A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Bannatyne family of Scotland.
Reg. 9852 · Scottish, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Historical info
Source
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Gu. a chev. ar. betw. three mullets or”
ButeKames · Bute, c. 1672
Where the Bannatyne Arms Were Recorded
Bute
Map of Scotland showing where the Bannatyne arms are recorded
The Bannatyne arms were recorded in Bute, c. 1672.
Bute was island country in the Firth of Clyde, held by a small number of families for centuries. Land changed hands rarely there, and families who held on appear in the register.
This is where the arms were entered in the register. Families often moved to other parts of the country, so the same name can turn up in more than one region.
The body that granted and recorded arms in Scotland in this period.
Charles II of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles II of England
1660–1685
Reigning in Scotland when the Bannatyne arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Scotland
Scottish heraldry is unique because it treats a coat of arms as a piece of personal property protected by law. Only one person can own a specific design at any given time. When a family grows, the head keeps the original shield while other relatives must apply for their own distinct version with slight changes to prove their specific identity.
Granting authority
The Court of the Lord Lyon acts as the official body that regulates and controls all heraldic matters throughout Scotland.
How they got arms
Individuals obtain a legal right to their arms through a formal petition process that confirms their identity and family connection.
Where arms were recorded
All valid coats of arms are officially entered into the Public Register of All Arms and Bearings starting from 1672.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Bute.
Origin & History of the Bannatyne Family in Scotland
The Bannatyne family name has deep roots in the Scottish landscape, particularly on the island of Bute. While the name appears in various records throughout the centuries, the family established a significant presence in Bute by 1672. The name itself is thought to be a variation of the Gaelic term *ban-tighearna*, which translates to lady of the house or mistress of the estate. This suggests that early ancestors may have held positions of local importance or managed significant landholdings. Over time, the family became deeply integrated into the social and administrative life of the island. Their history reflects the broader patterns of Scottish clan life, where families often remained tied to specific geographic areas for generations to maintain their influence and community standing.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Bannachtain
Gaelic term referring to a white or fair-skinned person.
This name
BannatyneDerived from a Scottish place name meaning white or fair-colored hill or settlement.
also spelled
Bannatine
Related arms
Brownrecorded with Bannatyne, same area
Cockburnrecorded with Bannatyne, same area
Cranstounrecorded with Bannatyne, same area
Erskinerecorded with Bannatyne, same area
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland: Their Origin, Meaning, and History, 1946
Johnston, James B., Place-Names of Scotland, 1934
National Records of Scotland, Records of the Sheriff Court of Bute, Series SC8
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
