Map of Scotland showing where the Macqueen arms are recorded
The Macqueen arms were recorded in Inverness, c. 1748.
Inverness was the largest Highland county, clan country of glens and long sea lochs. Chiefs recorded arms to mark the head of a family, and cadet branches recorded their own to show their place.
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 Macqueen 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 Inverness.
Origin & History of the Macqueen Family in Scotland
The surname Macqueen originates from the Gaelic name Mac Shuibhne, which translates to son of Suibhne. This name is rooted in the ancient traditions of the Scottish Highlands and the Western Isles. While the family name has deep connections to the rugged landscapes of the north, historical records confirm that members of the Macqueen family were well established in Inverness by 1748. During this period, the family was deeply integrated into the social and economic life of the town. They lived through a time of significant political change in Scotland, witnessing the shift from traditional clan structures to a more modern administrative system. By settling in regional hubs like Inverness, the Macqueens helped shape the local community and contributed to the growth of the town during the eighteenth century. Their presence in these northern territories reflects the broader movement of Highland families as they navigated the complex history of the Scottish nation.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
pegasusFame, eloquence and swift renown
cinquefoilHope and joy
Colours
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
ErmineMeans: Dignity
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)
“Vert a pegasus saliant ar. a chief or, quartering POTTER, viz., Sa. a fesse erm. betw. three cinquefoils ar”
BedfordBedford, c. 1620
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 England showing where the Macqueen arms are recorded
The Macqueen arms were recorded in Bedford, c. 1620.
Bedfordshire was small, flat farming country close to London. Its manors were held by middling families rather than great ones, but a manor was a manor, and holding one brought 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 Scotland when the Macqueen 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 Bedford.
Origin & History of the Macqueen Family in England
The family name Macqueen holds a distinct place in English history, particularly when tracing its roots to the early seventeenth century. While the name is often associated with Scottish origins, records confirm that members of the family were firmly established in Bedford by 1620. During this period, England was undergoing significant social and economic shifts, and families like the Macqueens were often involved in the local trade and civic life of growing market towns. Living in Bedford allowed these early ancestors to integrate into the English landscape, moving away from their ancestral Gaelic roots to adopt the customs and legal structures of their new home. By settling in this region, they became part of the fabric of English society during a time of great exploration and change, leaving behind a legacy that bridges the gap between their northern heritage and their life in the English Midlands.
Macqueen Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Mac Shuibhne
Son of the pleasant or well-disposed one.
This name
MacqueenDerived from a Gaelic personal name meaning pleasant or good-natured.
also spelled
McQueen
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Black, George Fraser. The Surnames of Scotland: Their Origin, Meaning, and History. 1946
National Records of Scotland. Inverness Burgh Records, B34
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
wolfReward from long service and hard work
wolfReward from long service and hard work
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
pegasusFame, eloquence and swift renown
cinquefoilHope and joy
