Scottish Surnames
A L
This is by no means a complete list; I'm sure there are others out there.
Mac = son of
Abbot "son of the abbot". Associated with Clan MacNab.
Abbotson.
Abercrombie began with William de Abercromby in
1296, of Fife; this line died out in the mid-1600's, and the Abercrombies of
Birkenbog now carry the name. Abercromby, Abircromby, Eabercrombie.
Abernethy of uncertain origins, the first being Hugh Abernethy in
the mid-1100's C. of Culdee Monastery of Abernethy in Strathearn.
Abernathy.
Adam Adam, the sub-prior of Melrose, became abbot
of Cupar in 1189. James Adam (1730-1794) was a renowned architect. Allied with
Clan Gordon.
Adamson "son of Adam". Allied with the Mackintosh and
Shaw clans. Ademson, Adamesoune.
Addison associated with
Clan Gordon.
Adie dim. of Adam; common in Edinburgh and
Aberdeenshire in the 17th C. Allied with the Gordon clan. Addie, Addy, Eadie,
Eddie, Edie.
Agnew stems from Latin for "lamb"; first recorded
circa 1190 as a Norman name in Liddesdale.
Airlie associated with
Clan Ogilvy.
Airth associated with Clan Graham.
Aitcheson associated with Clan Gordon.
Aitken
associated with Clan Gordon.
Alaister from the Gaelic version of
Alexander, and variant spelling of Alastair. Allied with the MacDonald
clan.
Alcock dim. of Allan; records show a William Alkok as a
witness in Aberdeen in 1281. Allied with the MacDonald clan.
Alexander a Greek name brought by the Hungarian court by Queen
Margaret, wife of King Malcolm Ceannmor; in the variant MacAlexander, the "mac"
was dropped toward the end of the 17th C. Allied with MacArthur, MacAlister, and
MacDonald clans.
Alison possible version of Allanson. Allied with
the MacAlister and MacDonald clans. Allison.
Alistair
associated with Clan MacAlister.
Allen allied with the MacDonald
and MacFarlane clans. Allan, Allanson.
Allerdice considered
ancient by William the Lion (1198) and has several meanings, including one
meaning "monks cell or sanctuary" from the Pictish language, and the other a
placename meaning "of alder trees and Dyce from Hilltop". Family has held the
oldest continuous land grant in Scotland. Assoicated to Mentieth Graham Plaid.
Allardice, Alrethes.
Alpin
from Kenneth MacAlpin, who united the Picts and Scots circa 850; and make Dun
Add in Dalriada his capital. MacAulay, MacDuff, MacFie, MacGregor, MacKinnon,
MacNab, and MacQuarrie clans claim descent. MacAlpine, MacAlpin.
Anderson Mac Ghille Aindrais. "Son of Andrew"; also known as
MacAndrew, this name comes from Saint Andrew, patron saint of Scotland. Allied
with the MacDonald and Ross clans.
Andrew allied with the Ross
clan.
Angus came from Ireland to Scotland, and the god Aonghus mac
Og. Allied with the MacInnes clan.
Anstruther from the lands of
Anstruther in Fife.
Arbuthnott originated in Berwickshire; Duncan,
son of Hugh of Swinton, adopted the name in the 12th C.
Armstrong
"strength of the arm"; originally from French-Norman Fortenbras. It is said that
the armor bearer to a King of Scots acquired this name after he rescued the
monarch on a battlefield when the king's horse was killed under him. Because of
his strength, he was known as Armstrong.
Arrol associated with Clan
Hay.
Arthur from Old Irish arth "bear". In the Shetland
Islands, it is a version of the Norse-Viking name Ottar. Allied with the
Campbell and MacArthur clans.
Askey associated with Clan MacLeod.
Austin associated with Clan Keith.
Ayson a very old
family; allied with CLan Mackintosh. Eason, Easson, Esson.
Baillie variant of English Bayliss, "son of the bailiff".
Bain widespread version of De Bayns of England. Allied with the
Mackay and MacBain clans.
Baird from the word bard, "poet".
Balfour from the lands and barony of Markinch in Fife; at one time
more than twenty branches of this family held lands in Fife.
Ballach
allied with Clan MacDonald. Bello, Belloch, Bellocht.
Bannatyen from a place called Bennachtain. Allied with the Campbell
clan. Bannatyne, Ballentyne.
Bannerman from a
standard-bearer or an early Scottish king. Allied with Clan Forbes.
