The Watkins Family Crest framed artprint. Beautifully illustrated. Carefully researched. Uniquely personal.
Whether it’s a gift to celebrate a milestone birthday, a wedding or a housewarming—this piece is an instant heirloom.
The origin of the name Watkins
Watkins is an ancient Welsh and English patronymic surname meaning "son of Watkin" (a medieval hypocoristic form of Walter, composed of Wat and the Flemish diminutive suffix -kin—thus "little Walter" or "dear Walter"). Tracing lineage from prominent Welsh landholders across Breconshire, Monmouthshire, and Glamorgan following the Norman era, the House of Watkins held respected manorial seats. Members served as High Sheriffs, parliamentary representatives, and pioneering Arctic explorers. Codified early in feudal administrative records, the name appears in 14th-century Welsh land charters.
The symbolism of the Watkins coat of arms
Visually striking and martial, the Watkins coat of arms features a black (sable) shield charged with a broad argent / silver or white chevron set between three upright silver spearheads or spear points with golden sockets (two in chief, one in base). In classical Welsh heraldry, the black field symbolises deep wisdom, dignity, and unyielding constancy under trial, while the silver chevron represents a knightly sash of honor, fortress protection, and unblemished integrity. The three silver spearheads denote martial readiness, knightly valor, precision in battle, and formidable defense of domain. Positioned above the shield, the crest displays a green dragon's head and neck issuing, holding a severed human hand dripping red blood in its jaws, serving as an iconic emblem of ancient Welsh warrior lore, fierce territorial protection, and victory over adversaries. Below, the motto scroll displays Pen-aur-y-chalon wir, translating from Welsh to "A golden head, a true heart." The formal recognition of this coat of arms was recorded in Lewys Dwnn’s Heraldic Visitations of Wales and catalogued in Burke's Peerage.
Historical figures
Sir David Watkins (17th Century): Landed gentleman and magistrate recorded in Welsh county charters.
Lady Sarah Watkins (18th Century): Recorded gentlewoman and benefactor in Breconshire estate rolls.
Gino Watkins (1911–1932): Famed British Arctic explorer and leader of the British Arctic Air Route Expedition.
Product details
- Ayous wood 0.75″ (1.9 cm) thick frame from renewable forests
- Paper thickness: 10.3 mil (0.26 mm)
- Paper weight: 189 g/m²
- Lightweight & acrylite front protector
- Hanging hardware included
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. ⚜️
