The Watson 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 Watson
Watson is an illustrious ancient Scottish and northern English patronymic surname meaning "son of Wat" or "son of Walter" ("ruler of the army"). Associated as an influential sept with Clan Buchanan and Clan Forbes in Scotland, the family held premier landed seats at Rockingham Castle in Northamptonshire as well as across Aberdeenshire and Yorkshire. Rising to high nobility as Barons Rockingham and baronets, members served as High Sheriffs, Cabinet Ministers, legal scholars, and pioneering scientists. Codified early in Scottish and English registers, the name appears in 14th-century charters.
The symbolism of the Watson coat of arms
Visually pure and celestial, the Watson coat of arms features an argent / silver or white shield charged with a broad deep blue chevron bearing three golden crescent moons, set between three blue and white birds or martlets (two in chief, one in base). In classical heraldry, the silver field symbolises sincerity, peace, and unblemished judicial purity, while the deep blue chevron represents loyalty, truth, faith, and architectural strength. The three golden crescent moons signify celestial enlightenment, hopeful renewal, and elevated family standing, while the three martlets denote constant vigilance, swift intellect, and endurance on long journeys. Positioned above the shield, the crest displays a plume of blue and silver feathers issuing from a golden crown, symbolising noble elevation and light. Below, the motto scroll displays Mea gloria fides, translating to "Faith is my glory." The formal recognition of this coat of arms was recorded in the Heralds' Visitations of Northamptonshire and catalogued in Burke's Peerage.
Historical figures
Sir Lewis Watson, 1st Baron Rockingham (1584–1653): English nobleman, Member of Parliament, and owner of Rockingham Castle.
Lady Elizabeth Watson (18th Century): Recorded gentlewoman and benefactor in Aberdeenshire estate rolls.
James Watson (1739–1790): Celebrated Irish engraver and artist.
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. ⚜️
