Map of Scotland showing where the Mcrae arms are recorded
The Mcrae 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 Mcrae 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 Mcrae Family in Scotland
The family name McRae, which originates from the Gaelic *Mac Rath* meaning "son of grace" or "son of prosperity," has deep historical roots in the rugged landscape of the Scottish Highlands. While the name is traditionally associated with the Kintail region, the presence of family members in Edinburgh by 1748 reflects the broader movement of Highland families toward Scotland’s urban centers during the eighteenth century. This period was a time of significant social change, as the traditional clan system began to shift under the pressures of modernization and political upheaval. Families like the McRaes often moved to cities like Edinburgh to pursue new professional opportunities in law, trade, and administration. By establishing themselves in the capital, these individuals helped bridge the gap between the Gaelic-speaking Highlands and the rapidly developing cultural life of the Lowlands. Their migration patterns reveal a resilient family history that adapted to the changing political and economic landscape of Scotland during the mid-eighteenth century.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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. a fess betw. three mullets in chief and a lion ramp. in base gu”
IrelandOrangefield, c. 1736
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Map of Ireland showing where the Mcrae arms are recorded
The Mcrae arms were recorded in Orangefield, c. 1736.
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.
George II of Great Britain
Sovereign of the period
George II of Great Britain
1727–1760
Reigning in Scotland when the Mcrae 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 Mcrae Family in Ireland
The surname McRae, often associated with Scottish origins, also maintains a distinct and documented presence in Irish history. By the early eighteenth century, members of the family were firmly established in Dublin, appearing in city records as early as 1736. During this period, Dublin was a bustling center of trade and administration, attracting families from across the Irish Sea and the Scottish Highlands. The McRaes who settled in the city likely integrated into the professional and merchant classes that defined the urban landscape of the time. While the name is frequently linked to the Gaelic *Mac Rath*, meaning son of grace or prosperity, its presence in Dublin suggests that these early settlers were part of a broader movement of people between Ireland and Britain. These families contributed to the cultural and economic life of the capital, leaving behind a legacy that reflects the interconnected nature of Irish and Scottish history during the Georgian era.
Mcrae Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Mac Rath
Gaelic for son of prosperity or son of fortune.
This name
McraeDerived from a Scottish Gaelic personal name signifying a prosperous or fortunate individual.
also spelled
McRae
MacRay
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
MacRae, Alexander, History of the Clan Macrae: With Genealogies, 1899
National Records of Scotland, Edinburgh Register of Testaments, 1748
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
lionCourage, strength and royalty
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
lionCourage, strength and royalty
