Murray Family Crest framed artprint - Scottish origin | Family Crests

Celebrate your family heritage with a gift to cherish – the Murray Family Crest framed and printed on museum-quality matte paper. Beautifully illustrated. Carefully researched. Uniquely personal.

Symbolism of the Murray Family Crest

The Murray Family Crest exemplifies classical Scottish symbolism through its striking Azure (blue) shield adorned with three silver (Argent) stars, known as mullets. Traditionally, the blue color symbolizes truth and loyalty, while the silver stars pay homage to the historic "Stars of Moray." These stars were first documented on the seal of Sir Andrew de Moravia in the late 13th century, representing divine qualities or a "shining" legacy that spans generations.

Central to the crest is a mermaid holding a mirror and a comb, a distinctive emblem of the Murrays of Stanhope and the Earls of Mansfield. According to the strict heraldic language of the Lord Lyon King of Arms, the mermaid symbolizes eloquence and beauty, while also reflecting the family’s naval heritage and their adeptness in navigating the complex tides of Scottish politics. The mirror and comb stand for prudence and self-examination, virtues deeply valued among the nobility. "Tout prêt", the motto beneath the shield meaning “always ready,” is the official motto of one of the oldest and most respected Murray branches: the Murrays of Philiphaugh.

Artist's note: This is one of my favourites, not because the mermaid took me ages to draw but because it's just one of the best looking, most lovely coat of arms from a design ballance point of view. Maybe nothing beats a mermaid and three stars!

The Origin of the Murray Name

The Murray surname originates from the territorial designation of the great province of Moray in northeast Scotland. Linguistically, it derives from the Gaelic "Moireabh," itself from Old Celtic roots mori (sea) and treb (settlement), translating to "a settlement by the sea." The earliest recorded Latinized form of the name is "de Moravia."

The lineage traces back to Freskin, a Flemish nobleman granted extensive lands in Moray by King David I during the 12th century. His descendants adopted the territorial name, founding one of the most influential dynasties in the Scottish Highlands.

Notable Historical Figures: Among the most distinguished bearers of this coat of arms is Sir Andrew Murray, who allied with William Wallace to command the Scottish army to victory at the Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297. Another key figure is William Murray, 1st Earl of Mansfield, the influential 18th-century Lord Chief Justice whose rulings played a pivotal role in abolishing slavery in England.

Formal Registration: The Murray arms are officially recorded in the Public Register of All Arms and Bearings in Scotland, formally established in 1672. However, the emblem featuring the three stars appears on family seals dating back to the Ragman Rolls of 1296.

The Murrays have serious cred: The Murray clan is among the rare families with a direct, uninterrupted lineage from the early Mormaers (Earls) of the pre-feudal period, rendering their coat of arms one of the oldest and most consistently recognized symbols of Scottish sovereignty.

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 and uniquely personal gifts for any occasion with family and friends.

Product details

• Printed with water-based inks.
• Ayous wood .75″ (1.9 cm) thick frame sourced from renewable forests.
• Paper thickness: 10.3 mil (0.26 mm)
• Paper weight: 189 g/m²
• 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.