Barclay of Norman descent, from Roger de Berkeley who came to
England with William the Conqueror and given a castle and lands in
Gloucestershire.
Barrie associated with Clans Farquharson and
Gordon.
Barron associated with Clan Rose.
Bartholomew
"son of the twin". Associated with Clans MacFarlane and Leslie. Bartelmew,
Bartilmo, Bartlemo, Bartilmew, Bartolomew.
Baxter from Old
English baecestre "a female baker". In Middle English it changed to
Baxster; and old Scottish Latin records list it as Pistor.
Bayn
from Gaelic ban "white". No connection to English Bayne. Allied with the
Mackay clan. Bayne, Bain, Baine.
Bean from Gaelic
beathan "life"; sometimes written Macbean. Allied with Clan MacBain.
Beane, Beaine.
Beath from the placename Beath, in Fife.
Allied with Clans MacDonald and MacLean.
Beaton Peutan, Na
Peutanaich (Beatons). One of the two families who practiced medicine to the
chiefs of the MacDonalds and MacLaines in the 16th and 17th C's. The Beatons
were from Skye. Allied with the MacDonald, MacLean, and MacLeod clans.
Beattie associated with Clan MacBain.
Begbie found in
East Lothian. Bagby
Begg associated with Clan MacDonald.
Bell from either Peter le Bel, "handsome"; John atte Belle (a
Middle English name); and Robert, son of Bel or Isabel. Common on the Borders
for centuries. Allied with Clan Macmillan.
Berry associated with
Clan Forbes.
Bethune first appears in records between 1165-1190,
when Robert de Betunia was a witness in court. Possibly derives from a town in
Pas de Calais. Allied with Clan MacDonald. Betun, Beton. The Betons are
associated with Clan MacLeod.
Bigham can be construed as
"established land" from the two words, "big," a verb of the Scots tongue meaning
"to build" or "to excavate earth (or to make habitable)" + "holm," a noun of a
northwestern English dialect meaning a type of terrain, usually low-flat land
near a river, but also related to holm in Old Saxon, meaning hill. From local
origin in Ayreshire (Bigholm) or Dumfriesshire (village of Bigholms). Biggam,
Bigholm.
Binnie associated with Clan MacBain.
Bisset
dim. of Old French word bis "rock dove". Records show the Bissets of
Aird and Lessendrum are among the oldest families in Aberdeen.
Black
from either Old English bla(e)c "black"; or OE bla'c "bright,
white, or pale"; or from the Gaelic names M'Ille Dhuibh or Mac Gille Dhuibh,
"son of the black lad". Allied with Clans Lamont, MacGregor and Maclean.
Blake associated with Clan Lamont.
Bonar associated
with Clan Graham.
Bontein associated with Clan Graham.
Bontine.
Borthwick from old barony of Borthwick along
Borthwick Water in Roxburghshire. Folk tales say that a Borthwick who was in the
Crusades recaptured Robert the Bruce's heart from the Saracens.
Boswell appeared in old Scottish records when a Robert de Boseuille
came from Normandy during the time of William the Lion. An established family in
Berwickshire by the 12th C.
Bowers associated with Clan MacGregor.
Bowie John Boye, alias Bowy and Boee, lived in Yarmouth in 1481.
Allied with Clan MacDonald.
Bowmaker associated with Clan
MacGregor.
Bowman associated with Clan Farquharson.
Boyd
Bod, Bhoid, or Boid. Possibly derived from the placename Bute.
Boyes associated with Clan Forbes.
Boyle possibly from
the Irish O'Baoghail, or the De Boyville family from Normandy and originated in
Boyville or Beauville near Caen.
Brebner associated with Clan
Farquharson.
Brewer associated with Clans Drummond and MacGregor.
Brieve associated with Clan Morrison.
Brodie
Brothaigh. Ancestry can be traced back to a Pictish tribe of Moray, and
comes from ancient Thaneage. Michael de Brothis was given a charter by King
Robert Bruce before the battle of Bannockburn in 1311. Allied with the MacDonald
clan. Brody, Bryde, Brydie.
Broun variant of Brown, a very
common name.
Brown allied with the Lamont and MacMillan clans.
Bruce Brus, Na Brusaich (Bruces). From the Normandy family
de Bruis, who came with William the Conqueror in 1066. Robert the Bruce
(1274-1329) took the throne in 1306 and fought at Bannockburn; when he died his
heart was carried to Jerusalem during the Crusades, but brought back to be
buried at Melrose Abbey. After the death of his son, the throne went to the
Stewarts. Bush.
