Murphy Family Crest beer glass - lion with wheat

Here’s a proper gift for anyone called Murphy who enjoys a beer! The Murphy Family Crest printed to order on a sturdy 16oz pint glass. Beautifully illustrated. Carefully researched. Uniquely personal.

Sláinte! ☘️

Symbolism of the Murphy Crest

This Murphy coat of arms features a quartered shield with red and silver fields, a black horizontal band across the centre, and three gold wheatsheaves. In heraldic tradition, red is associated with courage and martial strength, silver with peace and sincerity, black with constancy, and gold with generosity and honour. The wheat sheaves are a longstanding heraldic symbol of abundance and plenty, while the lions are commonly read as emblems of courage and noble bearing. The crest above the shield shows a red lion holding a wheatsheaf, reinforcing the same themes of strength and sustenance. The motto 'Fortis et hospitalis' is usually translated as “Brave and hospitable”. The best historical evidence for this version of the Ó Murchú / Murphy crest is that one Murphy line was associated with Mount Merrion, County Dublin, and another with Kilbrew, County Meath, with a grant recorded for William Murphy, Esq., and descendants of his grandfather William Murphy of Mount Merrion. This crest design is based on an older recorded Irish heraldic form, associated with family branches in places such as County Dublin and County Meath, and rooted in the wider Gaelic Murphy sept tradition.

Origin of the Murphy name

Murphy is the anglicized form of the Gaelic names Ó Murchadha or Mac Murchadha, derived from murchadh, meaning “sea warrior.” The surname is deeply rooted in Irish heritage and appears in several historic Irish branches rather than a single universal family line. One tradition places early Murphy families in County Wexford, while other sources cite distinct septs in Cork, Sligo/Roscommon, Tyrone, and Armagh. Because the surname originated in multiple regions, various Murphy heraldic forms exist, each linked to specific historical lines. This particular 'Mount Merrion' version is certainly widely recognised as the best known Murphy crest not least because of the famous beer brand associated with it. Additionally, the Murphys of Wexford have a family crest featuring an apple tree and a golden lion, also featured on this website.

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 and uniquely personal gifts for any occasion with family and friends.

Product details:
• Glass material
• Volume: 16 oz (473 ml)
• Not dishwasher or microwave recommended – hand wash only.

Size guide