A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the McGrath family of Scotland.
Reg. 3377 · Scottish, M–O
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
lionCourage, strength and royalty
handFaith, sincerity and justice
antelopeHarmony, polity and peace
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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)
“Quarterly, 1st, ar. three lions pass. gu.; 2nd, or, a dexter hand lying fessways, couped at the wrist ppr. holding a cross formée fitchée az.; 3rd, gu. a dexter hand lying fessways, couped at the wrist ppr. holding a battle axe or; 4th, ar. an antelope trippant sa. attired or”
Scotlandc. 1748
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 Scotland showing where the McGrath arms are recorded
The McGrath 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 McGrath 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 McGrath Family in Scotland
The surname McGrath originates from the Gaelic name Mac Craith, which translates to son of the grace. This name was historically prominent in Ireland, particularly within the counties of Clare and Fermanagh, where members of the family served as hereditary poets and historians to local chieftains. By the middle of the eighteenth century, the family had expanded its reach across the Irish Sea. Records confirm that members of the McGrath family were established in Edinburgh by 1748. During this period, many families moved between Ireland and Scotland for trade, labor, and military service. These early settlers in Edinburgh likely integrated into the city’s growing urban population while maintaining the cultural heritage associated with their ancestral name.
McGrath Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Mac Craith
Son of the grace of God
This name
McGrathDerived from Gaelic meaning son of the one who is graced by God.
also spelled
McGraith
Related arms
Magrathvariant spelling
M'Grathvariant spelling
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
MacLysaght, Edward. The Surnames of Ireland. 1985
National Records of Scotland. Old Parish Registers, Births and Baptisms. 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
handFaith, sincerity and justice
antelopeHarmony, polity and peace
lionCourage, strength and royalty
handFaith, sincerity and justice
antelopeHarmony, polity and peace