Bryce associated with Clan MacFarlane.
Bryde associated with Clan Brodie.
Buchan ancestry can
be traced back to the Pictish Mormaers of Buchan, who were Earls of Buchan in
the 12th C. Allied with the Comyn/Cummings clan, but an individual clan on their
own.
Buchanan Bochanan, Canonach. Pictish origin; they claim
descent from the Ancient Britons of Strathclyde; another source says it was
taken from the district of Buchanan. Branches included the Arnprior, Auchamar,
Carbeth, Drumakill, Leny, and Spittal families. MacCalman, MacCammond.
Buntain associated with Clan Graham. Bunten, Buntine.
Burdon associated with Clan Lamont.
Burk associated
with Clan MacDonald.
Burnett the Burnetts of Barns claim descent
from Robertius de Burneville in the reign of David I. Allied with the Campbell
clan. Burnet.
Burns allied with Clan Campbell. Robert Burns
(1759-1796) was a famous poet. Burnes.
Caddell associated with Clan Campbell.
Caird associated
with Clans MacGregor and Sinclair.
Cameron Camshron, Na
Camshronaich (Camerons). From the Gaelic cam-shron "crooked nose" or
"hooked nose". There were once three branches: the MacSorleys of Glen Nevis, the
MacMartins of Letterfinlay, and the MacGillonies of Strone. Through all the
troubles with the England, the Camerons were loyal to the royal Stuarts. Cameron
of Erracht, Cameron of Lochiel.
Campbell Caimbeul, Na
Caimbeulich (Campbells). From the Gaelic cam-beul "crooked mouth".
First recorded in the 13th C. at the marriage of Eva O'Duibhne and Colin
Campbell. His son Neil supported Robert Bruce, and gained extensive grants of
land. The Campbells of Trachur are descended from Colin's cousin; and the
Campbells of Loudoun from his younger son. Campbell of Argyll, Campbell of
Breadalbane, Campbell of Cawdor.
Cariston associated with Clan
Skene.
Carlyle associated with Clan Bruce.
Carmichael
from the name of a barony in Lanarkshire. Appears as Carmiggelt in Holland.
Carnegie from the lands of Carryneggy in southwest Angus.
Carr associated with Clan Kerr.
Carrick associated
with Clan Kennedy.
Carson associated with Clan MacPherson.
Carstarphen associated with Clan Forrester.
Cassels
associated with Clan Kennedy.
Cathcart from the lands of Cathcart
in Renfrewshire. The family went north with Walter Fitz Alan, the first of the
Stewards, and probably of Breton origin.
Cattanach associated with
Clan MacPherson.
Caw associated with Clan MacFarlane.
Cessford associated with Clan Kerr.
Charles associated
wtih Clan MacKenzie.
Charteris founded by Thomas de Longueville,
who was given lands of Kinfauns by King Robert Bruce.
Chattan from
Gillichattan Mor, the Great Servant of St. Catan of the ancient Culdee Church.
The clan name was used to describe a tribal federation after the marriage of Eva
Chattan and Angus Mackintosh, after 1291. They were a powerful force in the
Highlands for nearly five centuries. Cattanach.
Cheyne from
Norman ancestors from Quesney, near Coutances.
Chisholm Siosal,
Siosalach, Na Siosalaich (Chisholms). Originally De Chesholme, from a Norman
family in Roxburghshire. Both the Highland and Lowland Chisholms descend from
one ancestor who married Margaret, Lady of Erchless.
Christie
associated with Clan Farquharson.
Clanachan associated with Clan
MacLean.
Clark associated with Clans Cameron and MacPherson.
Clarke associated with Clans Cameron and MacPherson.
Clarkson associated with Clans Cameron and MacPherson.
Clement associated with Clan Lamont.
Clergy possibly
from the group ordained as priests, ministers, rabbis, etc.
Clerk
associated with Clans Cameron and MacPherson.
Cluny associated with
Clan MacPherson.
Clyne associated with Clan Sinclair.
Cobb associated with Clan Lindsay.
Cochrane from the
lands of Cochrane (Coueran) near Paisley in Renfrewshire.
Cockburn
from a placename near Berwickshire; they were ancient vassals of the Earls of
March. Their castle at Skirling was demolished in 1568 for their support of
Mary, Queen of Scots.
Collier associated with Clan Robertson.
Colman associated with Clan Buchanan.
