The Viceregal Lion
  1. The Governor General of Canada
Heraldry Today

The contents of this Register are intended for research purposes only. The heraldic emblems found in the Register may not be reproduced in any form or in any media without the written consent of the Canadian Heraldic Authority and/or the recipient.

John Alexander McCaughan

Toronto, Ontario
Registration of Arms
June 15, 2022
Vol. VIII, p. 98

Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.


Blazon

Arms

Argent two barrulets wavy Azure, in chief a lion rampant between two hands couped Gules, in base a sprig of three shamrocks proper;

Crest

An eagle displayed Azure beaked and armed Or;

Motto

PER ARDUA AD ALTA;

Motto

SLÁN MACEACÁIN;


Symbolism

Arms

The Canadian Heraldic Authority does not have confirmed symbolism for this emblem. The following comments are hypotheses only. The Red Hand of Ulster represents the origins of the McCaughan family in County Antrim, Ireland. The shamrocks allude more generally to the family’s Irish heritage.

Crest

Not available.

Motto

This Latin phrase means “Through adversity to the heights.”

Motto

This Irish phrase means “Farewell, McCaughan,” MacEacáin being the Irish version of the surname McCaughan.


Background

Canada Gazette Information

The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on October 29, 2022, in Volume 156, page 5125 of the Canada Gazette.


Artist Information

Creator(s)
Original concept of Gerard Slevin, Chief Herald of Ireland.

Painter
* Not applicable / Sans objet

Calligrapher
* Not applicable / Sans objet


Recipient Information

Individual

The recipient’s emblems were originally recorded at the Office of the Chief Herald of Ireland, Dublin, Ireland, 10 November 1961.