Crests: 1st: a Dexter Gauntlet proper, bossed and rimmed Or, brandishing a Sword proper (Vane); 2nd: On a Chapeau Gules, turned up Ermine, a Lion passant guardant Or, gorged with a Collar compony Ermine and Azure, and crowned with a Ducal Coronet Gold (FitzRoy).

The first creation in 1670 (along with the barony of Nonsuch and the earldom of Southampton) was for Barbara Castlemaine, a mistress of King Charles II.

As there were no heirs male descended from George FitzRoy, 1st Duke of Northumberland and the 1st Duchess of Cleveland's 2nd son (Henry Fitzroy, 1st Duke of Grafton) and his heirs male had not been made eligible to inherit the dukedom of Cleveland, the title became extinct.

The dukedom of Cleveland was created again on 29 January 1833 for William Vane, 3rd Earl of Darlington, along with the title Baron Raby.

The Dukes also held the titles of Countess of Southampton and Baroness Nonsuch, in the County of Surrey, created at the same time.