The O'Sullivan Family Crest mug - with robins. 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 Robin
Robin (Robins) is an ancient Anglo-Norman, English, and French personal name and surname derived as a diminutive of Robert ("bright fame"), or given as a nickname referring to the robin bird (celebrated for its cheerful vitality and bright breast). Established early across Jersey (Channel Islands), Devon, Brittany, and Normandy, the House of Robin produced royal botanists, international merchants, and civic magistrates. Codified early in medieval administrative rolls, the name appears in 13th-century Anglo-Norman charters.
The symbolism of the Robin coat of arms
Visually vibrant and organic, the Robin coat of arms features a deep blue shield charged with a broad golden chevron bearing three green thistle plants with red flowers/berries. In classical heraldry, the deep blue field symbolises loyalty, truth, and faith, while the golden chevron represents architectural protection, generosity, and knightly sashes of honor. The three green thistles with red blooms signify fierce independence, resilience, royal protection, and enduring vitality. Positioned above the shield, the crest displays a European robin bird standing upon a wreath, serving as an iconic canting emblem representing friendly spirit, heraldic song, watchfulness, and hopeful renewal. Below, the motto scroll displays Vivit post funera virtus, translating to "Virtue lives after death." The formal recognition of this coat of arms was documented in Channel Islands and French armorial registers and catalogued in J.B. Rietstap’s Armorial Général.
Historical figures
Jean Robin (1550–1629): Famed French botanist to Kings Henry IV and Louis XIII, after whom the genus Robinia was named.
Elizabeth Robin (18th Century): Recorded gentlewoman and landholder in Jersey charters.
Charles Robin (1743–1824): Jersey-born merchant pioneer and founder of major international maritime enterprises.
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. ⚜️
