The Douglas 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 Douglas
Douglas is an iconic Scottish noble surname derived from the Gaelic dubh-ghlas, meaning "dark stream" (from the lands of Douglas in Lanarkshire). The House of Douglas was one of Scotland's most powerful royal dynasties, divided into the "Black Douglases" (Earls of Douglas) and "Red Douglases" (Earls of Angus). The family played central roles in the Wars of Scottish Independence, held the Regency of Scotland, and commanded royal armies across Europe.
The symbolism of the Douglas coat of arms
Legendary in Scottish heraldry, the Douglas coat of arms features an argent / silver or white shield charged with a human heart crowned, set beneath a deep blue chief bearing three silver five-pointed stars. In heraldry, the silver shield symbolises peace, while the crowned heart commemorates Sir James "the Good" Douglas carrying the heart of King Robert the Bruce to the Crusades. The blue chief and silver stars denote high nobility, loyalty, and divine guidance. Positioned above the shield, the crest displays a green salamander surrounded by flames. Below, the motto scroll displays Jamais arrière, translating to "Never behind." Catalogued in Stodart's Scottish Arms and Burke's General Armory.
Historical figures
Sir James 'the Good' Douglas (c. 1286–1330): Legendary Scottish knight and champion of King Robert the Bruce.
Lady Margaret Douglas, Countess of Lennox (1515–1578): Powerful Scottish noblewoman, niece of King Henry VIII, and grandmother of King James VI and I.
Gavin Douglas (c. 1474–1522): Scottish bishop, poet, and scholar who produced the first translation of Virgil's Aeneid into Scots.
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. ⚜️
