A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Mackay family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 5030 · Dutch, M–O
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
stagPeace and harmony, and one who will not fight unprovoked
armA person of action, industrious and laborious
bearStrength, cunning and protection of kin
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“D'azur au chev. d'or, ch. d'une tête de cerf au nat. et de deux avant-bras de carn., posés dans le sens du chev., tenant chacun un poignard d'arg., dirigé vers la tête de cerf; ledit chev. acc. de trois têtes d'ours coupées d'arg., emmuselées de gu. Brl. d'azur et d'arg. C.: un avant-bras de carn., en pal, tenant un poignard d'arg., en pal. L. d'arg. et d'azur. T.: deux chasseurs au nat., le fusil en pied. D.: MANU FORTI.”
GueldersGuelders, c. 1815
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Map of Netherlands showing where the Mackay arms are recorded
The Mackay arms were recorded in Guelders, c. 1815.
Guelders was river country in the east of the Netherlands, held by families whose estates sat along the water. Land there stayed in the same hands for generations, and long tenure is what fills a register of 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.
Region
Guelders
First recorded
1815
Granting Authority for the Mackay Arms
Hoge Raad van Adel
Photograph made by me · CC BY-SA 3.0
The body that granted and recorded arms in Netherlands in this period.
William I of the Netherlands
Sovereign of the period
William I of the Netherlands
1815–1840
Reigning in Netherlands when the Mackay arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Netherlands
In the Netherlands, coats of arms were often used by noble families and those who held specific public offices. These arms were passed down through the generations to legitimate descendants. Younger branches of a family usually kept the original design without needing to add special marks. This system ensured that the family identity remained clear and consistent over many years.
Granting authority
The Hoge Raad van Adel is the official body that regulates and manages noble titles and coats of arms in the Netherlands.
How they got arms
Families typically obtained their coats of arms through official royal grants or by proving their long-standing historical use of the symbols.
Where arms were recorded
Coats of arms are officially recorded in the registers held by the Hoge Raad van Adel, which began its work in 1814.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Guelders.
Origin & History of the Mackay Family in Netherlands
The history of the Mackay family in the Netherlands began in the early nineteenth century when they became prominent figures in the Dutch nobility. While the family originated from the Scottish Highlands, they established a significant presence in the province of Guelders by 1815. This relocation was largely due to the political and military connections between the British and Dutch states during the Napoleonic era. Members of the family served as high-ranking officers and diplomats, eventually integrating into the Dutch upper class. By settling in Guelders, they transitioned from their traditional Scottish roots to become influential participants in Dutch public life. Their integration was so successful that they were formally recognized within the Dutch peerage, allowing them to maintain their status and influence in their new home for generations.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
stagPeace and harmony, and one who will not fight unprovoked
bearStrength, cunning and protection of kin
handFaith, sincerity and justice
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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)
“Az. on a chev. or, betw. three bears' heads couped ar. muzzled gu. a roebuck's head erased betw. two hands issuant from the ends of the chev. each holding a dagger all ppr”
Englandc. 1620
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Map of England showing where the Mackay arms are recorded
The Mackay arms were recorded in England, c. 1620.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in York.
Yorkshire is the largest of the English counties, and it held more gentry families than any other. Land there was split among a great many households rather than a few, so a great many of them carried 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 England in this period.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in Netherlands when the Mackay arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in England
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 England.
Origin & History of the Mackay Family in England
The Mackay family name has deep roots that stretch far beyond its traditional associations, finding a notable presence in the city of York by the year 1620. During this period, England was a place of significant movement and social change, and families like the Mackays often integrated into local urban life through trade and civic participation. While the name is famously linked to the rugged landscapes of the Scottish Highlands, its appearance in English parish records and municipal documents from the early seventeenth century suggests that members of the family were active participants in the growing commercial networks of Northern England. These early settlers likely navigated the complexities of English society by establishing themselves as skilled workers or merchants, contributing to the cultural fabric of York during a time of great historical transition. By tracing these early records, we gain a clearer picture of how a family name can travel across borders and adapt to new environments while maintaining its distinct identity.
Mackay Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Mac Aoidh
Gaelic patronymic meaning son of Aodh, representing fire or light.
This name
MackayA Scottish Gaelic surname meaning son of the fire-god or son of the fiery one.
also spelled
Mackey
Mackai
McKay
Mackie
Related arms
Mackievariant spelling
Balfourrecorded with Mackay, same area
Collinsrecorded with Mackay, same area
Doubletrecorded with Mackay, same area
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Nederlandse Adelsvereniging, Nederland's Adelsboek, 1913
Nationaal Archief, Hoge Raad van Adel, 1814-1900
Van Ditzhuyzen, Reinildis, Nederlandse adel: een historisch overzicht, 2004
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
stagPeace and harmony, and one who will not fight unprovoked
armA person of action, industrious and laborious
bearStrength, cunning and protection of kin
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
stagPeace and harmony, and one who will not fight unprovoked
armA person of action, industrious and laborious
bearStrength, cunning and protection of kin
handFaith, sincerity and justice
