A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the McKeown family of Scotland.
Reg. 1709 · Scottish, M–O
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
lionCourage, strength and royalty
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
fishA true and generous mind, and Christian faith
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“Ar. two lions ramp. combatant sa. supporting a dexter hand couped at the wrist gu. in chief four mullets of eight points of the last, in base waves of the sea, therein a salmon naiant all ppr”
Scotlandc. 1748
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Map of Scotland showing where the McKeown arms are recorded
The McKeown 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 McKeown 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 McKeown Family in Scotland
The surname McKeown originates from the Gaelic name Mac Eoghain, which translates to "son of Eoghan." The name Eoghan itself is derived from an old word meaning "born of the yew tree," a plant that held great significance in ancient Celtic culture. While the family has deep roots in Ireland, members of the McKeown line were firmly established in Edinburgh by 1748. During this period, the city was undergoing a massive transformation as it expanded beyond its medieval walls into the New Town. Families like the McKeowns often moved between Ireland and Scotland during the eighteenth century due to trade connections and the shared cultural ties between the two regions. By settling in a major urban center like Edinburgh, these early ancestors likely participated in the growing commercial and industrial life of the Scottish Enlightenment.
McKeown Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Mac Eoghain
Son of Eoghan, derived from the Gaelic word for born of yew.
This name
McKeownA Scottish and Irish patronymic surname signifying descent from a person named Eoghan.
also spelled
McKeon
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
National Records of Scotland, Old Parish Registers, Edinburgh, 1748
Ó Corráin, Donnchadh and Maguire, Fidelma, Irish Names, 1981
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
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
fishA true and generous mind, and Christian faith
lionCourage, strength and royalty
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
fishA true and generous mind, and Christian faith
