|
|
The concept of the Scottish clan is similar to the concept of the American Indian tribe, which is, itself, primarily a concept of family and kinship. But, whereas the tribe of the American Indian was held together simply by familial ties and linguistic/ethnic lineage, the Scottish clan was held together largely by a combination of patriarchal and territorial loyalties. The Gaelic word clanna meant children, and the Scottish clan was composed of the children of the chief, whether or not they were related by bloodline to him. The chief was the patriarch (i.e. the father) of the families that were directly descended from him along with many others that served him in a sort of feudal manner. But unlike the feudal system in which the people owned nothing, and were indebted with everything, even their very lives to the feudal lord; in a clan, the loyalty of the people to their chief and the reciprocal loyalty of the chief to his people were equal. The concept of clan was territorial in that even families who were not directly related by bloodline to the chief, but who resided in the same region, could claim allegiance to that clan chief. By doing so, they were treated as equal members of the clan. The chief loved all of his clansmen as if they were of his own bloodline, and would give his life for any one of them, bloodline or not; and they, in turn, would likewise give their lives for the chief if necessary, whether or not they were blood relations.
As will be noticed in the table below, under the heading of Origin, many of the clans trace their descent (and hence, their name) from an ancestor who performed some exceptional deed (usually for a military leader or king) or was a military leader himself. Clan Campbell traces its descent from Dairmid, a Fingalian hero who slayed a venomous wild boar. Clan MacAlpin traces its descent from King Alpin and his son, Kenneth, who was the first to bear the name MacAlpin (i.e. son of Alpin). Certain of the clans took the name of the village or the shire from which they came, such as Clan Colquhoun from the village of Colquhoun in Dunbartonshire.
Clans were sometimes divided into various branches as time went on and the number of clansmen increased. The branches became known as either clans in their own right, or as septs of the original clan. The word sept is of Irish origin, and means "a division of a tribe". Septs were categorized as one of three types:
A.) Bloodline relatives of the original clan, who formed their own clan to honor a descendant of that original clan. For example, the Shaws trace their origin back to Farquhart Shaw (Shaw Mor), who was a chief of Clan Mackintosh. Such a clan is often referred to as a cadet of the original clan.
B.) Old families that were not related by bloodline to the original clan, who performed some hereditary duty for the original clan. For example, Clan Macrae served as the hereditary bodyguards for the chief of Clan MacKenzie.
C.) Families, who may have resided in the same region as the original clan, who were not related by bloodling to that clan, but who sought (and received) the protection of that clan. Such a family is often referred to as a dependant of the original clan and may or may not retain its own surname.
The earliest reliable listing of the clans of Scotland is to be found in an Act of Parliament in the year 1587, in which the names of clans of the "hielands and isles" are given. In view of the fact that the most ancient of the clans trace their heritage back to the 11th and 12th Centuries, by the late 1500s those clans were already three or four centuries old and well established. But with age came tremendous increases in the number of clansmen who claimed allegiance to each clan. The increase in the number of clansmen led to the creation of branches (i.e. septs) and that led to quarrels over each of those sept’s supremacy over the others.
A discussion about the clans of Scotland would be not be complete if it did not include a mention of the importance of heraldry to the clan. For the sake of simplification, heraldry, the granting of arms (often referred to as coats of arms), was established primarily as a means to distinguish a man and his followers on the battlefield. The concept, which took root and thrived in the feudal atmosphere of Medieval Europe, was embraced by the Scottish clans. A chief of a clan would obtain a grant of arms from the monarch and then he and his clansmen would decorate their shields with the design. More than simply being a method for an opposing army to identify them on the battlefield, the use of the chief’s arms gave the clansmen a sense of pride and kinship. The Scottish clans took the concept of heraldry a step further than just the use of coats of arms by the introduction of the tartan as a means of clan identification. The word tartan refers to the plaid design created by the use of particular colors of warp and weft threads in the process of weaving. The tartan, created in the weaving of cloth which would then be used for the men’s kilts and women’s skirts eventually took on a greater significance than the arms designs. Of course, it was simpler and less expensive to mass produce tartan than to mass produce the arms design on anything as readily wearable as the clansmen’s clothing.
The Public Register of all Arms and Bearings in Scotland was established by an Act of the Scottish Parliament in 1672. The Lord Lyon King of Arms was appointed to maintain the heraldic Register. Because of the importance of heraldic lineage to the clans, the Lyon Court was established to officiate over any disputes. Requests for arms to be granted are initially directed to the Lord Lyon King of Arms. If the request for a grant of arms is approved by the Lord Lyon King of Arms, it then is passed for approval to various other officials, until it is ultimately reviewed and approved by the monarch (i.e. currently, Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth).
In 1952 the Standing Council Of Scottish Chiefs was formed under the auspices of the Lord High Constable of Scotland. Whereas the Lyon Court’s time is primarily occupied by heraldic concerns, the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs was created to concentrate on matters related more directly to the clans, apart from those concerns about heraldry. The Council maintains a working relationship with the Lyon Court in ensuring that clans are active and have a formally recognized chief.
The Clans
In the table below, clans which are currently recognized by the Standing Council Of Scottish Chiefs as legititmate and active are presented with their names entirely in capital letters. Those clan names which are not presented entirely in capital letters indicate clans which are ancient and traditional, but currently may be defunct, or for whatever reason, might not be members of the Standing Council. Also included, and presented in lower case latters, are the names of septs and/or dependents of clans which have their own tartans.
Entries for the "confederation" clans, such as Clan Chattan and Clan Donnachaidh, are presented in alphabetical order along with the individual clans. Each family which is recognized as a clan in and of itself, that constituted the confederation, will also appear as an individual entry.
Certain families have the right to bear their own heraldic arms, although they might not be recognized as clans themselves, nor might be associated as septs or dependents of recognized clans. Such families are called Armigerous Families. A table devoted to the armigerous families will be found on a separate page titled The Armigerous Families Of Scotland and can be accessed by clicking on the link below.
The Armigerous Families Of Scotland.
