Kelly Family Crest mug

The Kelly 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.

Symbolism of the Kelly Coat of Arms

The Kelly coat of arms is a distinguished Irish emblem deeply connected to the ancient Ó Ceallaigh (O'Kelly) sept of Uí Maine in County Galway. At the center stands a triple-towered castle, symbolizing formidable strength, authority, and the family's historical realm as sovereign rulers of Uí Maine.

Chains descend from the battlements, held by two silver lions combatant, emphasizing power, protective vigilance, and unyielding defense. This imagery mirrors the family's Latin motto: Turris fortis mihi Deus, meaning “God is my strong tower.”

Perched atop the crest is the legendary Enfield—a unique mythological beast found almost exclusively in Irish heraldry and intrinsically tied to the O'Kelly clan. The Enfield features the head of a fox, chest of a greyhound, forelegs of an eagle, and body of a wolf or lion, symbolizing cunning, swiftness, vigilance, and fierce courage.

According to legend, the Enfield emerged at the Battle of Clontarf in 1014 following the tragic death of Chief Tadhg Mór Ua Cellaigh, guarding his body until his clansmen retrieved him. This iconic beast remains one of the most celebrated symbols in Irish heraldic art.

Origin of the Kelly Name

The surname Kelly is an anglicized form of the ancient Gaelic Ó Ceallaigh, meaning "descendant of Ceallach" (derived from ceallach, meaning "bright-headed," "troublesome," or "frequenting churches").

Following the Anglo-Norman invasion, the name was widely anglicized as O'Kelly, Kelly, and Kelley. While independent septs arose in Meath, Wicklow, Antrim, and Sligo, the principal and most powerful line remained the O'Kellys of Uí Maine in Galway and Roscommon.

Today, Kelly is one of the most widespread and celebrated Irish surnames in the world, borne by statesmen, artists, and leaders across the global Irish diaspora.

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 to the collection, so please get in touch if you can’t find what you're looking for. ⚜️