McClary Family Crest beer glass

The McClary Family Crest on a pint glass. Beautifully illustrated. Carefully researched. Uniquely personal.

Splendidly suited for the moments that call for a proper toast. Whether it’s a milestone birthday, a housewarming or a wedding, this piece is an instant heirloom.

The origin of the McClary surname

The surname McClary is an anglicisation of the Irish Gaelic name Ó Cléirigh, which translates literally to "the clerk" or "the scribe". This occupational name carries significant historical importance and scholarly prestige, originating from the Latin clericus (meaning "clerk" or "scholar"). In medieval society, when literacy was a rare and highly valued skill, the clerk held a position of profound responsibility within both religious institutions and secular government, serving as an administrator and recorder of history.

As English became the dominant language of government, law, and commerce, the anglicisation of Irish surnames became a practical response to socio-political pressures. Over the centuries, this caused the name to become widespread across Britain and Ireland, evolving into various related spellings such as Clark, Clarke, Clerk, and Cleary.

The symbolism of the McClary coat of arms

The vibrant green of the leaves signifies hope, renewal, and vitality. Some references to this coat of arms describe the leaves as nettles and hence also signify a 'defensive strength'. The grouping of three leaves is likely a reference to the holy trinity—a common feature of groupings of three elements in medieval design. The Latin motto "Fortitudo" translates directly to "Strength" or "Fortitude."

Artist's note

This McClary coat of arms is commonly cited on heraldry websites, but in this case I have found its particular origin difficult to establish with precision. Its occurrence appears more often in later genealogical compilations than in any references I could trace to a clearly documented original grant or contemporary heraldic record. That said...it considerably pre-dates the digital-era.

Product details
• Sturdy pint glass with family crest
• Volume: 16 oz (473 ml)
To preserve the fine detail of your printed family crest, we recommend hand-washing only. Please avoid using the dishwasher or microwave, as high heat may damage the design over time.

Size guide