|
Clan Name XXXXXXXXXX |
Gaelic Name XXXXXXXXXX |
Origin XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX |
Principal Hereditary Lands XXXXXXXXXX |
Septs & Branches XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX |
Heraldic Badge XXXXXXXXXX |
Motto XXXXXXXXXX |
Plant or Heraldic Badge XXXXXXXXXX |
|
AGNEW |
|
This family is believed by some to have a Norman ancestry, but by others to have been descended from the Ulster sept of O'Gnimh, the hereditary bards of Clan Aodha Bhuidhe. |
Galloway & Wigtownshire |
|
An eagle issuant and reguardant, proper |
Consilio non impetu (By wisdom not by force) |
|
|
Anderson |
Mac Ghille Aindrais |
The Anderson clan obtained its name from Andrew, the patron saint of Scotland, as does Clan MacAndrew. The Andersons were part of the Clan Chattan confederacy. |
Badenoch, Islay & Peebleshire |
Candacraig in Strathdon, Dowhill, Wester Ardbreck |
An oak tree proper |
Stand Sure |
Oak tree |
|
ANSTRUTHER |
|
The lands of Anstruter in Fife were granted to William de Candela, a Norman. It is from William that the clan descends. |
Balcaskie (Fife) |
|
Two arms in armour holding a pole-ax with both hands gauntleted proper |
Periissem ni periissem (I would have perished had I notpersisted) |
Olive sprig |
|
ARBUTHNOTT |
|
The name of this clan is derived from the lands of the same name in Kincardineshire. Hugh, of the family of Swinton, acquired the lands of Arbuthnott through his marriage to the daughter of Osbert Olifard, during the reign of William the Lion. |
Kincardineshire |
|
A peacock's head couped at the neck proper |
Laus deo (Praise God) |
A peacock's head |
|
Armstrong |
Mac Ghillielaidir |
A King of the Scots had his horse killed under him. His armour-bearer, a man by the name of Fairbairn, lifted the king onto his own horse. The king gave him the name of "Strong Arm". |
Liddesdale & Borders |
Armstrong of Kilnockie, Fairburn, Nixon |
An arm embowered, proper |
Invictus maneo (I remain unvanquished) |
Muscular, bent arm |
|
Clan Name XXXXXXXXXX |
Gaelic Name XXXXXXXXXX |
Origin XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX |
Principal Hereditary Lands XXXXXXXXXX |
Septs & Branches XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX |
Heraldic Badge XXXXXXXXXX |
Motto XXXXXXXXXX |
Plant or Heraldic Badge XXXXXXXXXX |
|
Baird |
Mac a'bhaird |
William the Lion was said to have been saved from being gored by a wild boar by a man from the village of Baird in Lanarkshire. |
Aberdeenshire & Lanarkshire |
Cambusnethan, Bard |
An eagle's head erased, proper |
Dominus fecit (The Lord made) |
Eagle's head |
|
BANNERMAN |
|
The family held the privilege of carrying the royal standard during the 10th and 11th Centuries after their ancestor Sir Alexander Carron distinguished himself in battle. |
Aberdeen, Clyntrees, Waterton & Welltown |
|
A demi man in armour holding in his right hand a sword proper |
Pro patria (For my country) |
|
|
BARCLAY |
|
The family came to the British Isles with William the Conqueror. The original spelling of the name in its French form was de Berchelai. |
Aberdeenshire, Glouchestershire & Kincardineshire |
Berkeley, Mathers, Tolly |
Out of a chapeau azure turned ermine a hand holding a dagger, proper |
Aut agere aut mori (Either action or death) |
Hand holding a dagger, stretching out of a hat |
|
BORTHWICK |
|
The name of this clan is derived from the lands that bordered on the Borthwick Water in Roxburghshire. The clan is of very ancient origins and is believed to have come to Britain with Caesar's legions. A tradition states that the clan descends from Andreas, who accompanied Edgar the Aetheling and his sister, Margaret, to Scotland in 1067. |
Roxburghshire |
|
A moor's head couped proper wreathed argent and sable |
Qui conducit (He who leads) |
A stem of two roses Gules leaved, barbed and seeded vert |
|
BOYD |
Buidhe |
The Gaelic word, Buidhe means 'fair' or 'yellow.' One tradition states that the clan takes its name from the description of the fair colored hair of Robert, the nephew of Walter, the first High Steward of Scotland. Another tradition states that the name is derived from the Gaelic word boid, meaning 'from Bute.' |
Ayrshire |
Boyd of Merton, Boyd of Penkill, Boyd of Pitcon, Boyd of Trochrig |
A dexter hand erect in pale having the two outer fingers bowed inwards |
Confido (I trust) |
A fan of laurel leaves set behind a hand |
|
BOYLE |
|
This clan's name comes from the Norman town of Beauville near Caen. |
Ayrshire |
|
A double headed eagle displayed, parted per pale embattled gules and argent |
Dominus providebit (The Lord will provide) |
|
|
BRODIE |
Brothaigh |
The family traces its origins to the Picts. It is believed that the clan shares a common ancestry with the Morays and Inneses. |
Morayshire |
Brodie of Brodie, Brodie of Lethen, Brodie of Moray, Bryde |
A dexter hand holding a sheaf of arrows, proper |
Unite |
Periwinkle |
|
BRUCE |
Brus |
Adam de Brus came over with William the Conqueror, who made him a baron. |
Annandale, Clackmannan, Carrick & Elgin |
Bruce of Airth, Bruce of Clackmannan, Bruce of Kennet, Bruce of Kinnaird, Brus, Carlyle, Randolf, Stenhouse |
A lion statant with tail extended, azure, armed and langued gules |
Fuimus (We have been) |
Rosemary |
|
BUCHAN |
|
This clan's name is derived from the district of Buchan in Aberdeenshire and part of Banffshire. |
Aberdeenshire & Auchmacoy |
Buchan of Auchmacoy, Basken, Baskin, Bede, Bichan, Bonnieville, Boyne, Buchan, Buck, Buckie, Bucky, Cawsell, Chapp, Chrystal, Clapperton, Coscrach, Costie, Costy, Cranach, Crannach, Cruddon, Cruden, Crudon, Crystal, Crystall, Fitchie, Fitchy, Gammerie, Gammery, Hardin, Hardman, Hardnan, Kermack, Leisk, MacCrystal, Meason, Merson, Mondie, Mondy, Mundie, Mundy, Nible, Niblo, Ogston, Ogstone, Ogstoun, Prince, Ratcliff, Ratliff, Rattcliff, Rattliff, Runcie, Runcy, Shakle, Tarves, Tarvis, Teunion, Teunon, Tewnion, Tinnon, Tucks, Wadsworth, Wadsworther, West, Whammond, Whyman, Whymon, Willgook |
A sun shining upon a sunflower full blown proper |
Non inferiora secutus (Not having followed mean pursuits) |
Sunflower |
|
Buchanan |
Buth Chanain -or- Canonach |
Anselan o'Kyan, a prince of Ulster landed in Argyll in 1016 and rendered service against the Danes. In 1225 the island of Clarinch in Loch Lomond was granted by the Earl of Lennox to Absalon son of MacBeth. Absalon took the name of Buchanan from the lands opposite the island of Clarinch on the shores of Loch Lomond. |
Lands east and north of Loch Lomond & Lennox |
