A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Mcgarity family of Britain.
Reg. 2475 · Britain, M–O
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
stagPeace and harmony, and one who will not fight unprovoked
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“D'arg. à un cerf pass. de gu., ramé d'or. C.: un bras de carn., tenant une branche de rosier de sin., fleurie de trois pièces de gu. D.: MENS CONSCIA RECTI.”
BritainCanada, c. 1700
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 Britain showing where the Mcgarity arms are recorded
The Mcgarity arms were recorded in Canada, c. 1700.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Kent.
Kent sits between London and the short crossing to Europe, and the trade passing through made it wealthy. Merchant families bought land with that money, and it was landowners who took coats of 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 Britain in this period.
William III of England
Sovereign of the period
William III of England
1694–1702
Reigning in Britain when the Mcgarity arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Britain
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 Britain.
Origin & History of the Mcgarity Family in Britain
The family name McGarity is a variation of the Gaelic name Mac Gearailt, which translates to son of Gerald. While the name has deep roots in Ireland, historical records confirm that members of the family were established in the county of Kent, England, by the year 1700. During this period, families often migrated across the Irish Sea for trade, military service, or employment in the growing English economy. Settling in Kent placed these early family members in a region known for its busy ports and proximity to London, which provided many opportunities for work and social advancement. Over time, the spelling of the name evolved to reflect local pronunciation and the transition into English-speaking communities. This migration pattern shows how families moved and adapted their identities while maintaining their ancestral connection to the name.
Mcgarity Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Mac Giolla Riabhaigh
Son of the grey-haired servant or devotee.
This name
McgarityDerived from Gaelic, signifying a descendant of a person characterized by grey or brindled hair.
also spelled
Mcarthy
Mccarty
McCarty
Mccarthy
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland: Their Origin, Meaning, and History, 1946
MacLysaght, Edward, The Surnames of Ireland, 1985
The National Archives (UK), Parish Registers of Kent, 1700
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
stagPeace and harmony, and one who will not fight unprovoked
stagPeace and harmony, and one who will not fight unprovoked