Colquhoun
(cohoon) from the barony of Colquhoun in Dunbartonshire. Ancestry is traced to
Humphrey de Kilpatrick or Kirkpatrick, who received a land grant from Alexander
II. The last known person to openly practice witchcraft in Scotland was Sir John
Colquhoun.
Colson associated with Clan MacDonald.
Colville possibly from the town of Coleville in Normandy. 12th C.
Scottish records show a Philip de Coleuille having baronies of Oxnam and Heiton
in Roxburghshire.
Colyear associated with Clan Robertson.
Combie associated with Clan MacThomas.
Comine
associated with Clan Cumming (Comyn).
Comrie associated with Clan
MacGregor.
Conacher associated with Clan MacDougall.
Connall associated with Clan MacDonald.
Connell
associated with Clan MacDonald.
Conochie associated with Clan
Campbell.
Constable associated with Clan Hay.
Cook
associated with Clan Stewart.
Corbet associated with Clan Ross.
Cormack associated with Clan Buchanan.
Corstorphine
associated with Clan Forrester.
Coull associated with Clan
MacDonald.
Coulson associated with Clan MacDonald.
Cousland associated with Clan Buchanan.
Coutts
associated with Clan Farquharson.
Cowan associated with Clans
Colquhoun and MacDougall.
Cowie associated with Clan Fraser.
Cranstoun from Elfric de Cranston, a 10th C. Norman; his family
owned land in Edinburgh and Roxburghshire.
Crawford from the barony
of Crawford in the upper ward of Clydesdale. Sir Archibald Crawford of Loudoun's
sister married Malcolm Wallace and was Sir William Wallace's mother. Archibald
was murdered during a banquet by the English.
Crerar associated
with Clan MacKintosh.
Crichton from an old barony in Midlothian. A
Turstand de Crectune was in Scotland in 1128.
Crombie associated
with Clan MacDonald.
Crookshanks associated with Clan Stewart.
Cruickshanks associated with Clan Stewart.
Crum
associated with Clan MacDonald.
Cullin associated with Clan Gordon.
Cumin variation on Comyn and/or Cumming.
Cumming
Cuimean. Traced to Charlamagne through Robert de Comyn, governor of
Northumberland in 1068 by William the Conqueror. During Alexander III's reign,
they had earldoms in Atholl, Buchan, and Menteith. John Comyn, Lord of Badenoch,
had strong claim to the Scottish throne through descent of King Duncan. His
mother was King John Balliol's sister. Cummings, Comyn, Common, Cummin.
Cunningham ancestry traced to Warnibald family in Ayshire, settled
in the 12th C. Alexander III gave lands of Kilmaurs to Harvey de Cunningham
after the battle of Largs.
Currie McMhuirich.
Dallas associated with Clan MacKintosh.
Dalyrample
James Dalyrample was made a baronet in 1164; and the family held a charter for
lands in the 14th C. James' son, the first Earl of Stair, issued notorious
letters that led to the massacre of MacIan Macdonalds of Glen Coe.
Dalzeil origins go back to the barony of Dalzell in Lanarkshire.
Folk tales say King Kenneth II offered a reward to any man who was brave enough
to retrieve the body of his hanged kinsman. A man shouted "Dal Zell," which in
Old Scots means "I dare".
Daniels associated with Clan MacDonald.
Davidson originates from Donald Dhu of Inernahavon, chief of the
Davidson, who married one of Angus' daughters. The family had an ongoing feud
with the Macphersons over precedence in the Clan Chattan. Davey, Davis,
Davison, MacDade, MacDaid, MacDavid.
Dawson associated with
Clan Davidson.
Day associated with Clan Davidson.
Dean
associated with Clan Davidson.
Denoon associated with Clan
Campbell.
Denune associated with Clan Campbell.
Deuchar
associated with Clan Lindsay.
Dickson associated with Clan Keith.
Dingwall associated with Clans Munro and Ross.
Dinnes
associated with Clan Innes.
Dis associated with Clan Skene.
Dixon associated with Clan Keith.
Dobbie associated
with Clan Robertson.
Dobson associated with Clan Robertson.
Dochart associated with Clan MacGregor.
Docharty
associated with Clan MacGregor.
Doig associated with Clan Drummond.
Doles associated with Clan MacKintosh.
Donachie
associated with Clan Robertson.
Donaldson associated with Clan
MacDonald.
Donillson associated with Clan MacDonald.
Donleavy associated with Clan Buchanan.
Donlevy
associated with Clan Buchanan.
Donnellson associated with Clan
MacDonnell.