Buchanan of that Ilk, Buchanan of Arnprior, Buchanan of Auchmar, Buchanan of Carbeth, Buchanan of Drumakill, Buchanan of Leny, Bouchannane, Colman, Cormack, Cousland, Dewar, Donleavy, Donlevy, Dove, Dow, Dowe, Gibb, Gibbon, Gibson, Gilbert, Gilbertson, Harper, Harperson, Leavy, Lennie, Lenny, MacAldonich, MacAlmon, Macandeoir, MacAslan, MacAslin, MacAuselan, MacAuslan, MacAusland, MacAuslane, MacCalman, MacCalmont, MacCammon, MacCammond, MacCasland, MacChruiter, MacColman, MacCormack, MacCormick, MacCubbin, MacCubbing, MacCubin, Macdonleavy, MacGeorge, MacGibbon, MacGilbert, MacGreusich, MacGubbin, MacInally, MacIndeor, MacIndoe, Mackinlay, Mackinley, Maclay, MacMaster, MacMaurice, MacMurchie. MacMurchy, MacNeur, MacNiur, MacNuyer, MacQuattie, MacWattie, MacWattie, MacWhirter, Masters, Masterson, Masterton, Morrice, Morris, Morrison, Murchie, Murchison, Richardson, Risk, Rusk, Ruskin, Spittal, Spittel, Walter, Walters, Wason, Waters, Watson, Watt, Watters, Weir, Yuill, Yuille, Yool, Yule, Zuill |
A dexter hand couped at the wrist, holding up a chapeau tasseled with a rose gules, all within a laurel wreath, proper |
Clarior hinc honos (Brighter hence the honour) |
Bilberry, Oak |
|
BURNETT |
|
Deriving its name from the Saxon word, beornheard, which means 'bear hand', this clan held lands in England before the Norman conquest. Alexander Burnett was rewarded by Robert Bruce for his service with a grant of land in the royal Forest of Drum, and the title of 'forester.' |
Roxburghshire |
Burnett of Barns, Burnett of Craigmyle, Burnett of Crimond, Burnett of Kemnay, Burnett of Leys, Burnett of Monboddo |
A cubit arm, the hand naked, vested vert doubled argent pruning a vinetree with a pruning knife proper |
Virescit vulnere virtus (Her virtue flourishes by her wounds) |
Holly leaves |
|
Clan Name XXXXXXXXXX |
Gaelic Name XXXXXXXXXX |
Origin XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX |
Principal Hereditary Lands XXXXXXXXXX |
Septs & Branches XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX |
Heraldic Badge XXXXXXXXXX |
Motto XXXXXXXXXX |
Plant or Heraldic Badge XXXXXXXXXX |
|
CAMERON |
Camshron -or- Cam Brun |
This clan is reputed to be one of the more ancient clans of Scotland, originating in the 12th Century. It evolved to be composed of three main branches: MacMartins of Letterfinlay, MacGillonies of Strone & MacSorlies of Glen Nevis. The name Cameron is a place name meaning 'crooked hill' and was located in the kingdom of Fife. It is traditionally believed that the Camerons descend from Clan MacDuff. |
Northern Argyll, Lochaber & Locheil |
Cameron of Erracht, Cameron of Fassifern, Cameron of Inverailort, Cameron of Lochiel, Chalmers, Clark, Clarke, Clarkson, Clerk, Lonnie, MacAlonie, MacChlerich, MacClerich, MacChlery, MacGillome, MacGillonie, Macildowie, MacKail, MacLerie, MacMartin, MacOnie, MacOurlic, MacPhail, MacSorley, MacUlric, MacVail, MacWalrick, Martin, Paul, Sorley, Taylor |
A sheaf of five arrows tied with a band, gules |
Aonaibh ri cheile (Unite) |
Oak, Crowberry |
|
CAMPBELL |
Caimbeul |
Clan tradition states that the Campbells are descended from Diarmaid, a Fingalian hero who slayed a venomous wild boar. Other traditions state that the clan originated among the ancient Britons of Strathclyde. The name Cam-beul means 'crooked mouth' in Gaelic. Certain of the clan trace their origin to Duncan mac Duibhne, a chieftan of Lochawe of the 13th Century who was the descendant of Diarmaid. |
Argyll, Breadalbane, Cawdor & Loudoun |
Campbell of Argyll, Campbell of Breadelbane, Campbell of Cawdor, Campbell of Glenlyon, Campbell of Loudoun, Campbell of Melfort, Arthur, Bannatyne, Burnes, Burness, Burnett, Burns, Caddell, Cadel, Calder, Callum, Cattell, Connochie, Conochie, Denoon, Denune, Fisher, Gibbon, Gibson, Harres, Harris, Hastings, Hawes, Haws, Hawson, Isaac, Isaacs, Iverson, Kellar, Keller, Kissack, Kissock, Lorne, Loudon, Loudoun, Lowdon, MacCartair, MacCarter, MacColm, MacColmbe, MacConachie, MacConchie, MacConnechy, MacConnochie, MacDermid, MacDiarmid, MacEller, MacElvie, MacGibbon, MacGlasrich, MacIsaac, MacIver, MacIvor, MacKellar, MacKelvie, MacKerlich, MacKerlie, MacKessack, MacKessock, MacKissock, MacLaws, Maclehose, MacNicol, MacNocaird, MacOnachie, MacOran, MacOwan, MacOwen, MacPhedran, MacPhun, MacTause, MacTavish, MacThomas, MacUre, MacVicar, Moore, Muir, Ochiltree, Pinkerton, Taweson, Tawesson, Thomas, Thomason, Thompson, Thomson, Torrie, Torry, Ure |
A boar's head, fesswise, couped, or |
Ne obliviscaris (Forget not) |
Fir club moss, Bog myrtle |
|
|
|
|
|
Campbell of Breadelbane, MacDermid MacDermott MacDiarmid |
A boar's head, erased, proper |
Follow me |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Campbell of Cawdor, Caddell Cadell Calder Cattell Torrie Torry |
A swan, proper, crowned, or |
Be mindful |
|
|
CARMICHAEL |
|
The clan traces descent from Sir John de Carmichael of Meadowflat, who served with the Scottish army in France in the 15th Century. |
Carmichael & Lanarkshire |
Carmichal, Carmichel, Carmicheal, Carmicle, Carmchael, Carmickle, Carmickael, Carmitchal, Carmiggelt, Karmiggelt, Kermicle |
A dexter hand and arm in pale armed and holding a broken spear proper |
Tout jour prest (Always ready) |
A horse of war argent furnished gules within a circular wreath azure and gules |
|
CARNEGIE |
|
The name comes from the barony of Carnegie, which were granted to John de Balinhard in 1358. Duthac de Carnegie acquired lands in Forfarshire in the early part of the 1400s. |
Carmylie & Forfarshire |
|
A thunderbolt proper, winged or |
Dread God |
|
|
CATHCART |
|
Rainaldus de Kethcart owned lands along the River Cart in the 12th Century. |
Cathcart & Renfrewshire |
|
A dexter hand couped above the wrist and erect proper, grasping a crescent argent |
I hope to speed |
|
|
CHARTERIS |
|
The clan takes its name from the city of Chartres in France, from which William, a son of the Lord of Chartres came along with the Normans of William the Conqueror. |
Perthshire |
Charteris of Amisfield, Charteris of Kinfauns |
A dexter hand holding up a dagger paleways proper |
This is our charter |
|
|
CLAN CHATTAN |
Clann Gillacatan |
Clan Chattan is a very ancient confederation (dating from the 12th Century) of nearly twenty clans and individual families that joined with the descendants of Gillechattan Mor in a league of defense against their mutual enemies. A tradition maintains that the various families which banded together in the Chattan confederacy were all descended from the Catti, a tribe of Gauls destroyed by the Romans. Gillechattan Mor was descended from the Dal Riadan King Loarn Mor, and his son King Ferchar the Long of Loarn, who died in 697. The Clan Chattan Bond of 1609 listed the following clans as members of the confederacy: Mackintosh, MacPherson, MacQueen, MacBean, MacLean of Dochgarroch, MacGillivray, Farquharson, MacPhail, Shaw, Clarl, Gow, Gillander and Davidson. |
