Scottish Surnames
A — L


A — L ~ Mac — M ~ N — Y

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.

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