Robinson Family Crest mug

A Robinson Family Crest mug makes a thoughtful gift for any family celebration. 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 Robinson

The surname Robinson is a classic patronymic name of English and Scottish origin, translating literally to "the son of Robin." The personal name Robin developed during the early medieval period as a popular diminutive form of Robert. Robert itself is derived from the Old Germanic name Hrodbert, which combines the ancient elements hrod (meaning "fame" or "renown") and berht (meaning "bright" or "shining") to translate to "bright fame." Introduced to the British Isles by the Normans during the Conquest of 1066, the name became exceptionally widespread. The hereditary surname permanently stabilized between the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries, with one of the earliest official entries recorded for a John Robinson in the 1379 Poll Tax Returns of Yorkshire.

The symbolism of the Robinson coat of arms

The Shield Color: The green background (vert) traditionally symbolizes hope, vitality, growth, and loyalty to the land.

The Chevron: The central gold structural band (or) represents a roof-rafter or ridge-beam. In heraldic tradition, it denotes protection, architectural strength, and steadfast service to the crown or community.

The Three Stags: Positioned two in chief and one in base, these gold stags or bucks trippant (depicted in a walking motion) signify peace, policy, and harmony. Historically, the stag represents a person of noble spirit who prefers peace but will fight fiercely if provoked.

The Three Trefoils: The three green five-leafed or three-leafed clover motifs (trefoils slipped vert) placed directly on the gold chevron represent hope, joy, and spiritual fertility.

The Crest: A gold stag standing atop a noble coronet, reinforcing the ancestral themes of grace, vigilance, and leadership.

The Motto: Foi est tout, a traditional Norman-French phrase that translates directly to English as "Faith is everything" or "Faith is all."

Historical records and earliest evidence of creation

The Newby, Yorkshire Lineage (17th Century): The core framework of this shield (Vert, a chevron between three bucks Or) under the definitive French motto Foi est tout belongs to the historic family of Robinson of Newby, County York. This lineage was formally verified during the heraldic visitations of the seventeenth century and prominently borne by Sir Metcalfe Robinson (1629–1689), who was created a Baronet in 1660. The family line later achieved elevated peerages, including the titles of Baron Grantham in 1761 and Earl of Ripon in 1833.

The Addition of the Trefoils: Placing trefoils on the chevron was a classic heraldic method used to differentiate distinct branches of the same family tree. The earliest and most prominent record of this specific trefoil variation is tied to John Robinson (1650–1723), the celebrated English diplomat who served as the Bishop of Bristol and later the Bishop of London. His official eighteenth-century registries and surviving ecclesiastical stained-glass windows explicitly codify this layout.

Burke's General Armory Registration: This entire armorial configuration is formally cataloged and validated within Sir Bernard Burke’s master registry, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales (page 861). This entry legally confirms its recognition as an authentic historical insignia for established branches of the Robinson gentry. 

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.

Product details

• High quality white ceramic mug with the family crest printed both sides
• Dishwasher and microwave safe
• 15 oz mug dimensions: 4.7″ (11.9 cm) in height, 3.3″ (8.5 cm) in diameter