Map of Britain showing where the Mcgregor arms are recorded
The Mcgregor arms were recorded in Londres, c. 1831.
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 IV
Sovereign of the period
William IV
1830–1837
Reigning in Britain when the Mcgregor 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 Mcgregor Family in Britain
The surname McGregor originates from the Scottish Highlands and is derived from the Gaelic name Mac Griogair, which means son of Gregory. Historically, the family belonged to the Clan Gregor, a group known for their fierce independence and deep connections to the rugged landscape of Argyll and Perthshire. By the early nineteenth century, members of the family had moved beyond their traditional Scottish roots to establish lives in new regions, including Kent by 1831. This migration was often driven by the search for new economic opportunities or the shifting social structures of the time. As these families settled in places like Kent, they carried their heritage and traditions with them, blending their Highland background into the local history of their new communities.
Mcgregor Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Griogair
A Gaelic form of the Greek name Gregorios meaning watchful or alert.
This name
McgregorDerived from the Gaelic Mac Griogair meaning son of the alert or watchful one.
also spelled
Grigor
McGregor
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
Grant, I.F., Highland Folk Ways, 1961
The National Archives, Census Returns for England and Wales, 1841, HO 107
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
treeLife, endurance and deep roots
swordJustice, and military honour
treeLife, endurance and deep roots
swordJustice, and military honour
