A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Mcewen family of Scotland.
Reg. 3393 · Scottish, M–O
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
lionCourage, strength and royalty
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
fishA true and generous mind, and Christian faith
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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)
“Ar. two lions ramp. combatant sa. supporting a dexter hand couped at the wrist gu. in chief four mullets of eight points of the last, in base waves of the sea, therein a salmon naiant all ppr”
Scotlandc. 1748
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Map of Scotland showing where the Mcewen arms are recorded
The Mcewen arms were recorded in Scotland, c. 1748.
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.
George II of Great Britain
Sovereign of the period
George II of Great Britain
1727–1760
Reigning in Scotland when the Mcewen 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 Mcewen Family in Scotland
The surname McEwen is a Gaelic name that translates to son of Ewen, which originates from the ancient personal name Eoghan. This name is deeply rooted in the history of the Scottish Highlands and the western islands, where early clan members were known for their strong ties to the land and their participation in regional politics. By the middle of the eighteenth century, the family had established a notable presence in the bustling city of Edinburgh. Records confirm that members of the McEwen family were living in the capital by 1748, during a time when the city was undergoing significant social and architectural growth. These early residents likely contributed to the vibrant trade and professional life of the city as it transitioned into the modern era. Their migration from the rugged Highlands to the urban center of Edinburgh reflects the broader movement of Scottish families seeking new opportunities in the eighteenth century.
Mcewen Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Eòghann
Derived from the Gaelic word for born of the yew tree.
This name
McewenRefers to the son of Ewan, representing a lineage descending from a person named Ewan.
also spelled
McKeon
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. Edinburgh Register of Marriages, 1701–1750. 1748
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
lionCourage, strength and royalty
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
fishA true and generous mind, and Christian faith
lionCourage, strength and royalty
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
fishA true and generous mind, and Christian faith
