Map of Ireland showing where the Mclaren arms are recorded
The Mclaren arms were recorded in Down, c. 1645.
Down was north-eastern Irish country settled from Scotland in the seventeenth century. The new landowners took grants and had them recorded, which is why so many Down families carry documented shields.
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 Ireland in this period.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in Ireland when the Mclaren arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Ireland
The Ulster King of Arms granted coats of arms to individuals who proved their social standing and good character. These symbols were typically inherited by all legitimate descendants of the original holder. If a family branch wanted a unique look, they could apply for a specific change to their design through the office to ensure their identity remained distinct.
Granting authority
The Ulster King of Arms acted as the official body that regulated and issued all coats of arms throughout Ireland.
How they got arms
Families obtained their arms through formal grants issued by the office after proving their eligibility and paying the required fees.
Where arms were recorded
All official grants were recorded in the registers held by the Ulster King of Arms starting from the year 1552.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Down.
Origin & History of the Mclaren Family in Ireland
The McLaren name originates from the Scottish Highlands, where it is derived from the Gaelic phrase *Mac Labhrainn*, meaning son of Laurence. The family was historically associated with the lands of Balquhidder in Perthshire, where they were recognized as a distinct clan. By the mid-seventeenth century, the movement of people across the Irish Sea led to the establishment of McLaren families in County Down. Records confirm their presence in this region by 1645, likely as part of the broader migration patterns between Scotland and Ulster during that era. These early settlers helped integrate their Highland heritage into the local community, maintaining their family identity while adapting to life in a new landscape.
Mclaren Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Mac Labhrainn
Son of the follower of Saint Laurence.
This name
MclarenDerived from a Gaelic patronymic indicating descent from a devotee of the saint.
also spelled
Mcluer
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
Public Record Office of Northern Ireland. Hearth Money Rolls, County Down. 1663
Reid, James Seaton. History of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. 1834
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
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
swordJustice, and military honour
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
swordJustice, and military honour
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
