The O'Higgins 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 O'Higgins
O'Higgins (Higgins) is an ancient Gaelic Irish clan surname derived from Ó hUiginn (from uiginn, meaning "viking / sea-rover" or "knowledgeable scholar"). Originating as hereditary poets, scholars, and historians to the royal Kings of Connacht, the O'Higgins sept held extensive church lands and baronies across County Sligo, Westmeath, and Galway. During the 18th century, branches of the family achieved world-historic renown in South America, where members served as Liberators and Viceroys.
The symbolism of the O'Higgins coat of arms
Visually rich and fortress-inspired, the O'Higgins coat of arms features an argent / silver or white shield powdered with black teardrops or drops of oil (guttée de poix), charged with a broad central black horizontal band (fess) bearing three silver triple-towered castles. In classical heraldry, the silver shield with black drops symbolises sincerity, trials endured with fortitude, and unblemished judicial purity. The black fess with three silver castles represents fortress defense, manorial hospitality, architectural strength, and civic stability across three ancestral domains. Positioned above the shield, the crest displays a silver tower surmounted by a golden griffin holding a silver sword erect, symbolising elevated watchfulness, fierce guardian power, and armed defense of country. Below, the motto scroll displays Pro patria, translating to "For country." The formal recognition of this coat of arms was registered in the Ulster Office of Arms and catalogued in Burke's General Armory.
Historical figures
Bernardo O'Higgins (1778–1842): World-famous South American liberator, Founding Father, and 1st Supreme Director of Chile.
Ambrose O'Higgins, 1st Marquis of Osorno (1720–1801): Irish-born Spanish administrator who served as Viceroy of Peru.
Doña Rosa O'Higgins (18th Century): Chilean gentlewoman and prominent historical figure.
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. ⚜️
