McClary Family Crest mug

A McClary Family Crest mug makes a meaningful gift for any family celebration. Beautifully illustrated. Carefully researched. Uniquely personal.

Whether it’s for a milestone birthday, a new home 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 definitely pre-dates family crest websites by a long way :)

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.

Product details

• Ceramic
• 15 oz mug dimensions: 4.7″ (11.9 cm) in height, 3.3″ (8.5 cm) in diameter
• Lead and BPA-free material
• Dishwasher and microwave safe