Douglas Dωghlas, Dubhghlas, Na Dωghlasaich
(Doughlases). First record of William de Douglas in Lanarkshire, 12th C. Because
of the clan's wealth, strength, and influence, they were a threat to the royal
Stewarts, which caused them to lose their title and lands in 1455.
Douglass.
Dove associated with Clan Buchanan.
Dow
associated with Clans Buchanan and Davidson.
Dowe associated with
Clan Buchanan.
Downie associated with Clan Lindsay.
Drummond Drummann. Derived from a placename, the lands of
Drummond or Drymen, near Loch Lomond. First record of Malcolm Beg; his son took
the Drummond name. They were supporters of the royal Stewarts.
Drysdale associated with Clan Douglas.
Duff associated
with Clan MacDuff.
Duffie associated with Clan MacFie.
Duffus associated with Clan Sutherland.
Duffy
associated with Clan Macfie.
Duilach associated with Clan Stewart.
Dunbar ancestry traced to Crinan the Thane, and Seneschal of the
Isles, father of King Duncan I and Maldred. Maldred's son Gopatric, was deprived
of his earldom by William the Conqueror, so he fled to Scotland and made the
earl of Dunbar by King Malcolm III.
Duncan Clann
Dhonnachaidh. From a chief of Clan Donnachaidh "Fat Duncan," who led his
clan at Bannockburn. They held lands in Forfarshire, the barony of Lundie, and
the estate of Gourdie.
Duncanson associated with Clan Robertson.
Dundas old documents show a Serle de Dundas during William the
Lion's reign. The Dundas family of Virginia trace their ancestry to a member of
the Dundas' who emigrated in 1757.
Dunnachie associated with Clan
Robertson.
Duthie associated with Clan Ross.
Dyce
associated with Clan Skene.
Eadie associated with Clan Gordon.
Eaton associated
with Clan Home.
Edie associated with Clan Gordon.
Elder
associated with Clan MacKintosh.
Elliot one of the great Border
clans of southern Scotland, the surname appearing in the 13th C at Arbirlot
(Aber-Eliot). The Elliotts of Stobs took over chiefship after James VI banished
and executed many of the Border clans for lawlessness. Eliot.
Ennis associated with Clan Innes.
Enrick associated
with Clan Gunn.
Elphinstone derived from a placename, the village
of Elphinstone in East Lothian. The sixteenth baron married Lady Mary Bowes
Lyon, a sister of Elizabeth, the Queen Mother.
Erskine from Henry
de Erskine, who held lands in Refrewshire during Alexander II's reign. A
descendant, Gratney of Mar, married Robert Bruce's sister; their son Donald was
regent of Scotland.
Esson associated with Clan MacKintosh.
Ewing associated with Clan MacLachlan.
Fair associated with Clan Ross.
Fairbairn associated
with Clan Armstrong.
Farquharson MacFhearchair. From
Farquhar, son of Alexander Ciar, third shaw of Macintosh of Rothiemurchus in
Strathspey. Branches include Inverey, Finzean, Monaltrie, Balmoral.
Federith associated with Clan Sutherland.
Fee
associated with Clan MacFie.
Ferguson Fearghasdan,
MacFhearghais, Na Fearghasdanaich (Fergusons), Clann 'IcFhearghais.
Said that the family first settled in Kintyre. The seat of Fergusson chiefs,
Kilkerran in Ayrshire was names after St. Ciaran of Ireland who came to
Daruadhain in the 6th C. The Kilkerran branch are descended from Fergus in the
time of Robert Bruce. Fergusson, Fergus, Ferries, Forgie.
Ferson associated with MacPherson.
Fife associated
with Clan MacDuff.
Findlater associated with Clan Ogilvie.
Findlay associated with Clan Farquharson.
Findlayson
associated with Clan Farquharson.
Finlay associated with Clan
Farquharson.
Finlayson Fionnlasdan, MacFhionnlaigh, Na
Fionnlasdanaich (Finlaysons), Clann 'IcFhionnlaigh. Associated with
Clan Farquharson.
Fisher associated with Clan Campbell.
Fleming "one from Flanders"; first recorded in the 12th C. A Jordan
Fleming was taken prisoner with William the Lion in 1174.
Fletcher
"arrow maker"; the Fletchers followed the clans and made arrows. Associated with
the Stewarts and Campbells of Argyll, and the MacGregors of Perthshire.
Forbes Foirbeis. Family history traced to Ochonochar.
Fordyce.
Forrester associated with Clan Forrester.
Forester, Foristar, Forrister.