Atholl, Badenoch, Lochaber, Mar, Moray & Strathnairn |
Macintosh, Shaw, Davidson, Macpherson, MacGillivray, MacBean, Farquharson, MacThomas, McCombie, Cattanach, Maclean, McBain, Macphail, MacAndrew, Gow, Clark, Macintyre, Crerar, Gillespie, Davidson, Gillies, Noble, Ritchie, MacHardy, Mackilligan |
A cat salient proper |
Touch not the cat but a glove (Touch not the cat without a glove) |
Red whortleberry |
|
CHISHOLM |
Siosal |
Conflicting claims have been made regarding the origins of Chisholm: some claim it to be a Celtic family, some claim it to be Norman. During the reign of Alexander III, the clan was thriving in the Borders. |
Berwickshire, Moray and Roxburghshire prior to 1350; Invernesshire after 1350 |
Chisholm ofChisholme, Chisholm of Dundorne, Chisholm of Stirches, Cheseholme, Chisholme |
A dexter hand, couped at the wrist holding erect a dagger, proper, on which is transfixed a boar's head, couped, proper langued azure |
Feros ferio (I am fierce with the fierce) |
Fern |
|
COCHRANE |
|
The roots of this clan are traced to a Viking invader who settled in the region of Renfrewshire at some time between the 8th and 10th Centuries. |
Renfrewshire & Paisley |
|
A horse passant argent |
Virtute et labore (By valour and exertion) |
|
|
Cockburn |
|
The clan took its name from the lands of Cockburn in Berwickshire. In 1296 Sir Pere de Cockburne swore allegiance to King Edward I of England. |
Berwickshire |
|
A cock crowing proper |
Accendit cantu (He rouses us with song) |
|
|
COLQUHOUN |
Mac a' Chombaich |
The clan takes its name from the lands of Colquhoun along the shores of Loch Lomond in Dunbartonshire. The clan traces its descent from the ancient rulers of Lennox, or Luss, who were Celtic priests and hereditary guardians of the crozier of St. Kessog, the martyr. In 1368 the Fair Maid of Luss, heiress to the line of Maelduin of Luss, married Sir Robert Colquhoun, and it is from their union that the present clan descends. |
Dunbartonshire & Lennox |
Colquhoun of Luss, Culchone, Cowan, Ingram, Kilpatrick, King, Kirkpatrick, Macachounich, MacCowan, MacLintock, MacManus |
A hart's head, couped, gules, attired, argent |
Si je puis (If I can) |
Dogberry, Hazel |
|
COLVILLE |
|
The Norman town of Colvile, lying between Caen and Bayeux in Normandy gave this clan its name. Philip de Colville was the earliest person of the name to be found in Scotland, having witnessed a charter by Malcolm IV to the Monastery of Dunferline prior to 1159. |
Aberdeen, Ayr, Banff, Forfar, Inverness & Kincardine |
|
A hind's head couped at the neck argent |
Oublier ne puis (I cannot forget) |
|
|
CRANSTOUN |
|
The name of this clan comes from the barony of Cranstoun in Midlothian |
Midlothian |
Cranston |
A crane proper dormant holding a stone in her claw |
Thou shalt want ere I want |
Strawberry |
|
CRICHTON |
|
The name comes from the barony of Kreitton near Edinburgh. |
Dumfreisshire |
Crichton of Frendraught, Creighton |
A dragon spouting out fire proper |
God send grace |
|
|
CUMMING |
Cuimean |
The clan traces descent from Jardine Comyn, son of the Earl of Buchan, in the 13th Century. The first of the name of Comyn, a Norman family, came to Scotland during the 11th Century. William Comyn, an Anglo-Norman, was a close friend and confidant to King David I, who gave William the title of Chancellor or Scotland. The family was at odds with Robert the Bruce, who took their lands after murdering Sir John Comyn in 1309. |
Altyre, Badenoch, Buchan, Moray & Roxburghshire |
Cumming of Altyre, Cumming of Cutler, Cumming of Inverallochy, Cumming of Relugas, Buchan, Cheyne, Chiene, Comine, Common, Commons, Comyn, Cumin, Cummin, MacNiven, Niven, Russell |
A lion rampant, or, holding in his dexter paw a dagger, proper |
Courage |
Cummin plant |
|
Cunningham |
MacCuinneagain |
The clan takes its name from the district of Cunninghame in Ayrshire. Hugo de Moreville, the Constable of Scotland in the 12th Century, granted lands of Kilmaurs in Cunningham to a vassal named Warnebald. The descendants of Warnebald took the name of Cunningham. |
Ayrshire, Caprington, Corsehill & Glencairn |
Cunningham of Auchinharvie, Cunningham of Caprington, Cunningham of Corsehill, Cunningham of Craigends, Cunningham of Kilmaurs, Cunningham of Robertland, Warnebald |
A unicorn's head, argent, crined and armed, or |
Over fork over |
|
|
Clan Name XXXXXXXXXX |
Gaelic Name XXXXXXXXXX |
Origin XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX |
Principal Hereditary Lands XXXXXXXXXX |
Septs & Branches XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX |
Heraldic Badge XXXXXXXXXX |
Motto XXXXXXXXXX |
Plant or Heraldic Badge XXXXXXXXXX |
|
Dalrymple |
Dal 'yrmole |
The clan takes its name from the district of Dalrymple. |
Ayrshire |
|
A rock proper |
Firm |
|
|
DARROCH |
Macdara |
The name of this clan comes from the lands of Darroch near Falkirk. The Gaelic name means 'son of oak' and may refer to the oak groves of the clan's native homelands. |
|
|
On a chapeau Gules furred miniver a demi-Negro, in his dexter hand a dagger proper |
Be watchfull |
|
|
DAVIDSON |
MacDhaibhidh |
Known as Clan Dhai from its first chief, David Dubh of Invernahaven, the clan Davidson joined the Clan Chattan during the early 1300s. |
Cantray, Strathspey & Tulloch |
Davidson of Cantray, Davidson of Davidston, Davidson of Invernahaven, Davie, Davis, Davison, Dawson, Day, Dean, Dow, Kay, MacDade, MacDaid, MacDavid |
A stag's head, erased, proper |
Sapienter si sincere (Wisely if sincerely) |
Red whortleberry |
|
DEWAR |
|
The tradition of this clan states that a wolf was ravaging the region around Heriot. A man by the name of Dewar slayed the beast and was granted lands as his reward. |
|
|
Issuant from a crest-cornet of of four (three visible) strawberry leaves, a dexter arm vambraced, brandishing a sword proper, hilted and pommelled or |
Quid non pro patria (What will a man not do for his country) |
An anchor with a serpent twisted around the shank |
|
Donnachaidh |
|
See Robertson |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Douglas |
Dubhghlas |
This clan descends from William de Duglas, who lived in the 12th Century. |
Angus, Dumfriesshire, Galloway, Lanarkshire |
Earls of Angus, Earls of Douglas, Earls of Lennox, Drysdale, Lockerbie, Morton |
On a chapeau a salamander, vert, in fire, proper |
Jamais arriere (Never behind) |
Salamander on a hat, ablaze |
|
DRUMMOND |
Drummann |
