Rhodes Family Crest mug

The Rhodes 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 Rhodes

Rhodes (Rodes / de Rhodes) is an ancient English topographic surname derived from Old English roded (meaning "a clearing in the woods" or "forest road") or place names in Lancashire and Yorkshire. Establishing premier landed seats at Barlborough Hall in Derbyshire and Rode Hall in Cheshire, the House of Rhodes rose to high aristocratic standing as Barons Rhodes and baronets. Members served as High Sheriffs, global industrial pioneers, and Parliamentarians. Codified early in feudal records, the name appears in the 1273 Hundred Rolls (Alexander de la Rodes).

The symbolism of the Rhodes coat of arms

Visually striking and watchful, the Rhodes coat of arms features a shield partitioned horizontally per fess: the upper argent / silver or white chief section is charged with a running red hound (greyhound courant) wearing a golden collar; the lower deep blue section bears three golden annulets or rings (two in chief, one in base). In classical heraldry, the silver chief symbolises sincerity and peace, while the running red greyhound represents swift alertness, loyal devotion, and relentless pursuit of justice. The deep blue lower field denotes loyalty, truth, and faith, while the three golden annulets signify fidelity, continuous unity, and noble standing across generations. Positioned above the shield, the crest displays a plume of blue and silver feathers, symbolising noble elevation and light. Below, the motto scroll displays Coelum non animum, translating to "You may change your sky, but not your soul." The formal recognition of this coat of arms was recorded in the Heralds' Visitations of Derbyshire and catalogued in Burke's Peerage.

Historical figures

Sir John de Rodes / Rhodes (16th Century): High Sheriff of Derbyshire and owner of Barlborough Hall.
Lady Margaret Rhodes (18th Century): Recorded gentlewoman and benefactor in Yorkshire land charters.
Cecil Rhodes (1853–1902): Famed British businessman, statesman, and founder of the Rhodes Scholarship at Oxford.

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. ⚜️