A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Mclean family of England.
Reg. 1104 · English, M–O
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
handFaith, sincerity and justice
shipEnterprise, and a great voyage undertaken
flag / pennantA command held, and a following kept
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
fishA true and generous mind, and Christian faith
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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)
“Quarterly, 1st, or, a rock ppr.; 2nd, ar. a dexter hand couped in fesse ppr. holding a cross crosslet fitchée gu.; 3rd, az. a galley, sails furled and a flag gu.; 4th, in chief two eagles' heads erased gu. in base az. a salmon naiant ar”
SussexHaremere Hall · Sussex, c. 1620
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Map of England showing where the Mclean arms are recorded
The Mclean arms were recorded in Sussex, c. 1620.
Sussex had ironworks in its woods and good farmland on its downs. Both made money, and families who made it bought manors, which is what put their names in the heraldic records.
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 Mclean 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 Sussex.
Origin & History of the Mclean Family in England
The family name McLean, often spelled MacLean or MacGilleEathain in its original Gaelic form, traces its roots back to the rugged landscapes of the Scottish Highlands. The name translates to son of the servant of Saint John, reflecting a deep historical connection to early Christian traditions in Scotland. While many members of the family remained in the northern regions for centuries, records confirm that individuals bearing the name had established a presence in Sussex, England, by 1620. This migration suggests that the family was part of a broader movement of people traveling south for trade, military service, or new opportunities during the early seventeenth century. By settling in Sussex, these early family members integrated into the local English community while carrying the linguistic and cultural heritage of their Scottish ancestors with them.
Mclean Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Mac Gille Eathain
Son of the servant of Saint John
This name
McleanA Scottish Gaelic patronymic surname denoting descent from a follower of Saint John.
also spelled
McLean
MacLaine
MacLain
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Black, George Fraser. The Surnames of Scotland: Their Origin, Meaning, and History. 1946
MacLean, John Patterson. A History of the Clan MacLean from its First Settlement at Duard Castle, in the Isle of Mull, to the Present Period. 1889
The National Archives. State Papers Domestic, James I. 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
handFaith, sincerity and justice
shipEnterprise, and a great voyage undertaken
flag / pennantA command held, and a following kept
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
fishA true and generous mind, and Christian faith
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
handFaith, sincerity and justice
shipEnterprise, and a great voyage undertaken
flag / pennantA command held, and a following kept
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
fishA true and generous mind, and Christian faith
