Ford Family Crest mug

The Ford 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 Ford

Ford is an ancient English topographic surname derived from Old English ford (meaning a shallow river crossing). Originating across Devon, Gloucestershire, Yorkshire, and the Anglo-Scottish Border, families assumed the name from residence near key river passes or manorial estates. In Ireland, Ford was also adopted as an Anglicised form of Gaelic surnames such as Mac Giolla Átha. Codified early in feudal rolls, the name appears in the 1273 Hundred Rolls of Lincolnshire (Hugh de la Forde).

The symbolism of the Ford coat of arms

Visually distinctive, the Ford coat of arms features a field divided horizontally: the lower black section is charged with an argent / silver or white owl, while the upper silver section (chief) displays a running greyhound, set within an engrailed border. In classical heraldry, the black field and silver owl symbolise wisdom, watchfulness, and acute intellect in times of trial, while the silver chief and greyhound represent swift alertness, loyalty, and noble pursuit. The engrailed border denotes protective boundaries. Positioned above the shield, the crest displays a standing bird. The formal recognition of this armorial design was recorded in the 16th-century Heralds' Visitations of Devon and Gloucestershire and catalogued in Burke's General Armory.

Historical figures

John Ford (1586–c. 1639): Famed English Jacobean dramatist and poet.
Sir Edward Ford (1605–1670): English soldier, civil engineer, and inventor who designed early waterworks for London.
Sarah Ford (1669–1759): Mother of Dr. Samuel Johnson, recorded in Staffordshire historical registers.

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. ⚜️