A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Gorrie family of Scotland.
Reg. 9703 · Scottish, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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)
“Sa. a chev. betw. three mullets in chief and a lion ramp. in base or”
Scotlandc. 1748
Where the Gorrie Arms Were Recorded
Edinburgh
Map of Scotland showing where the Gorrie arms are recorded
The Gorrie 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 Gorrie 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 Gorrie Family in Scotland
The surname Gorrie is deeply rooted in the history of Scotland, with records confirming that families bearing the name were well-established in Edinburgh by 1748. The name is widely considered to be a variation of the Gaelic name Gorry, which is derived from the Old Norse name Gothfrith. This connection suggests that the family’s ancestors likely arrived in Scotland during the period of Viking influence along the western coast and the islands. Over several centuries, the name evolved through phonetic spelling as families moved from the Highlands and islands toward the growing urban centers like Edinburgh. By the mid-18th century, the Gorrie family had become part of the professional and working life of the capital, contributing to the city’s development during a time of significant social and economic change.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Goraidh
A Gaelic form of the Old Norse name Godfrid meaning God's peace.
This name
GorrieA Scottish patronymic surname derived from the Gaelic personal name meaning peaceful ruler.
also spelled
Gorry
Gory
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
National Records of Scotland, Old Parish Registers, Births and Baptisms, 1748
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
lionCourage, strength and royalty
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
lionCourage, strength and royalty
