A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Innes family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 8921 · Scottish, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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)
“Ar. three stars of six points az”
ElginElgin, c. 1625
Where the Innes Arms Were Recorded
Elgin
Map of Scotland showing where the Innes arms are recorded
The Innes arms were recorded in Elgin, c. 1625.
Elgin, now Moray, was rich farming country on Scotland's north-east coast with a cathedral at its centre. Church and land both brought standing, and standing was marked with arms.
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.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1587–1625
Reigning in Scotland when the Innes 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 Elgin.
Origin & History of the Innes Family in Scotland
The name Innes originates from the Gaelic word *innis*, which refers to an island or a river meadow. The family first gained prominence in the region of Moray in northeastern Scotland during the twelfth century. King Malcolm IV granted the lands of Innes to Berowald the Fleming in 1160, marking the beginning of the family’s deep connection to the area near Elgin. Over the following centuries, the family expanded their influence across the Scottish Highlands and became significant landowners in the north. By the time records confirm their presence in Elgin during the early seventeenth century, the family had already established a long history of local leadership and service. They played an active role in the social and political life of the region for generations, helping to shape the development of the Scottish northeast.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Inis
A Gaelic term referring to an island or river meadow.
This name
InnesDerived from a place name in Moray, signifying land situated by an island or river.
also spelled
Innis
Inneys
Related arms
Barclayrecorded with Innes, same area
Fithierecorded with Innes, same area
Milnerecorded with Innes, same area
Murerecorded with Innes, same area
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Barrow, G.W.S., The Kingdom of the Scots: Government, Church and Society from the Eleventh to the Fourteenth Century, 1973
Innes of Learney, Thomas, The Inneses of Innes, 1954
National Records of Scotland, Records of the Sheriff Court of Elgin and Nairn, SC26
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
