The May 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 May
May is an English, Scottish, and Irish surname with rich historical roots. It originated as a pet form of the personal name Matthew, a nickname for an individual associated with spring celebrations, or an Anglicized form of the ancient Gaelic surname Ó Miadhaigh (meaning "honorable" or "proud"). Early family seats were established in Sussex and Kent in England, as well as Kilkenny and Galway in Ireland. Early archives record William le May in the 1275 Subsidy Rolls of Sussex and medieval land grants in 16th-century Kilkenny.
The symbolism of the May coat of arms
The May coat of arms displays a vibrant gules (red) shield charged with a central or (gold) fess set between eight golden billets (four above and four below). In classical heraldry, gules symbolizes military fortitude, warrior courage, and magnanimity, while gold denotes generosity and high intellect.
The central gold fess represents the military belt of knightly honor, while the gold billets (rectangular blocks) convey unshakeable trustworthiness, secretarial authority, and financial integrity.
Emerging above the shield, the crest features a red leopard’s head erased spotted with black, set upon a golden coronet. Anchoring the artwork, the golden banner displays the Latin motto Fortis et fidelis ("Brave and faithful"). Officially cataloged in Sir Bernard Burke’s General Armory and historic armorial registers.
Historical figures
Sir Thomas May (1595–1650): English poet, playwright, and official historian of the Long Parliament during the English Civil War.
Baptist May (1628–1698): English courtier, Keeper of the Privy Purse to King Charles II, and Member of Parliament for Winchelsea.
Sir John May (1778–1847): British Army officer, Royal Artillery commander during the Peninsular War, and decorated hero of Waterloo.
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. ⚜️