This clan descends from Maurice, a prince of Hungary according to one tradition. Maurice would have been a grandson of Andrew, King of Hungary. Another tradition states that a man by the name of Hungarian accompanied Edgar the Aetheling and his two sisters to Scotland in their flight from William the Conqueror. |
Perthshire & Stirlingshire |
Drummond of Blair Drummond, Drummond of Concraig, Drummond of Hawthornden, Earl of Perth, Brewer, Doig, Grewer, Gruer, MacCrouther, MacGrowther, MacGruder, MacGruther, MacGrewar, MacRobbie, MacRobert, MacRobie |
Out os crest coronet a goshawk, wings expanded, proper, jessed gules |
Virtutem coronat honos (Honour crowns virtue) -or- Gang warily (Go carefully) |
Wild thyme, Holly |
|
DUNBAR |
|
The clan is of Celtic origin. Gospatrick, the Earl of Northumberland received the lands of Dunbar in Lothian from Malcolm III. |
Galloway & East Lothian |
Boath, Durn, Hempriggs, Mochrum, Northfield |
A horse's head argent, bridled and reined gules |
In promptu (In readiness) |
A lion grasping the stem of a rosebush |
|
Duncan |
Mac Dhonnchaidh |
The Duncans, along with the Robertsons and Clan Donnachaidh, were descended from the ancient Earls of Atholl, taking their name from Donnachadh Reanhar, or Fat Duncan, who fought at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314. |
Atholl & Lundie in Fife |
Duncan of Camperdown, Duncan of Lundie, Duncanson |
A ship under sail |
Disce pati (Learn to suffer) |
Ship under sail |
|
DUNDAS |
Dun deas |
This clan traces its origin to Helias, the son of Hutred, the younger son of Gospatrick, Earl of Northumberland. |
Firth of Forth |
|
A lion's head affrontee looking through a bush of oak proper |
Essayez (Try) |
|
|
DURIE |
Dobharach |
One tradition states that this clan descends from a Gaelic origin, while another asserts that it descends from a French Norman origin. |
Fife |
|
A crescent or |
Confido (I trust) |
|
|
Clan Name XXXXXXXXXX |
Gaelic Name XXXXXXXXXX |
Origin XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX |
Principal Hereditary Lands XXXXXXXXXX |
Septs & Branches XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX |
Heraldic Badge XXXXXXXXXX |
Motto XXXXXXXXXX |
Plant or Heraldic Badge XXXXXXXXXX |
|
ELIOTT |
Elwald |
The Elliotts were a border clan, originating in the 16th Century. The first Elliots were designated as Redheuch. |
Borders |
Elliot of Arkleton, Elliot of Braidlie, Elliot of Larriston, Elliot of Minto, Elliot of Stobs |
A dexter cubit arm in armour, erect, in hand a broadsword, proper |
Fortiter et recte (With strength and right) |
White hawthorn |
|
ELPHINSTONE |
|
This clan started under the name of de Erth and was derived from the name of the lands of Airth in Stirlingshire. The lands of the de Erth clan descended to an heiress, whose husband was of the surname de Elfinstun. A tradition of the de Elfinstun family claims that the family descended from a Flemish knight of the name Helphenstein. Another tradition states that the name is actually derived from the words Alpin's tun or rather the 'farmstead of Alpin.' |
East Lothian |
|
A lady, from the waist upwards, richly habited in red, her arms extended, the right hand supporting a tower and the left holding a branch of laurel, all proper |
Cause causit (Cause caused it) |
|
|
ERSKINE |
Arascain |
Sir Henry de Erskine owned the barony of Erskine in the 13th Century. The clan were prominent in the Scots Guard in France and served under Joan of Arc. |
Alloa, Mar & Renfrewshire |
Erskine of Alva, Erskine of Cambo, Erskine of Dun, Erskine of Rerrick, Erskine of Restormell, House of Mar |
Out of cap of maintenance gules turned ermine, a dexter hand holding a dagger in pale proper |
Je pense plus (I think more) |
Left hand holding up a dagger out of a hat |
|
Clan Name XXXXXXXXXX |
Gaelic Name XXXXXXXXXX |
Origin XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX |
Principal Hereditary Lands XXXXXXXXXX |
Septs & Branches XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX |
Heraldic Badge XXXXXXXXXX |
Motto XXXXXXXXXX |
Plant or Heraldic Badge XXXXXXXXXX |
|
FARQUHARSON |
Mac Fhearchair |
This clan descends from Farquhar, fourth son of Alexander Ciar (Shaw) of Rothiemurchus, and as such was a member of Clan Chattan. The clan is sometimes referred to as Clann Fhionnlaidh in honor of Fionnlaidh Mor, a standard bearer, who fell in the Battle of Pinkie. |
Aberdeenshire & Invercauld |
Farquharson of Balfour, Farquharson of Craigdarroch, Farquharson of Invercauld, Farquharson of Inverey, Farquharson of Kinmundy, Farquharson of Pitfour, Barrie, Bowman, Brebner, Christie, Coutts, Farquhar, Findlay, Findlayson, Finlay, Finlayson, Greusach, Hardie, Hardy, Kerracher, Lyon, MacCaig, MacCardney, MacCartney, MacCuaig, MacEarachar, MacEaracher, MacErracher, MacFarquhar, MacHardie, MacHardy, MacKerchar, MacKerrachar, Mackindlay, Mackinlay, Reoch, Riach, Tawse |
Out of chapeau gules turned ermine a demi-lion rampant, gules, holding in his dexter paw a sword, proper pommelled, or |
Fide et fortitudine (By fidelity and fortitude) |
Red whortleberry, Scots fir |
|
FERGUSSON |
Mac Fhearghuis |
A number of families were established under this name throughout Scotland at an early date. The name comes either from Fergus, a prince of Galloway, or from King Fergus, who established the Scottish Dal Riada kingdom. |
Argyll, Ayrshire, Dumfries, Galloway, Perthshire & the estate of Raith |
Fergusson of Balquhidder, Fergusson of Craigdarroch, Fergusson of Dunfallandy, Fergusson of Kinmunday, Fergus, Ferguson, Ferries, MacAdie, MacFergus, MacKerras, MacKersey |
A bee on a thistle all proper |
Dulcius ex asperis (Sweeter after difficulties) |
Pine, Poplar |
|
Fletcher |
Mac an Fhleister |
The name of Fletcher appears among many of the clans, being derived from "maker of arrows". |
Argyll, Glenorchy & Perthshire |
Fletcher of Dunans |
Two naked arms proper shooting an arrow out of a bow sable |
Fletcher of Dunans |
|
|
FORBES |
Foirbeis |
The clan’s name comes from the Gaelic word, forba, meaning a field or district. The clan originated in the barony of Forbes in Aberdeenshire. The first chief was John of Forbes in the 13th Century. |
Aberdeenshire |
Forbes of that Ilk, Forbes of Culloden, Forbes of Craigievar, Forbes of Moniemusk, Forbes of Tolquhoun, Berry, Bannerman, Boyes, Fordyce, Lumsden, Michie, Walters, Watt |
A stag’s head attired with ten tines proper |
Grace me guide |
Broom |
|
FORSYTH |
Fearsithe |
The origin of this clan is uncertain. One tradition states it is of Celtic origin, while another claims descent from the Norseman, Forsach who settled in Aquitaine. |
Borders |
|
A griffin segreant azure, armed and membered sable, crowned or |
Instaurator ruinae (A repairer of ruin) |
