A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Mccallie family of France.
Reg. 4970 · 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 Mccallie arms are recorded
The Mccallie 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 Mccallie 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 Mccallie Family in France
The McCallie family name traces its roots back to the rugged landscapes of Scotland, where it evolved from the Gaelic name Mac Amhalghaidh, meaning son of Amhalghaidh. By the early 18th century, members of the family had migrated across the channel to the coastal region of Bretagne in France. Historical records confirm their presence in this area by 1725, likely as part of the broader movement of Scottish families seeking new opportunities or political refuge in continental Europe. These early ancestors lived during a time of significant transition, often working as merchants or soldiers who navigated the complex social structures of the French provinces. Over time, the spelling of the name shifted to accommodate local pronunciations, eventually settling into the form recognized today. This journey from the Scottish Highlands to the shores of France highlights the resilience and adaptability of the family as they established themselves in a new cultural environment.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Mac Cathail
Son of the battle ruler or son of the powerful warrior.
This name
MccallieA Gaelic patronymic surname signifying descent from a leader skilled in combat.
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
Archives départementales du Morbihan. Registres paroissiaux et d'état civil. 1725
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
