McCartan Family Crest mug

The McCartan Family Crest mug. Beautifully illustrated. Carefully researched. Uniquely personal.

Eminently suited for a proper brew! Whether it’s a gift to mark a milestone birthday, a new home, or Christmas morning — here’s an artwork with history in your hands.

The origin of the name McCartan

McCartan (MacCartan) is an ancient Gaelic Irish clan surname derived from Mac Artáin (meaning "son of Artán," a diminutive of Art, meaning "bear" or "noble warrior"). Tracing descent from the ancient Kings of Ulster, the McCartans were Hereditary Chieftains of Kinelarty (Cineál Fhártaigh), ruling central County Down. Defending their ancestral territory from their strongholds at Ballynahinch and Castlewellan, the clan's history as military leaders and patrons of Irish monastic learning is recorded extensively in the Annals of the Four Masters.

The symbolism of the McCartan coat of arms

Visually striking and noble, the McCartan coat of arms features a shield partitioned horizontally per fess arched: the upper argent / silver or white section is charged with a central red crescent set between two upright red hands; the lower vibrant green section bears a central golden lion rampant. In Gaelic heraldry, the silver upper field symbolises sincerity and peace, while the red crescent denotes enlightenment and hopeful renewal. The two red hands represent ancestral pledges, martial strength, and proud Ulster allegiance. The lower green field symbolises hope, vitality, and deep roots in Irish soil, while the golden lion represents supreme bravery and Gaelic royal leadership. Positioned above the shield, the crest displays a striking plume of green and gold feathers, symbolising noble elevation. Below, the motto scroll displays Buailim sé, translating from Irish Gaelic to "I strike it." The formal recognition of this coat of arms was registered in the Ulster Office of Arms at Dublin Castle and catalogued in Burke's Landed Gentry of Ireland.

Historical figures

Chieftain Acholy MacCartan (14th Century): Gaelic Lord of Kinelarty recorded in early Ulster charters.
Lady Margaret McCartan (17th Century): Recorded noblewoman and benefactor in County Down land inquisitions.
John McCartan (19th Century): Famed Irish magistrate, political figure, and civic leader.

Product details

• High quality white ceramic mug with the family crest printed two sides
• Dishwasher and microwave safe
• 15 oz mug dimensions: 4.7″ (11.9 cm) in height, 3.3″ (8.5 cm) in diameter

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. ⚜️