A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Macgregor family of Britain.
Reg. 7470 · Britain, M–O
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
oakGreat age, strength and steadfastness
crownSovereignty, authority and just reward
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“D'arg. à un chêne au nat., terrassé du même, surm. d'une épée au nat., en bande; au chef du premier, ch. de deux couronnes à l'antique de gu.; à la bord. engr. du même. C.: une main de carn., en pal, empoignant un poignard, d'arg., garni d'or, surm. de la D.: EIN DO, AND SPARE NOT.”
LincolnshireLincolnshire, c. 1828
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
Map of Britain showing where the Macgregor arms are recorded
The Macgregor arms were recorded in Lincolnshire, c. 1828.
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 Britain in this period.
George IV of the United Kingdom
Sovereign of the period
George IV of the United Kingdom
1820–1830
Reigning in Britain when the Macgregor arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Britain
English heraldry allowed arms to be shared by all legitimate descendants of the original owner. These symbols were treated as personal property that moved through the generations to all children. While the eldest son kept the original design, other family members could use the same shield without needing to change it or register their own unique versions.
Granting authority
The College of Arms in London has regulated the use of coats of arms throughout England and Wales since 1484.
How they got arms
Families typically obtained their coats of arms through a formal grant from the Crown or by proving their ancient right to them.
Where arms were recorded
All official coats of arms are recorded in the registers kept at the College of Arms, which date back to the fifteenth century.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Lincolnshire.
Origin & History of the Macgregor Family in Britain
The name MacGregor originates from the Scottish Highlands and translates to the son of Gregor. The family traces its roots back to the early medieval period in Scotland, where they were known as a fierce and independent clan. Over many generations, members of the family moved away from their ancestral lands in Argyll and Perthshire to seek new opportunities across the British Isles. By the early nineteenth century, records confirm that the family had established a presence in the English county of Lincolnshire. These early settlers in Lincolnshire were part of a broader movement of Scottish families who integrated into local communities while maintaining their distinct cultural heritage. This transition from the rugged Highlands to the flat agricultural plains of eastern England highlights the adaptability of the family as they built new lives during the Industrial Revolution.
Macgregor Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Griogair
The Gaelic form of the Greek name Gregory meaning watchful or alert.
This name
MacgregorRefers to the son of Gregory, historically associated with the Scottish clan.
also spelled
Macgreggor
Mcgregor
Makgregor
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Black, George Fraser, The Surnames of Scotland: Their Origin, Meaning, and History, 1946
Grant, I.F., The MacGregors: Clan Gregor, 1971
Lincolnshire Archives, Parish Registers of Lincolnshire, 1828
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
oakGreat age, strength and steadfastness
crownSovereignty, authority and just reward
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
oakGreat age, strength and steadfastness
crownSovereignty, authority and just reward
