Murray Family Crest beer glass - Donegal origin

The Murray Family Crest beer glass - Donegal origin. Beautifully illustrated. Carefully researched. Uniquely personal.

Nicely suited for the moments that call for a proper toast. 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 Murray

The surname Murray is a territorial name derived from the ancient province of Moray in north-east Scotland. The linguistic root originates from the Gaelic Moireabh, which stems from the Old Celtic terms mori (sea) and treb (settlement), translating to "a settlement by the sea". In early medieval records, the name took the Latinised form de Moravia. The clan traces its founding lineage to Freskin, a Flemish nobleman granted lands in Moray by King David I in the 12th century.

The County Donegal lineage of the family was established during the Plantation of Ulster in the early 17th century. Descended from the Murrays of Broughton in Wigtownshire, John Murray of Cockpool and his kinsmen were granted lands in the barony of Boylagh and Banagh around 1610. The family established their seat at the stronghold of McSwyne's Castle, which they rebuilt and renamed Castle Murray. In Ireland, the surname also occasionally merged with the native Irish Ó Muireadhaigh.

The symbolism of the Murray coat of arms

The coat of arms for this Donegal branch features an Azure (blue) shield bearing three silver stars, or mullets, arranged in a two-over-one formation. In traditional heraldry, blue signifies loyalty, truth, and strength, while the silver stars derive from the ancient "Stars of Moray," representing noble birth, divine guidance, and sincerity.

Surmounting the helmet and coronet is the crest displaying a golden griffin segreant, depicted standing on its hind legs with wings raised. As a mythical creature combining the traits of a lion and an eagle, the griffin symbolises vigilance, courage, and dual mastery over land and sky. This specific creature serves as a heraldic difference, distinguishing the Irish branch from Scottish lines that feature a mermaid or a savage. Beneath the shield, the scroll displays the Latin motto Imperio, which translates to "I command", denoting territorial authority and leadership.

Historical figures

The establishment of the Donegal lineage is tied to John Murray of Cockpool, who secured the family's territorial holdings in Ulster during the 1610 Plantation and founded Castle Murray as the family seat.

Another key historical figure associated with this coat of arms is Alexander Murray of Castle Murray and Broughton. In 1812, he was granted a Royal Licence to formally assume the name and arms of Murray under the provisions of the will of James Murray of Broughton. This action formalised the registration of this coat of arms in Burke's General Armory and the records of the Office of the Ulster King of Arms. Alexander Murray subsequently served as a Member of Parliament for Kirkcudbright and managed the family's estate holdings across County Donegal.

Product details

• Classic sturdy pint glass with family crest
• Volume: 16 oz (473 ml)
• High heat from the dishwasher or microwave may damage the print, so please hand-wash only.

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.

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I’m always happy to add new crests to the collection, so please get in touch if you can’t find what you're looking for. ⚜️