Forrest associated with Clan
Forrester. Forest.
Forster associated with Clan Forrester.
Forstar.
Forsyth from Gaelic fearsithe "man of
peace".
Foster associated with Clan Forrester. Fostar.
Fotheringham possibly a corruption of Fotheringhay in
Northamptonshire, which held the royal house of Scotland in the 12th C.
Foulis associated with Clan Munro.
France associated
with Clan Stewart.
Francis associated with Clan Stewart.
Fraser Friseal, Na Frisealaich (Frasers). From the French
name de Friselle or Fresel, then Fraisier, deriving from fraises
"strawberry flowers". Freser, Frew, Frezel, Frisell, Frizelle.
Fullerton first recorded was Alanus de Fowlertoun, who founded a
convent of Carmelites (White Friars) at Irvine. In the 14th C., a branch settled
in Arran.
Fyfe associated with Clan MacDuff.
Galbraith Gaelic for "Briton's son". Associated with the island of
Gigha and Clan Donald.
Gallie associated with Clan Gunn.
Galt associated with Clan MacDonald.
Gardyne from the
barony of Gardyne in Angus and very common in the Arbroath area.
Garrow associated with Clan Stewart.
Garvie associated
with Clan MacLean.
Gaunson associated with Clan Gunn.
Gayre a Cornwall family in the 12th C.; a branch moved to
Yorkshire, but fled to Scotland in the 16th C. after destroying a castle there.
They married into the Mowe and MacCulloch families. Gair, Gear, Gairn, Geir,
Gaire, Garrison, Garson, McGair, McGeir.
Geddes associated with
Clan Gordon.
Georgeson associated with Clan Gunn.
Gibb
associated with Clan Buchanan.
Gifford associated with Clan Hay.
Gilbert associated with Clan Buchanan.
Gilbertson
associated with Clan Buchanan.
Gilbride associated with Clan
MacDonald.
Gilchrist associated with Clans MacLachlan and Ogilvy.
Gilfillan associated with Clan MacNab.
Gill associated
with Clan MacDonald.
Gillanders associated with Clan Ross.
Gillespie associated with Clan MacPherson.
Gillies
MacIllIosa, Clann 'IcIllIosa (Gillies(es)). from Badenoch and the
Hebrides, meaning "servant of James".
Gillon associated with Clan
MacLean.
Gilroy associated with Clans Grant and MacGillivray.
Glendowyn sept of the Clan Douglas; dates back to 13th Century and
Adam de Glendonwyn. Glendening, Glendinning, Glendenning, Glendening,
Clendenning, Clendennen, Clindening, Glendennon, Glendoning, Glendining.
Glennie associated with Clan MacKintosh.
Gordon first
recorded in the late 12th C. The sixth Lord Byron, George Gordon, was a poet.
Gorrie associated with Clan MacDonald.
Goudie
associated with Clan MacPherson.
Gow associated with Clan
MacPherson.
Gowan associated with Clan MacDonald.
Gowrie
associated with Clan MacDonald.
Graham Greum, Na Greumaich
(Grahams). Anglo-Norman William de Graham was the first recorded in the 12th C.
The fourth marquis, James, helped restore the tartan. Folklore says they are
descended from Gramus, who tore down the wall built by Emperor Antoninus.
Graeme, Grahame.
Grant Grannd, Na Granndaich
(Grants). From French grand "big" or "eminent". The main branch of the
Siol Alpine of Clan Gregor. Most of the clan was loyal to the Stewarts. General
Ulysses S. Grant (1822-1885), was the 18th U.S. president.
Gray
recorded in the 13th C., a Hugo de Gray from Normandy. Now very common in
Scotland.
Greenlaw associated with Clan Home.
Gregorson
associated with Clan MacGregor.
Gregory associated with Clan
MacGregor.
Greig associated with Clan MacGregor.
Greusach associated with Clan Farquharson.
Grewar
associated with Clans Drummond and MacGregor.
Grierson ancestry
traced to Gilbert, second son of Malcolm, and to Dominus de MacGregor in the
14th C. Associated with Clan MacGregor. Grier.
Griesck
associated with Clan MacFarlane.
Grigor associated with Clan
MacGregor.
Gruamach associated with Clan MacFarlane.
Gruer associated with Clans Drummond and MacGregor.
Gunn
Guinne. Either descended from Gunni, grandson of Sweyn Asleifsson, the
Ultimate Viking (d. 1171, Dublin); or they were Pictish, and from the Welsh word
gwynn. A warlike clan who held Caithness and Sutherland in the north, and
constantly feuded with the Keiths and MacKays. During the Highland Clearances in
Sutherland, many Gunns emigrated to New Zealand and Canada. Ganson, Galdie,
Galle, Gaunson.
