burt Castle, where they served as the most influential sub-kings under the O'Donnell dynasty.

The most prominent historical figure associated with these arms is Sir Cahir O'Doherty (1587–1608), the last of the great Gaelic chiefs of Inishowen. Though initially knighted for his service to the English Crown, he led a significant revolt in 1608 known as O'Doherty’s Rebellion after being provoked by the Governor of Derry. His defeat marked the collapse of the Gaelic Order in Ulster. The formal heraldic granting of this crest was recorded by the Office of the Ulster King of Arms, documenting the transition of the clan's ancient symbols into the official records of the 16th and 17th centuries.

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 and uniquely personal gifts for any occasion with family and friends.

Product details

• Printed with water-based inks.
• Ayous wood .75″ (1.9 cm) thick frame from renewable forests
• Paper thickness: 10.3 mil (0.26 mm)
• Paper weight: 189 g/m²
• 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.