The MacDonnell Family Crest framed artprint. Beautifully illustrated. Carefully researched. Uniquely personal.
Whether it’s a gift to celebrate a milestone birthday, a wedding or a housewarming—this piece is an instant heirloom.
The origin of the name MacDonnell
MacDonnell (MacDonald / MacDonnell of Antrim) is an iconic royal Gaelic Irish and Scottish clan surname derived from Mac Domhnaill (meaning "son of Donald," from Domhnall, meaning "world ruler"). Descended from Somerled, 12th-century King of the Isles, the clan ruled vast maritime lordships across the Hebrides and established the powerful principality of the Glens of Antrim in northeastern Ireland. Serving as Chieftains of the Glens and Earls of Antrim, the family defended their coastal realms through sea battles and land fortresses like Dunluce Castle.
The symbolism of the MacDonnell coat of arms
Visually complex and majestic, the MacDonnell coat of arms features a shield partitioned quarterly: the 1st silver quarter is charged with a red lion rampant; the 2nd golden quarter displays a hand issuing from a cloud holding a blue cross crosslet fitchee; the 3rd golden quarter bears a lymphad galley with oars in action; the 4th green quarter features a silver salmon swimming. In Gaelic heraldry, the silver field and red lion represent sincerity, supreme courage, and royal leadership. The hand holding a cross crosslet fitchee denotes unyielding Christian devotion and sacred pledges, while the lymphad galley signifies sea power, island lordship, and maritime mastery. The silver salmon represents ancient Gaelic wisdom (Éigne) and river lordship. Positioned above the shield, the crest displays a striking plume of red and silver feathers, symbolising noble elevation. Below, the motto scroll displays Per mare per terras, translating to "By sea and by land." The formal recognition of this coat of arms was registered in the Ulster Office of Arms and the Lyon Court of Scotland.
Historical figures
Sorley Boy MacDonnell (c. 1505–1590): Famed Gaelic warlord and Chieftain of the MacDonnells of Antrim.
Lady Elizabeth MacDonnell (17th Century): Irish noblewoman and benefactor recorded in Antrim estate charters.
Randal MacDonnell, 1st Earl of Antrim (d. 1636): Gaelic leader and builder of Dunluce Castle estate.
Product details
- Ayous wood 0.75″ (1.9 cm) thick frame from renewable forests
- Paper thickness: 10.3 mil (0.26 mm)
- Paper weight: 189 g/m²
- Lightweight & acrylite front protector
- Hanging hardware included
No Warehouses. No Waste. Just for you, made to order
This product is printed especially for you when ordered, one at a time, by royal decree of Mother Nature to keep the realm beautiful. Family Crests Store guarantees your custom treasure meets all EU and USA safety standards.
About the artist
Each coat of arms in the Family Crests Store is an artwork by heraldic artist Éamonn Breathnach. All are carefully researched, drawing from the earliest available records across multiple heraldic archives. Noted for their elegance and attention to detail, these artworks make meaningful gifts for family occasions.
Don’t see your family name?
I’m always happy to add new crests and products to the collection, so please get in touch if you can’t find what you're looking for. ⚜️