Forsythia |
|
FRASER |
Friseal |
The family is of Norman origin. In the 12th Century, Sir Andrew Fraser acquired the lands of Lovat through marriage to the daughter of the Earl of Orkney and Caithness. |
Aberdeenshire, Invernessshire & East Lothian |
Fraser of Lovat, Cowie, Fressell, Frew, Frezerl, Friseal, Frissell, Frizell, Macgruer, Macimmey, Mackemmie, MacKim, MacKimmie, MacShimes, MacShimmie, MacSimon, MacSymon, Oliver, Sim, Sime, Simon, Simpson, Simson, Syme, Symon, Tweedie |
On a mount a flourish of strawberries leaved and fructed proper |
Je suis prest (All my hope is in God) |
Yew |
|
|
|
|
|
FRASER OF LOVAT |
A buck's head, erased, or tyned argent |
Je suis prest (I am ready) |
Yew |
|
Clan Name XXXXXXXXXX |
Gaelic Name XXXXXXXXXX |
Origin XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX |
Principal Hereditary Lands XXXXXXXXXX |
Septs & Branches XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX |
Heraldic Badge XXXXXXXXXX |
Motto XXXXXXXXXX |
Plant or Heraldic Badge XXXXXXXXXX |
|
Galbraith |
|
Gillescop Galbrath witnessed a charter by the Lord of Lennox in 1208. The clan Galbraith traces its descent from William, the son of Gillescop. The family claims to be descended from the Britons of the kingdom of Strathclyde. |
Lennox & Strathclyde |
Galbreath |
A bear's head erased argent, muzzled azure |
Ab obice suavior (Sweeter for there having been difficulties) |
|
|
GORDON |
Gordon |
This clan was an Anglo-Norman family that settled in the Borders in the 12th Century, but moved to Aberdeenshire in the 14th Century when Sir Adam, Lord of Gordon was granted lands by Robert the Bruce. |
Aberdeenshire, Berwickshire, Deeside, Galloway & Strathbogie |
Gordon of Earlstoun, Gordon of Gordonstoun, Gordon of Lochinvar, Earls of Huntley, Adam, Addison, Adie, Aitcheson,, Aitken, Barrie, Cullen, Eadie, Edie, Geddes, Huntly, Marr, Mavor, Milne, Moir, Todd |
Out of a crest coronet a buck's head cabossed, proper, attired, or |
Bydand (Remaining) |
Rock ivy |
|
Gow (MacGowan) |
Mac a'Ghobhainn |
The Gaelic word, Gobha is the root of the name Gow, meaning a blacksmith or armourer. The main branch of the clan was associated with the MacPherson Clan and was a member of the Clan Chattan. |
Dumfriesshire, Invernesshire, Perthshire & Stirlingshire |
|
A cat sejant, proper |
Touch not the cat but a glove (Touch not the cat without a glove) |
|
|
GRAHAM |
Greumach |
The clan traces its history to before the 12th Century. Tradition says that a man named Gramus breached the Antonine Wall during the Roman occupation in 420 AD. Historical evidence shows that William de Graham was a knight who accompanied David I to claim his throne. |
Angus, Barony of Mugdock, Borders, Lennox, Loch Katrine, Perthshire and around Dundee and Montrose |
Graham of Balgowan, Graham of Dundee, Graham of Monteith, Graham of Montrose, Airth, Allardice, Bonar, Bontein, Bontine, Buntain, Bunten, Buntine, Graeme, Haddon, Howe, Howie, MacGibbon, MacGilvernock, MacGrime, Menteith, Monteith |
A falcon wings displayed, proper, beaked and armed, or, preying on a stork on its back argent, armed gules |
Ne oublie (Do not forget) |
Spurge laurel |
|
GRANT |
Grannd |
Clan Grant was part of the confederation known as the Siol Alpine, who claimed descent from King Kenneth MacAlpin. Another tradition states that they descended from a Norman, Gregory le Grant, who acquired lands in Invernesshire by marrying into the Bisset clan. |
Glen Moriston, Glen Urquhart, Loch Ness, Rothiemurchus & Strathspey |
Grant of Glenmoriston, Grant of Monymusk, Grant of Strathspey, Gilroy, MacGilroy, Macilroy, Pratt, Suttie |
A mountain inflammed, proper |
Stand fast |
Scots pine |
|
GRIERSON |
|
A tradition states that this clan came from the same stock as the MacGregor clan. The family traces its ancestry to Gilbert Grierson who, in 1420 was the armour bearer to the Earl of Douglas |
|
|
A fetterlock argent |
Hoc securior (More secure by this) |
Bluebell |
|
Gunn |
Guinne |
The clan claims descent from Gunni, the son of Olave the Black, a Norse King of Man and the Isles. The name derives from the Norse word for ‘battle’. Gunni acquired Caithness through his marriage to Ragnhild, the widow of Lifolf 'Baldpate'. Ragnhild was the granddaughter of Saint Ragnvald (St. Ronald) Jarl of Orkney. Ragnvald was descended from Turf Einar, Jarl of Orkney. |
Caithness & Sutherland |
Gunn of Banniskirk, Gunn of Kilernan, Enrick, Gallie, Gaunson, Georgeson, Jameson, Jamieson, Johnson, Kean, Keene, MacComas, MacCorkill, MacCorkle, MacIan, MacKames, MacKeamish, MacKean, MacManus, MacOmish, MacRob, MacRobb, MacWilliam, Mann, Manson, Nelson, Robinson, Robison, Robson, Ronald, Ronaldson, Sandison, Swan, Swanson, Will, Williamson, Wilson, Wylie |
A dexter hand holding a sword in bend all proper |
Aut pax aut bellum (Either peace or war) |
Juniper Roseroot |
|
GUTHRIE |
Gaothairach |
A tradition states that the lands of Guthrie, and hence the clan that derived its name from the lands, were named by an early Scots king after a fisherman "gut three" fish to serve to his monarch. King William the Lion granted the lands of Gutherin to the Abbey of Arbroath circa 1178. |
Angus |
|
A dexter arm holding a drawn sword proper |
Sto pro veritate (I stand for the truth) |
|
|
Clan Name XXXXXXXXXX |
Gaelic Name XXXXXXXXXX |
Origin XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX |
Principal Hereditary Lands XXXXXXXXXX |
Septs & Branches XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX |
Heraldic Badge XXXXXXXXXX |
Motto XXXXXXXXXX |
Plant or Heraldic Badge XXXXXXXXXX |
|
HAIG |
|
Petrus de Haga founded the clan in the 12th Century. The name is of Norman origin. |
Bemersyde |
|
A rock proper |
Tyde what may |
|
|
HALDANE |
|
William the Lion granted to Bernard, son of Brien, the manor of Hauden. |
Gleneagles & Strathearn |
|
An eagle's head erased or |
Suffer |
|
|
HAMILTON |
Hamultun |
The name of this clan comes from a town in Leistershire: Hameldone, the home of the clan’s ancestor, Sir Walter Fitz-Gilbert. The clan first appeared near the end of the 13th Century when Gilbert, the father of Sir Walter Fitz-Gilbert married the widow of the Chief of Clan Galbraith. Sir Walter joined with King Robert Bruce after the Battle of Bannockburn and was granted, in 1314/15 the lands of Dalserf which had been forfeited by the Cummings. |
Arran & Renfrewshire |
Hamilton of Airdrie, Hamilton of Cadzow, Hamilton of Dalserf, Hamilton of Preston, Hamilton of Raploch, Hamilton of Silvertonhill, Douglas-Hamilton, Earls of Hamilton |
On a ducal coronet an oak tree fructed and penetrated transversely in the main by a frame saw, proper, the frame or |
