Map of Scotland showing where the Mcmillan arms are recorded
The Mcmillan 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 Mcmillan 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 Mcmillan Family in Scotland
The surname McMillan originates from the Gaelic phrase *MacMhaolain*, which translates to the son of the bald or tonsured one. This suggests that early ancestors were likely associated with the church, as the term often referred to men who wore their hair in a religious style. By the mid-18th century, the family had established a notable presence in Edinburgh, a city that served as the intellectual and political heart of Scotland during the Enlightenment. Records from 1748 confirm that members of the family were active participants in the urban life of the capital during a period of rapid social change. While the name has deep roots in the western Highlands and the islands, the move toward major cities like Edinburgh allowed the family to integrate into the professional and merchant classes that defined Scottish society at the time. This transition from rural clan life to the bustling environment of the capital reflects the broader movement of Scottish families seeking new opportunities in the years following the Jacobite risings.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
lionCourage, strength and royalty
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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)
“Or, a lion ramp. sa. in chief three mullets az”
EnglandDunmore, c. 1672
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Map of England showing where the Mcmillan arms are recorded
The Mcmillan arms were recorded in Dunmore, c. 1672.
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.
Charles II of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles II of England
1660–1685
Reigning in Scotland when the Mcmillan 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 Mcmillan Family in England
The McMillan family name has roots that stretch deep into the history of the British Isles, eventually establishing a notable presence in the city of York by 1672. While the name is traditionally associated with Gaelic origins in Scotland, the movement of families across the border into Northern England was common during the seventeenth century due to trade, religious shifts, and the search for new opportunities in growing urban centers. By the time members of the family were recorded in York, they were likely integrating into the local merchant or artisan classes that defined the city’s economy. Living in a historic hub like York placed these early ancestors in a position to witness significant national changes, including the aftermath of the English Civil War and the restoration of the monarchy. Their presence in official records from this period suggests they were settled members of the community who participated in the legal and social life of the city during a time of great transition for England.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
bordureA difference between branches of one family
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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. on a chev. sa. betw. three mullets gu. as many bezants, a border of the third”
Irelandc. 1645
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Map of Ireland showing where the Mcmillan arms are recorded
The Mcmillan arms were recorded in Ireland, c. 1645.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Dublin.
Dublin was the seat of government in Ireland and the place where grants were sought and recorded. Families with business at the castle or the courts settled nearby, and settling there put their arms on record.
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 Scotland when the Mcmillan 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 Ireland.
Origin & History of the Mcmillan Family in Ireland
The surname McMillan is rooted in the Gaelic language, originating from the phrase *Mac Maoláin*, which translates to the son of the bald or tonsured one. While the name is often associated with the Scottish Highlands, families bearing this name established a notable presence in Ireland by the mid-seventeenth century. Records confirm that members of the McMillan family were living in Dublin as early as 1645, a period defined by significant political upheaval and the movement of people across the Irish Sea. During this era, many families moved between Scotland and Ireland for trade, military service, or religious reasons. These early settlers in Dublin became part of a growing urban population, contributing to the social and economic fabric of the city as it navigated the challenges of the seventeenth century. Their presence in the capital suggests that the family was well-integrated into the administrative and commercial life of Ireland during a time of great transition.
Mcmillan Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
MacMhaolain
Son of the tonsured one or bald man.
This name
McmillanDerived from Gaelic, signifying a descendant of a devotee or monk.
also spelled
McMillan
MacMillen
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
National Records of Scotland. Edinburgh Burgess and Guild Register. 1748
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
lionCourage, strength and royalty
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
bordureA difference between branches of one family
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