Guthrie said to have descended from Guthrum, a
Scandanavian prince. Squire Guthrie brought William Wallace back to Scotland
from France in 1299.
Haddon associated with Clan Graham.
Haggart associated
with Clan Ross.
Haig first recorded Petrus del Hage in the 12th C.
Alexander Haig was Secretary of State under U.S. President Nixon.
Haldane either from Old English healf-dene, or Old Danish
hal-dan, both meaning "half Dane". Other sources say it derives from a
member of the Border house of Hadden or Howden who acquired the Gleneagles
estate through marriage.
Hallyard associated with Clan Skene.
Hamilton Hamultun. Ancestry traced to Walter Fitz-Gilbert of
Haneldone in 1295. May have originated in Yorkshire or Lancashire.
Hannay family originated in the ancient province of Galloway.
Hardy associated with Clans Farquharson and MacKintosh.
Hardie.
Harold associated with Clan MacLeod.
Harper associated with Clan Buchanan.
Harperson
associated with Clan Buchanan.
Harvey associated with Clan Keith.
Hastings associated with Clan Campbell.
Hawes
associated with Clan Campbell. Haws, Hawson.
Hawthorn
associated with Clan MacDonald.
Hay Mac Garaidh. Listed in
French records of the 8th C. La Haya de Puits was a high leader with William the
Conqueror's army.
Henderson said that Eannig Mor Mac Righ Neachtan
(Big Henry), son of King Nectan (ruler of Caledonea in 8th C.) was the founder
of the name. A 1450 manuscript says the clan descended from the Scottish tribe
of Loarn. They were also hereditary pipers to Clan Abrach. MacKendrick.
Hendry associated with Clan MacNaughton. Hendrie.
Hepburn derives from the placename Hebburn in Northumberland.
Hewitson associated with Clan MacDonald.
Hewitt
associated with Clan MacDonald.
Higginson associated with Clan
MacKintosh.
Hobson associated with Clan Robertson.
Home
(HYOOM) from Aldan de Home of Berwickshire in the 12th C.Hume.
Hope 13th C. records show a John Hope of Peebles-shire. The earls
of Hopetoun trace ancestry to John de Hope, a retinue of Queen Magdalen, wife of
James V.
Hossack associated with Clan MacKintosh.
Howe
associated with Clan Graham.
Howie associated with Clan Graham.
Howison associated with Clan MacDonald.
Hudson
associated with Clan MacDonald.
Hughson associated with Clan
MacDonald.
Hunter Clann an t-Sealgair (Hunters). A family
from Normandy who came to Scotland c. 1110. Aylmer le Hunter signed the Ragman
Roll in 1296.
Huntly associated with Clan Gordon.
Hutchenson associated with Clan MacDonald. Hutchinson.
Hutcheson associated with Clan MacDonald. Hutchison.
Inches associated with Clan Robertson.
Ingram
associated with Clan Colquhoun.
Innes Innis. From the Gaelic
word innis "islet". Originated in Moray in 1160 during Malcolm IV's
reign. Inch, Innie.
Isles associated with Clan MacDonald.
Irvine from two placenames, Irving, an old parish in Dumfrieshire,
and Irvine in Ayreshire.
Jameson associated with Clans Gunn and Stewart.
Jamieson
associated with Clans Gunn and Stewart.
Jardine listed as du
Jardine at the battle of Hastings. Settled near Kendal in the 12th C., then to
Lanarkshire in the 13th C., and in Dumfrieshire in the 14th C.
Jeffrey associated with Clan MacDonald.
Johnson
MacIain.
Johnston from John, a 12th C. holder of Annandale
lands, and gave his name to his citadel, or "toun". A powerful Border clan that
held the central area of Annandale. Johnstone.
Kay associated with Clan Davidson.
Kean associated with
Clans Gunn and MacDonald.
Keene associated with Clans Gunn and
MacDonald.
Keir derived from the Old Irish ciar "dark".
Keith Ceiteach. Hervey de Keith held half the land named
Keith during King David I's reign.
Kellie associated with Clan
MacDonald.
Kendrick associated with Clan MacNaughton.
Kennedy Ceanadach, MacUalraig, Na Ceanadaich (Kennedys),
Clann 'IcUalraig.. Ancestry traced to Duncan of Carrick of the 12th C.;
or Henry Cinnidh was a younger brohter of William the Lion and founded the clan.