Through |
Oak tree with saw |
|
HANNAY |
Ap Shenaeigh |
The clan traces descent from Gilbert de Hannethe who was one of the barons who submitted to Edward I of England in 1296. |
Galloway & Hanna |
Hanna, Hannah |
A cross crosslet fitchy issuing out of a crescent sable |
Per ardua as alta (Through difficulties to higher things) |
Periwinkle |
|
HAY |
Mac Garaidh |
William de la Haye came from Normandy in 1160 and married the Celtic lady. He received the Barony of Errol from William the Lion in 1180. William de la Haye served as a cup bearer to Malcolm IV. |
Aberdeenshire, Borders, Erroll & Tweeddale |
Hay of Alderston, Hay of Delgaty, Hay of Duns, hay of Haystoun, Hay of Tweeddale, Arrol, Errol, Constable, Gifford |
Out of a crest coronet a falcon rising, proper, armed and beaked or, jessed, and belled or. |
Serva jugum (Keep the yoke) |
Mistletoe |
|
HENDERSON |
Mac Eanruig |
Clan Henderson claims to descend from Henry, son of George Gunn (The Crowner), and therefore is a sept of Clan Gunn. Certain of the clan use the gaelic name of Clan Eanruig (Clan MacKendrick). |
Argyll, Borders, Caithness & Glencoe |
Henderson of Fordell, Clan Eanruig of Glencoe, Hendrie, Hendry, Kendrick, MacHendrie, MacHendry |
A dexter hand holding a star argent surmounted by a crescent, or |
Sola virtus nobilitat (Virtue alone ennobles) |
Cotton grass |
|
HOME |
Uamh |
The clan descends from Patrick, son of the Earl of Dunbar in the 13th Century. |
Berwick, Borders, Roxburgh & Tweedside |
Home of Blackadder, Home of Broomhouse, Home of Colginknowes, Home of Manderston, Home of Simprin, Home of Wedderburn, Eaton, Greenlaw, Lansdale |
On a cap of maintenance proper, a lion's head erased argent |
A Home, A Home! |
Broom |
|
HOPE |
|
John de Hope came to Scotland from France in 1537 as part of the retinue of Magdalen, first wife of James V. |
Borders, East Lothian, West Lothian & Lanarkshire |
|
A broken terrestrial globe surmounted by a rainbow issuing out of a cloud at each end all proper |
At spes infracta (But hope is unbroken) |
|
|
HUNTER |
|
The Hunters were the hereditary keepers of the royal forests of Arran and the Little Cumbrae by the the 15th Century. The clan tradition states that an ancestor was with Rollo, the Viking at the sack of Paris in 896. The Hunters came to Scotland with William the Conqueror's queen, Matilda. |
Hunterston |
|
A greyhound sejant proper, gorged with an antique crown or |
Cursum perficio (I accomplish the hunt) |
Thrift |
|
Clan Name XXXXXXXXXX |
Gaelic Name XXXXXXXXXX |
Origin XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX |
Principal Hereditary Lands XXXXXXXXXX |
Septs & Branches XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX |
Heraldic Badge XXXXXXXXXX |
Motto XXXXXXXXXX |
Plant or Heraldic Badge XXXXXXXXXX |
|
Innes |
Innis |
A town in Morashire is named Innes. In the 12th Century, Berowald of Flanders received a charter for the lands of Innes by King Malcolm IV. His descendants took the name of Innes. |
Morayshire |
Innes of that Ilk, Innes of Balveny, Innes of Innermarkie, Innes of Orton, Dinnes, Ennis, Innie, MacRob, MacRobb, Mactary, Marnoch, Middleton, Milne-Gordon, Mitchell, Reidford, Thains, Wilson |
A boar’s head erased proper |
Be traist (Be faithful) |
Great bullrush |
|
IRVINE |
|
The clan traces its descent to Duncan Eryvine. Duncan was a brother of Crinan, who through the lay Abbots of Dunkeld, claimed descent through the High Kings of Ireland by his marriage to the daughter of Malcolm II. |
Dumfriesshire |
Irvine, Irving, Irwin |
A sheaf of holly consisting of nine leaves vert slipped and banded gules |
Sub sole sub umbra virens (Flourishing both in sunshine and in shade) |
|
|
Clan Name XXXXXXXXXX |
Gaelic Name XXXXXXXXXX |
Origin XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX |
Principal Hereditary Lands XXXXXXXXXX |
Septs & Branches XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX |
Heraldic Badge XXXXXXXXXX |
Motto XXXXXXXXXX |
Plant or Heraldic Badge XXXXXXXXXX |
|
JARDINE |
|
The family traces its origin to the French, du Jardon, who came over with William the Conqueror in 1066, first to England and later to Scotland. The family's estate along the River Annan was known as Applegirth. |
Dumfriesshire |
|
A spur rowel of six points proper |
Cave adsum (Beware I am present) |
Apple blossom |
|
JOHNSTONE |
MacIain |
The name is derived from John’s "Tun" meaning farm. The clan originated in the barony of Johnstone in Annandale in the 13th Century. |
Aberdeenshire & Borders |
Johnston of Johnston, Johnstone of Annandale, Johnstone of Elphinstone, Johnstone of Gretna, Johnstone of Warriston, Johnstone of Westerhall, Johnson, Johnstoun, Rome |
A winged spur or, leathered gules |
Nunquam non paratus (Never unprepared) |
Red hawthorn |
|
Clan Name XXXXXXXXXX |
Gaelic Name XXXXXXXXXX |
Origin XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX |
Principal Hereditary Lands XXXXXXXXXX |
Septs & Branches XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX |
Heraldic Badge XXXXXXXXXX |
Motto XXXXXXXXXX |
Plant or Heraldic Badge XXXXXXXXXX |
|
KEITH |
Ceiteach |
In 1010 during the Battle of Barrie, a Chatti warrior slew the Danish General Camus. For this deed, King Malcom II dipped three fingers into the slain man's blood and wiped them across the warrior's shield. He was thereafter known as Marbhachair Chamuie (Camus slayer). He was also granted the lands of Keth in Lothian, from which the clan takes its name. |
Buchan, Caithness & East Lothian |
Keith of Kintore, Austin, Dickson, Dixon, Harvey, MacKeith, Marshall |
Out of crest coronet a stag’s head erased, proper, attired with tynes, or |
Veritas vincit (Truth conquers) |
Stag’s head -or- White rose |
|
KENNEDY |
Mac Ualraig –or- Ceannaideach |
The name of this clan means "ugly head". The clan originated in the 12th Century at Carrick. The progenitor of the clan was Cunedda, a chieftan of the Votadini tribe of Lothian, who was sent into southwest Scotland by the Saxon leader, Vortigern, to establish a settlement. |
Ayrshire, Carrick, Lochaber & Skye |
Kennedy of Dunure, Kennedy of Lochaber, Kennedy of Skye, Earls of Cassilis, Marqueeate of Aisla, Carrick, Cassels, MacOurlie, MacUlric, MacWalrick |
A dolphin naiant, proper |
Avise la fin (Consider the end) |
Oak |
|
KERR |
Cearr –or- MacGhillechearr |
This was an Anglo-Norman family that originated in the 12th Century. The Norse word for 'marsh dweller' was kjrr, from which, some believe, the name Kerr was derived. Others believe that the name is derived from the Gaelic word Cearr, meaning 'left-handed.' The clan traces its descent from two brothers, Ralph and Robert (variously, John). |
