But it's a serious error to see clans only in terms of vertical power structures, up to and down from the Chief. I have no connection with either of these sites, but they were simple to use: When you search you may find results that say your surname is a “sept” of a clan. Tartans are now inextricably linked with the story of the clans and are the most evocative symbol of the clan, as well as of Scotland. Start by visiting the Scottish Register of Tartans, where you can search a database totaling thousands of patterns. The surname Hall contributed much to local politics and the affairs of Scotland. Clans might feud, raid, or wage war on neighbouring clans. In modern times Scottish septs are considered to be family names and name variants associated with a particular clan. Clansmen (it being largely patriarchal) might take the chief's name in solidarity, particularly when surnames came into common use after the sixteenth century. Again, no listing for a surname Allisterson. The most distinctive of Scotland's history, nationally and internationally, is that of kinship. First Generation----- 1. The Scottish kings maintained control by granting charters for land, in return demanding taxes and support in the eternal fights against the English. clicking on the graphic at the top right of this page. list comes from his book
recognised clan or family featured in detail elsewhere. Clan MacDonald: History, Tartan & Battles. I'm Scots-Irish with roots in the Great Smoky Mountains. But since surnames came into use around the same time as clans, a strict definition of a clan as being all blood relations is not accurate. By clicking on a name, you'll be brought to a dedicated page where you'll be able to explore a range of tartans and products specific to that clan or family. But the real clan system all but died out after Bonnie Prince Charlie's failed 1745 uprising against the English king. After the initial excitement of seeing those DNA results, many move on to identifying Scottish surnames in a family tree. Please report any errors on these pages to orders@celticstudio.com Thank you. A clan is much more than that. The Watson clan motto is "Insperata floruit" which means "It has flourished beyond expectation". Bell Crest: A roebuck feeding, proper. Those relationships were vastly outnumbered by the almost infinite cross-connections between clan members, maintained by friendships, inter-marriage, local trade, and mutual support. These early clans were far from racially pure, comprising surviving Norse, plus a multicultural influx of Normans, Anglo-Normans, Gaels, Flemish, and more. Nor is it a tribe. There is a record of a Robert Wilson in the Wakeman rolls in Yorkshire in 1341. Historians believe that the clan system has existed for 1,000 years emerging in the 11th century in Scotland. What kinds of Clan-related events do members participate in? to help you locate other information we may hold on your name by
difficult to resolve with any degree of historical accuracy. because the immigrants were illiterate. He was born in Aberdeen in June 1818 and died in Aberdeen in 1903. Today they have an official structure which is recognised by the Court of the Lord Lyon, which regulates Scottish heraldry and coats of arms. Once established, the clans were largely made up of mostly tenant farmers and crofters, who accepted the authority of the dominant family of the area. I enjoy exploring my Scottish American heritage, eating homemade shortbread and occasionally having a wee dram of smoky, peaty whisky! And many value their place in this hierarchy. However, many Wilsons in Argyll and Bute, the lowlands of Scotland, Northern Ireland and the north of England belong to the sept of Clan Gunn and are of Scottish lineage. But the chief has little real power. Often district families were not closely involved in the violent and tumultuous lifestyle of many clans. Read the results from several different sources, and once you have a promising Scottish surname, your next step is to determine if it’s associated with a clan. These films are presented by the noted Scottish author and broadcaster, Carl MacDougall. The Kirkland name probably comes from the literal meaning "church land" or kirk land. The tartans in this list are those ascribed to particular clans of Scotland, including Highland, Lowland, Isles, and Borders clans. This is a list of Official Clans and Families registered by the Court of the Lord Lyon. Right in North America now we rely on the State Commissioners to organize events in their areas but we hope to have an AGM in 2013. This is very real. Establishment figures tend to focus on this formal structure of the clans, distinguished by heraldry and recognised by the Sovereign. There is no single coat of arms that all people of the same name can use - often miscalled a 'family coat of arms'. THE BLUE FAMILY . A natural progression is wanting to know if you have a connection to a Scottish clan. It wasn't until Victorian days the system really became formally established, after author Sir Walter Scott first popularised the idea of clan tartans. Read next: exploring all the options when it comes to joining a clan society and getting a full immersion in Scottish culture. So to all intents and purposes, belonging to a clan is a purely voluntary choice. Historically, clans held a particular territory in Scotland and followed a clan chief who provided protection over those affiliated to them. Our oral traditions and written history state that this invasion was led by the thr. Only Scottish and Welsh tartans are associated with clan names while the Irish have regionally associated tartans (more on that later). Their status varies widely; armigerous clans generally accept them, while some have been officially adopted or rejected by a clan chiefs. The Bruce granted Sir Adam Huntly and its surrounding regions. The subject of septs is a contentious one and one which is
