Ó Muireadhaigh - Murray Family Crest enhanced matte paper poster

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

☘️ Standard sizes — easy to frame yourself to make a truly meaningful gift ☘️

Symbolism of the Murray Family Crest

The Murray Family Crest is a masterclass in classical Scottish symbolism, defined by a striking Azure (blue) shield featuring three silver (Argent) stars, or mullets. Historically, the color blue represents truth and loyalty, while the silver stars are a direct reference to the "Stars of Moray." These stars were first recorded on the seal of Sir Andrew de Moravia in the late 13th century and represent a divine quality or a "shining" reputation that transcends generations.

The crest, featuring a mermaid holding a mirror and a comb, is a specific distinction of the Murrays of Stanhope and the Earls of Mansfield. In the rigorous language of the Lord Lyon King of Arms, the mermaid represents eloquence and beauty, but she also serves as a reminder of the family's naval influence and their ability to navigate the treacherous waters of Scottish politics. The mirror and comb signify prudence and self-examination, values held in high regard by the nobility. "Tout prêt" (always ready) is the official motto for one of the oldest and most distinguished lines: the Murrays of Philiphaugh.

The Origin of the Murray Name

The Murray surname is a territorial name derived from the great province of Moray in the northeast of Scotland. The linguistic root is found in the Gaelic "Moireabh," a word derived from the Old Celtic mori (sea) and treb (settlement), meaning "a settlement by the sea." In its earliest recorded Latinized form, the name appeared as "de Moravia."

The lineage is traced back to Freskin, a Flemish nobleman who was granted extensive lands in Moray by King David I in the 12th century. His descendants adopted the name of their new territory, effectively establishing one of the most powerful dynasties in the Highlands.

Notable Historical Figures: Among the most prominent figures associated with this coat of arms is Sir Andrew Murray, who famously joined forces with William Wallace to lead the Scottish army to victory at the Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297. Another significant figure is William Murray, 1st Earl of Mansfield, the 18th-century Lord Chief Justice whose legal rulings were instrumental in the abolition of slavery in England.

Formal Registration: The Murray arms are officially recorded in the Public Register of All Arms and Bearings in Scotland, first formalized in 1672, though the elements of the three stars were found on family seals as early as the Ragman Rolls of 1296.

Did you know this about the Murrays? The Murray clan is one of the few families that can claim a direct, unbroken line of descent from the early Mormaers (Earls) of the pre-feudal era, making 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. These prints come in standard frame sizes, making them easy to frame yourself and turn into a truly special gift.

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 most stunning coats of arms from a standpoint of visual harmony. Maybe nothing beats a mermaid and three stars!

Product details
• Paper thickness: 0.26 mm (10.3 mil)
• Paper weight: 189 g/m²
• Opacity: 94%
• ISO brightness: 104%
• 21 × 30 cm posters are size A4
• Paper sourced from Japan

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.