Borders & Roxburghshire |
Kerr of Cessford, Kerr of Ferniehirst, Kerr of Linton, Carr, Carre, Cessford, Ker |
The sun in his splendour |
Sero sed serio (Late but in earnest) |
The sun |
|
KINCAID |
Ceann cadha |
The clan descends from a number of early sources, including the ancient Earls of Lennox, the Comyn Lords of Badenoch, the Galbraiths of Buthernook and the Grahams. The name, Kincaid, is derived from the territorial term for 'steep place' or 'pass'. |
Stirlingshire & the estates of Craigmaddie and Craiglockhart near Edinburgh |
Kincaid of Kincaid, Kincaid of Warriston |
A triple towered castle argent, masoned Sable, and issuing from the center tower a dexter arm from the shoulder embowed, vested in the proper tartan of Kincaid and grasping a drawn sword all proper |
This I'll defend |
|
|
Clan Name XXXXXXXXXX |
Gaelic Name XXXXXXXXXX |
Origin XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX |
Principal Hereditary Lands XXXXXXXXXX |
Septs & Branches XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX |
Heraldic Badge XXXXXXXXXX |
Motto XXXXXXXXXX |
Plant or Heraldic Badge XXXXXXXXXX |
|
LAMONT |
MacLaomainn |
The name of this clan comes from the Norse word, lagamadr, meaning ‘law-giver’. The progenitor of the clan was named Ladman, a chief living in Cowall in the 13th Century. In kinship with the MacNeils, the Lamonts claim descent through Anrothan, who was a son of Aodh O'Neill, King of the North of Ireland in the 11th Century. At one time the Lamonts held sway over a great tract of land in Argyll. The clan’s lands were eventually taken over by clans such as the Campbells, but the branch, Lamont of Knockdow still retains its original lands. |
Argyll & Cowal |
Lamont of Ardlamont, Lamont of Auchinshellich, Lamont of Invereyne, Lamont of Knockdow, Lamont of Lamont, Black, Blake, Bourdon, Brown, Burdon, Clement, Lamb, Lambie, Lammie, Lammond, Lamond, Lamondson, Landers, Lemond, Limond, Limont, Lucas, Luke, Macalduie, MacClymont, MacGilledon, MacGilledow, MacGillegowie, MacIlwham, MacIlwhom, Macilzegowie, MacLamond, MacLucas, MacLymont, MacPatrick, MacPhorich, MacSorley, Meikleham, Munn, Patrick, Sorley, Toward, Towart, Turner, White, Whyte |
A dexter hand, open, paleways, couped at the wrist, proper |
Ne parcas nec spernas (Neither spare nor dispose) |
Crab apple tree |
|
LEASK |
|
It is believed by some that the origin of this clan was in the person of Liscus, the chief of the Haedui, a tribe of Gauls encountered by Julius Caesar during his Gallic Wars. |
Aberdeenshire |
|
A crescent argent |
Virtute cresco (I grow by virtue) |
|
|
LENNOX |
Leven-ach |
The Earls of Lennox were descended from the Celtic Mormaers of Levenax. The earldom was established by the 12th Century. The family tradition states that a Saxon baron by the name of Arkyll married a Scottish heiress who bore a son, Alwyn, the First Earl of Lennox. Arkyll was granted lands in Dunbartonshire and Stirlingshire from Malcolm III. |
Dunbartonshire, Perthshire, Renfrewshire & Stirlingshire |
|
Two broadswords in saltire behind a swan's head and neck all proper |
I'll defend |
Rose |
|
LESLIE |
|
The clan's name is derived from the barony of Leslyn in Aberdeenshire. |
Aberdeenshire & Rothes |
Leslie of Balgonie, Leslie of Balquhain, Leslie of Wardis, Leslie of Warthill, Abernethy, Bartholomew, Lang, More |
A demi-griffin proper, beaked, armed and winged or |
Grip fast |
Rue |
|
LINDSAY |
MacGhille Fhionntaig |
This clan's name comes from a place name in the Borders - "the island of the lime tree", claimed to have been where the Anglo-Normans first held lands. It is claimed that the clan descends from Ivar, Jarl of the Uplanders. Sir Walter de Lindissie accompanied David, Earl of Huntingdon and brother of Alexander I to Scotland to claim his throne. |
Angus, Borders |
Lindsay of Balcarres, Lindsay of Byres, Lindsay of Edzell, Lindsay of Glenesk, Earldom of Crawford and Balcarres, Cobb, Crauford, Crawford, Deuchar, Downie, Summers |
A swan rising from a coronet, proper |
Endure fort (Endure with strength) |
Lime tree, Rue |
|
Livingstone |
Mac an Leigh -or- Mac Dhunnshleibhe |
The Livingstones are an ancient clan, originating prior to the 12th Century. The name is derived from the parish of Levings'-ton in West Lothian. Many of the name claim descent from Dunsleave, the son of Aedh Alain, who was, in turn, descended from Anrothan, son of Aodh O'Neill, King of the North of Ireland. |
Argyll, Isles, Lorn, Trossachs & West Lothian |
Livingstone of Bachuil, Livingstone of Livingstone |
A demi-savage wreathed about the head and middle with laurel leaves, in dexter a club, in sinister a serpent entwined round the arm, all proper |
Si je puis (If I can) |
|
|
LOCKHART |
|
The origin of this clan is unknown. It first appeared in public records in the 12th Century near Penrith and later in Annandale. |
Ayrshire & Lanarkshire |
Lockhart of Lee |
On a chapeau gules furred ermine a boar's head erased argent, langued gules |
Corda serrata pando (I open locked hearts) |
|
|
Logan |
Loganaich -or- Macgill'innein |
There are two lines which take the name of Logan: lowland and highland. The "Logans of the North" claim descent from Crotair MacGilligorm, son of Logan of Drumderfit, who was said to have sired 'the Race of Finnan's servant', for which reason they are also known by the name of Siol Ghillinnein. The clan also is known by the name MacLennan. |
Berwickshire, Easter Ross, Galloway, Lothian & Restalrig (near Edinburgh) |
Logan of Restalrig, Lobban, MacLennan |
A passion nail piercing a human heart, proper |
Hoc majorum virtus (This is the valour of my ancestors) |
Furze |
|
LUMSDEN |
|
The first recognized chief of Clan Lumsden was Adam, from whom descended Gilbert. Gilbert married the heiress of Blanerne |
Berwickshire |
Lumsdaine of Blanerne, Lumsden of Cushnie-Lumsden, Lumsden of Fife, Lumsden of Innergellie, Cushnie |
Dexter, issuant from a crest coronet or a naked arm grasping a sword proper |
Amor patitur moras (Love endures delays) |
Hazel |
|
LYON |
|
One the family tradition holds that this clan had a Celtic origin, having been descended from a younger son of the Lamonts. Another tradition states that the family descends from a French family, de Leon, who, in the 11th Century, accompanied Edgar, son of Malcolm II in his fight against the usurper, Donald Bane. |
Perthshire |
|
Within a graland of bay leaves, a lady from the middle richly attired, holding in her dexter hand a thistle all proper |
In te domine speravi (In Thee O Lord have I put my trust) |
|
|
Clan Name XXXXXXXXXX |
Gaelic Name XXXXXXXXXX |
Origin XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX |