A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Mckay family of England.
Reg. 3915 · English, M–O
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
stagPeace and harmony, and one who will not fight unprovoked
bearStrength, cunning and protection of kin
handFaith, sincerity and justice
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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)
“Az. on a chev. or, betw. three bears' heads couped ar. muzzled gu. a roebuck's head erased betw. two hands issuant from the ends of the chev. each holding a dagger all ppr”
Englandc. 1620
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Map of England showing where the Mckay arms are recorded
The Mckay arms were recorded in England, c. 1620.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in York.
Yorkshire is the largest of the English counties, and it held more gentry families than any other. Land there was split among a great many households rather than a few, so a great many of them carried 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 England in this period.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in England when the Mckay arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in England
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 England.
Origin & History of the Mckay Family in England
The surname McKay is a classic Scottish name that originates from the Gaelic phrase *Mac Aoidh*, which translates to "son of Aodh" or "son of fire." The family traces its roots to the rugged Highlands of Scotland, where they were a prominent clan known for their fierce independence and strategic alliances. By the early 17th century, members of the family began to migrate beyond their traditional territories. Historical records confirm that individuals bearing the McKay name were established in York by 1620. This movement was likely driven by a mix of political instability in the north and the search for new economic opportunities in growing urban centers. As these early family members settled into their new environment, they carried with them the traditions and cultural identity of their Scottish heritage, helping to integrate the name into the broader history of the region.
Mckay Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Mac Aodha
Gaelic patronymic meaning son of Aodh, who represents the god of fire.
This name
MckayA Scottish and Irish surname signifying the son of the fire-god or the fiery one.
also spelled
Mackey
Mackai
McKay
Mackie
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland: Their Origin, Meaning, and History, 1946
Way of Plean, George and Squire, Romilly, Collins Scottish Clan & Family Encyclopedia, 1994
York City Archives, York Freemen’s Register, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
stagPeace and harmony, and one who will not fight unprovoked
bearStrength, cunning and protection of kin
handFaith, sincerity and justice
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
stagPeace and harmony, and one who will not fight unprovoked
bearStrength, cunning and protection of kin
handFaith, sincerity and justice
