A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Mcgarrity family of Britain.
Reg. 2855 · 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
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Map of Britain showing where the Mcgarrity arms are recorded
The Mcgarrity 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 Mcgarrity 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 Mcgarrity Family in Britain
The surname McGarrity is an anglicized version of the Gaelic name Mag Oireachtaigh, which translates to son of the member of the assembly. Historically, the family originated in Ireland, where they were part of the Cenél nEógain tribal group in County Roscommon. By the early 18th century, members of the family had migrated across the Irish Sea to settle in Kent, England. This movement was likely driven by the economic and political instability that defined the period for many Irish families. Once in Kent, the McGarritys integrated into the local community, transitioning from their traditional Gaelic roots into the English social structure of the 1700s. Their presence in regional records from this era highlights how families moved and adapted during a time of significant migration between Ireland and Britain.
Mcgarrity Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Mag Oireachtaigh
Son of the member of the assembly or council.
This name
McgarrityDerived from an Irish Gaelic patronymic indicating descent from a member of an assembly.
also spelled
Mcarthy
Mccarty
McCarty
Mccarthy
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
MacLysaght, Edward. The Surnames of Ireland. 1985
Woulfe, Patrick. Sloinnte Gaedheal is Gall: Irish Names and Surnames. 1923
The National Archives (UK), Parish registers of Kent, 1700–1750
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
