Map of Scotland showing where the Mccartney arms are recorded
The Mccartney arms were recorded in Scotland, c. 1678.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Edinburgh.
Edinburgh was the seat of Scotland's government, its courts and its heralds. Families with business there settled nearby, and being close to where arms were recorded is exactly why so many of them appear.
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.
Charles II of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles II of England
1660–1685
Reigning in Scotland when the Mccartney 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 Scotland.
Origin & History of the Mccartney Family in Scotland
The surname McCartney is a variation of the Gaelic name Mac Cartain, which translates to son of Cartan. While the name has deep roots in Ireland, it also established a significant presence in Scotland during the seventeenth century. By 1678, records confirm that members of the family were living in Edinburgh, a city that served as a major hub for trade and administration at the time. These early settlers were likely part of the movement of people between Scotland and Ireland, which was common due to their close geographical proximity and shared cultural ties. As the family integrated into Scottish society, they became part of the urban fabric of Edinburgh, contributing to the professional and social life of the capital during a period of great political and religious change. This transition from their ancestral origins to the heart of Scotland highlights how families adapted to new environments while maintaining their distinct identity.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bordureA difference between branches of one family
stagPeace and harmony, and one who will not fight unprovoked
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“Or, a stag trippant gu. attired ar. a border of the second”
Irelandc. 1806
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Map of Ireland showing where the Mccartney arms are recorded
The Mccartney arms were recorded in Ireland, c. 1806.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Dublin.
Dublin was the seat of government in Ireland and the place where grants were sought and recorded. Families with business at the castle or the courts settled nearby, and settling there put their arms on record.
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 Ireland in this period.
George III of Great Britain
Sovereign of the period
George III of Great Britain
1801–1820
Reigning in Scotland when the Mccartney arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Ireland
The Ulster King of Arms granted coats of arms to individuals who proved their social standing and good character. These symbols were typically inherited by all legitimate descendants of the original holder. If a family branch wanted a unique look, they could apply for a specific change to their design through the office to ensure their identity remained distinct.
Granting authority
The Ulster King of Arms acted as the official body that regulated and issued all coats of arms throughout Ireland.
How they got arms
Families obtained their arms through formal grants issued by the office after proving their eligibility and paying the required fees.
Where arms were recorded
All official grants were recorded in the registers held by the Ulster King of Arms starting from the year 1552.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Ireland.
Origin & History of the Mccartney Family in Ireland
The surname McCartney is a variation of the Gaelic name Mac Cartúin, which translates to "son of Cartún." While the name has deep roots in the northern regions of Ireland, members of the family were firmly established in Dublin by the early nineteenth century. By 1806, these individuals were active participants in the growing urban life of the capital city. During this era, Dublin was a bustling center of trade and administration, and families like the McCartneys often held roles as skilled tradespeople or merchants. Their presence in the city records from this time suggests they were part of the expanding middle class that helped shape the social and economic landscape of Ireland during the period of the Act of Union. As they settled into city life, they integrated into the local community while maintaining the heritage of their ancestral name.
Mccartney Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Mac Artain
Son of the follower of Saint Artan
This name
MccartneyDerived from the Gaelic patronymic meaning son of the devotee of Artan.
also spelled
Macartny
Maccartney
Makartni
Cartney
McCartney
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland: Their Origin, Meaning, and History, 1946
National Records of Scotland, Register of Testaments, 1678
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
bordureA difference between branches of one family
stagPeace and harmony, and one who will not fight unprovoked
bordureA difference between branches of one family
stagPeace and harmony, and one who will not fight unprovoked