Bishop James Kennedy and his daughter Kate founded a college at St. Andrews
University in 1455.
Kenneth associated with Clan MacKenzie.
Kennethson associated with Clan MacKenzie.
Kerr
possibly of Viking descent, settling first in France, then the Scottish Borders
in the 12th C. Early sheriffs of the Marches and the Border Reivers. Ker,
Carr.
Kerracher associated with Clan Farquharson.
Kilgour associated with Clan MacDuff.
Kilpatrick first
recorded was Roger de Kirkpatrick who was with Robert Bruce when he stabbed the
Red Comyn in the 13th C. Franciscan friary.
King associated with
Clan Colquhoun.
Kinnell associated with Clan MacDonald.
Kinnieson associated with Clan MacFarlane.
Knox
associated with Clan MacFarlane.
Lachie associated with Clan MacLachlan.
Laidlaw
associated with Clan Scott.
Lair associated with Clan MacLaren.
Lamont MacLaomainn. From an Old Norse word for "lawman".
Lamb, Lambie, Lammie, Lamond, Lammond, Lamondson, Laumon, Lemond.
Landers associated with Clan Lamont.
Lang associated
with Clan Leslie.
Lansdale associated with Clan Home.
Lauchlan associated with Clan MacLachlan.
Lauder
originated with Norman Baron de Lavedre during the time of Malcolm Canmore.
Robert de Lawedre fought for William Wallace and later became ambassador to
England for Robert I.
Lawrence associated with Clan MacLaren.
Lawrie associated with Clan MacLaren.
Lawson
associated with Clan MacLaren.
Lean associated with Clan MacLean.
Leckie associated with Clan MacGregor.
Lecky
associated with Clan MacGregor.
Lees associated with Clan
MacPherson.
Leitch associated with Clan MacDonald.
Lennie associated with Clan Buchanan.
Lennox first
Celtic earl was Alwin MacMuredach MacMaidouern, Mormaer of the Levanach in the
12th C. Lord Darnley, who married Mary, Queen of Scots, was the son of the
fourth earl of Lennox.
Lenny associated with Clan Buchanan.
Leslie derived either from Bartolf, a Hungaian nobleman who wa
chamberlain to St. Margaret, queen of Malcolm Canmore; or from the lands of
Leslie in Garrioch, Aberdeenshire.
Lewis associated with Clan
MacLeod.
Limond associated with Clan Lamont.
Limont
associated with Clan Lamont.
Lindsay MacGhille Fhionntaig.
"Isle of the lime trees". Limesay, Lindesey.
Linklater
associated with Clan Sinclair.
Livingston Mac an Leigh. 12th
C. records show that Leving, a Saxon, held lands in West Lothian. A family
prominent in Scottish history from 1300-1715. The Highland branch originally had
a Gaelic name with various spellings including MacDunsleinhe, Mac-an-Leigh,
and MacLea. Explorer David Livingstone was of this Highland clan.
Lobban associated with Clan MacLennan.
Lockerbie
associated with Clan Douglas.
Lockhart the ancestor of this family
came from Flanders and settled in Lanarkshire in 1272. The Lockhart name was
gained when Simon Locard carried the key to the casket that contained Robert the
Bruce's heart during the Crusades.
Logan "son of Finnan's servant".
Two distinct families, one of the Highlands, one of the Lowlands, with this clan
name. The MacLennan's of the north trace their ancestry to the Logans of
Drumderfit. MacLennan.
Lombard associated with Clan Stewart.
Lonie associated with Clan Cameron.
Lorne associated
with Clans Campbell and Stewart.
Loudoun associated with Clan
Campbell.
Love sept of Clan MacKinnon.
Low associated
with Clan MacLaren.
Lowson associated with Clan MacLaren.
Lucas associated with Clan Lamont.
Luke associated
with Clan Lamont.
Lumsden originated from a placename on the coast
of Berwickshire. First appears in a charter signed by Edgar, King of Scots in
1098.
Lyall associated with Clan Sinclair.
Lyle
appears to originate with Ralph de Insula, who followed Steward from
Northumberland. During the 13th C., a Lyle family were barons of Duchal in
Renfrewshire.
Lyon first recorded in the 14th C., with Thomas Lyon.
Possibly Norman or Celtic lineage. The wife of John Lyon, sixth Lord Glamis, was
accused of witchcraft by James V and burned alive outside Edinburgh Castle.