Harris Family Crest framed artprint

The Harris Family Crest framed and printed on museum-quality matte paper. Beautifully illustrated. Carefully researched. Uniquely personal.

A meaningful gift for family occasions—whether it’s a milestone birthday, a housewarming or a wedding, this piece is an instant heirloom.

The Origin of the Name Harris

The surname Harris is a patronymic name of English and Welsh origin, meaning "the son of Harry." The personal name Harry itself originated as the common medieval English form of Henry, which is derived from the Old Germanic name Heimirich, composed of heim ("home") and ric ("power" or "ruler"). Following the introduction of the name by the Normans in 1066, "Harry" became the standard vernacular pronunciation of "Henry" for centuries in Britain. As a hereditary surname, Harris stabilized throughout the medieval period, becoming particularly prevalent in Wales due to the traditional patronymic naming systems that were subsequently standardized into English-style surnames following the 1535–1542 Acts of Union.

The Symbolism of the Harris Coat of Arms

The Shield Color: The blue (azure) background symbolizes loyalty, truth, and faith.

The Chevron: The white (argent) chevron features a pattern of black ermine spots, which in heraldry denotes high dignity, purity, and the noble status of the family line.

The Three Hedgehogs: The hedgehog holds a dual significance on the Harris coat of arms: in traditional heraldry, they serve as a symbolic representation of a provider and a defensive guardian who is industrious, watchful, and prepared to face adversity. This is also a typical example of "canting arms," a traditional heraldic visual pun where the imagery reflects the family name. Because the English surname "Harris" bears a phonetic resemblance to hérisson, the old Norman-French word for a hedgehog, the inclusion of these creatures on the shield was a deliberate choice to visually represent the family identity.

The Crest: A plumed helmet and decorative mantling in gold and blue, traditional symbols of a knightly status and martial service.

The Motto: Ubique patriam reminisci, which translates from Latin to English as "Remembering one's country everywhere."

The Earliest Recording (16th Century): The design featuring hedgehogs on a chevron is formally recorded in the Heraldic Visitations of England. These visitations were official provincial surveys conducted by the College of Arms to verify and record the right to bear arms. This specific configuration is documented in the visitations for the Harris families of County Devon and County Essex during the mid-to-late sixteenth century.

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.

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.