A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Mc Call family of France.
Reg. 8868 · French, M–O
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
chequyConstancy, and the counting-board
buckleFidelity, and a bond firmly held
arrowReadiness for battle, and affliction endured
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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)
“De gu. à la fasce échiq. d'arg. et de sa., acc. de trois fermaux d'arg., 2 en chef et 1 en p., et deux flèches du même, passées en saut. derrière la fasce; à la bord. denchée d'or. D.: DULCE PERICULUM.”
FranceEtats-Unis, c. 1725
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Map of France showing where the Mc Call arms are recorded
The Mc Call arms were recorded in Etats-Unis, c. 1725.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Bretagne.
More families held coats of arms in Bretagne than anywhere else in France. The land was divided into many small estates rather than a few large ones, so far more households counted as gentry, and each needed a shield of its own to be told apart.
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 France in this period.
Louis XV of France
Sovereign of the period
Louis XV of France
1715–1774
Reigning in France when the Mc Call arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in France
In France, a coat of arms was a mark of honor that passed down through the male line to all legitimate descendants. Families often used the same shield without changes to show their shared heritage. If a branch wanted to stand out, they could add a small mark to their shield to show their specific place in the family tree.
Granting authority
The Juge d'armes de France acted as the official authority that regulated and verified coats of arms across the country.
How they got arms
Families typically inherited their arms from ancestors, though they could also receive them through royal grants or by proving their noble status.
Where arms were recorded
Coats of arms were officially recorded in the Armorial Général de France, which began its main collection in the year 1696.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of France.
Origin & History of the Mc Call Family in France
The name McCall is traditionally rooted in the Gaelic language, originating from the Scottish and Irish name Mac Cathmhaoil, which translates to "son of the battle chief." While the name is most famously associated with the rugged landscapes of Scotland and Ireland, the presence of family members in the Brittany region of France by 1725 suggests a history of migration and adaptability. During the early 18th century, many families from the British Isles moved across the English Channel for military service, trade, or political reasons. Settling in a region like Brittany would have required these early ancestors to integrate into a new culture while maintaining their distinct linguistic heritage. This transition highlights a period where the family name began to spread beyond its original borders, marking the start of a long journey that saw the family adapt to new lands and changing social landscapes.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Cathail
An Old Irish personal name meaning battle ruler or powerful warrior.
This name
Mc CallA patronymic surname signifying son of the battle ruler.
also spelled
Mcall
Mccal
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
MacLysaght, Edward. The Surnames of Ireland. 1964
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
chequyConstancy, and the counting-board
buckleFidelity, and a bond firmly held
arrowReadiness for battle, and affliction endured
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
chequyConstancy, and the counting-board
buckleFidelity, and a bond firmly held
arrowReadiness for battle, and affliction endured
