Map of Scotland showing where the Callander arms are recorded
The Callander arms were recorded in Scotland, c. 1748.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Edinburgh.
Edinburgh was the seat of Scotland's government, its courts and its heralds. Families with business there settled nearby, and being close to where arms were recorded is exactly why so many of them appear.
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.
George II of Great Britain
Sovereign of the period
George II of Great Britain
1727–1760
Reigning in Scotland when the Callander 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 Scotland.
Origin & History of the Callander Family in Scotland
The surname Callander originates from the lands of Callander in the historic county of Stirlingshire, Scotland. The name is derived from the Scottish Gaelic term *caladh*, which refers to a landing place or a harbor, suggesting that the earliest families lived near significant waterways. By the mid-eighteenth century, members of the family had established a notable presence in Edinburgh, a city that served as the intellectual and political heart of Scotland during the Enlightenment. These early residents were part of a growing urban middle class that helped shape the city as it expanded beyond its medieval walls. While the family roots are tied to the rugged landscape of the central lowlands, their migration to the capital reflects the broader movement of Scottish families seeking new opportunities in trade and professional life during the 1700s.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
chequyConstancy, and the counting-board
billetThe sealed letter, and a message delivered
Colours
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“Sa. a bend chequy or and gu. betw. six billets of the second”
Irelandc. 1645
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Map of Ireland showing where the Callander arms are recorded
The Callander arms were recorded in Ireland, c. 1645.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Dublin.
Dublin was the seat of government in Ireland and the place where grants were sought and recorded. Families with business at the castle or the courts settled nearby, and settling there put their arms on record.
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 Ireland in this period.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in Scotland when the Callander arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Ireland
The Ulster King of Arms granted coats of arms to individuals who proved their social standing and good character. These symbols were typically inherited by all legitimate descendants of the original holder. If a family branch wanted a unique look, they could apply for a specific change to their design through the office to ensure their identity remained distinct.
Granting authority
The Ulster King of Arms acted as the official body that regulated and issued all coats of arms throughout Ireland.
How they got arms
Families obtained their arms through formal grants issued by the office after proving their eligibility and paying the required fees.
Where arms were recorded
All official grants were recorded in the registers held by the Ulster King of Arms starting from the year 1552.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Ireland.
Origin & History of the Callander Family in Ireland
The history of the Callander family in Ireland is deeply connected to the shifting political landscape of the seventeenth century. By 1645, records confirm that members of the family were established in Dublin, a city that served as a vital hub for trade and administration during a period of intense upheaval. While the name is often associated with Scottish origins, its presence in Ireland during this era suggests that the family was part of the movement of people across the Irish Sea for business, military service, or land administration. These early settlers in Dublin likely integrated into the urban merchant or professional classes, navigating the complex social structures of a city caught between local traditions and the influence of the British Crown. Their ability to maintain a presence in the capital during such a volatile time indicates that the Callanders were likely resilient and adaptable, helping them establish a lasting footprint in Irish history.
Callander Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Calgach
Derived from the Gaelic word for fierce warrior or battle-ready.
This name
CallanderRefers to a place in Stirlingshire, Scotland, signifying a location of battle or a hazel wood.
also spelled
Callender
Callendre
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, Edinburgh Register of Testaments, 1748
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
chequyConstancy, and the counting-board
billetThe sealed letter, and a message delivered