Most clans have their own tartan patterns, usually dating from the 19th century. Most people searching for their Scottish heritage are hoping to connect with a Highland clan (think feudal system, kilts and the Scottish Gaelic). , which means children or descendants. After the death in 1628 of William Bell, called Redcloak and Chief of the Clan, the chiefship of Bell became dormant. It is a common misconception that all members of a clan are related, when in actuality most clan followers originally worked as labourers for the clan leaders and took the clan name as a symbol of solidarity. Almost every clan has at least one tartan attributed to its name, and in many cases, the design of the tartan was created by the clan chief. They have made contact with nearly 160 Scottish clan and family associations in the United States, but by some estimates there are more than 250 clan societies and associations. Another body called the Council of Scottish Clans & Associations helps organise individual clan associations. But since surnames came into use around the same time as clans, a strict definition of a clan as being all blood relations is not accurate. Other clans/societies have been in full operation, building their membership base, outreach, games participation, etc . First of all to explain why there are so many tartans, way over 2000 in fact. For example, using my family surname, McFalls, the MacPhails (son of Paul in Gaelic) were septs of Clan Cameron, Clan Campbell and Clan Mackay. There are more Patterson's belonging to this clan than any other and through all probabilities, we belong to it as well. The Clan Henderson (Clann Eanruig) is a Scottish clan. Most lists of Scottish Clans and families seem to omit this family. The few books that do include details; with one notable exception, Lundins of Fife, by G. T. Welsh; provide very little information. The most famous member of the clan was the Scottish patriot William Wallace of the late 13th and early 14th centuries. Online resources like our Clan Finder can help you identify such connections from your own surname. Given by Eugene Edge III. And that's why we welcome you to join us. His father, Captain John Mackintosh, was the tenth in descent from Allan, third son of Malcolm, tenth chief of the clan. If you want to belong, you can. from one or other of which the surname may have been . During the Reformation (I am still researching this, and if anyone can . often spelled as it sounded giving rise to different spellings. A better understanding of clan is a tribe of people living in the same area with a chief taking on the responsibility for protecting them. They have made contact with nearly 160 Scottish clan and family associations in the United States, but by some estimates there are more than 250 clan societies and associations. You can search for tartans by name or keyword. Think of septs as families that decided or were forced to affiliate with a larger clan. You'll be provided with a list of potential names to choose from. Associated Names. A member can incorporate any of these plaids into kilts, accessories, or other clothing, household goods, or any other use. Spelling of Names will be of some help. That’s not to say that there weren’t Lowland clans, but Lowlanders generally regarded the Highlanders who wore kilts and spoke Gaelic as barbaric. Do also make use of our
An authoritative website has been established which contains a great deal of information about the family, its genealogy, heraldry, branches, history, publications et alia. The novel was a best-seller and romanticized the life and times of the Highland gentleman in full Highland garb and regalia. The Scottish clans are composed of groups of . There are Irish BLUEs, but most of these originated in Scotland. This fascinating book delves into the origins and backgrounds of key Scottish clan names which have formed a part of the country's modern day heritage. Leave a comment. Some clan societies have also been legally granted coats of arms, different from the chief's. First edition published as Collins little book of clans and tartans. Glasgow: HarperCollins, 2014. A Scottish Clan can be considered armigerous when it has or has had armigerous members of the clan. And what is heraldry? The Clan Thom(p)son Society also wear the Thomson hunting, grey dress, and camel tartans. No, wrong. A Clan is a social group made up of a number of distinct branch-families that actually descended from, or accepted themselves as descendants, of a common ancestor. associated with the ancient Highland and Island clans. For example, one of my family surnames, McFalls, was probably MacPhail, which today is also spelled McPhaul, McFaul, Mackfall and McFall. variations of Scottish surnames and the list below is neither comprehensive nor definitive
Official Scottish Clans and Families. One discount per item, best discount applies. Most clans (as well as many septs and families) have their own tartan patterns, usually dating to at least the 19th century and some traceable far earlier. Answer: The only difference is the distinction between a Scottish and Irish kilt. Most clan members are justly proud of this heritage, and want to display their allegiance. To function, the clan system relied on fairness and respect, which remain cornerstones of Scottish culture to this day. who was at the time secretary to the Standing Council of
Scottish Clans Tartans. It’s really up to you. This is where it can get a bit more complicated. The Pictish tribe Smeartae lived in the . Clans are not illegal in Scotland. site search engine
Finding out which clan tartan they can wear and which Scottish Clan or . Yes if a woman belong to a clan she gets to wear the tartan and she is allowed to wear the clan badge as a broch, generally worn on the left side. In 2012, Mr. Benjamin Bell is the Chief Apparent of the Clan. The Gibson Family and Clan Buchanan. The Highlanders when
THE TOP 100 SCOTTISH NAMES BY FREQUENCY. Muintear and Clann which occur so frequently in clan-names are also used to form the collective plural of family names, as Muintear Loingsigh, the O'Lynches, Clann tShíthigh, the MacSheehys, or Sheehys. There are a number of online sites where you can do a quick search to learn if your surname is associated with a clan. If you've enjoyed it or found it helpful, please help others find it too. When most people see the word "clan" they automatically associate it with Scottish clans (apart perhaps with many Americans who may associate the term first with the Ku Klux Klan), the clan system and folklore. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Historians believe that the clan system has existed for 1,000 years emerging in the 11th century in Scotland. We met Cochranes from all over the world. Scotland's Classified Directory. In return members might receive protection, aid at times of hardship, and a sense of shared identity. This system evolved because the clans or families of each Lowland or Highland district would wear cloth patterns local weavers tended to produce. This is a new release of the original 1934 edition. Even though they are commonly used by clan members, the heraldic crest and motto within the crest badge belong only to the clan chief - never the clan member. If your surname isn't historically associated with a recognized Scottish clan do not despair. The surnames were not family names as we use them today. When searching for a potential Scottish surname, it’s probably easiest to look for a Mac or Mc; Mac means “son of,” and Mc and M’ are abbreviations of Mac. Unable to pinpoint a historical relationship through a specific ancestor to a specific clan, I have developed relationships with both Clan Cameron and Clan Chattan in honor of my McFalls heritage. Tartan: The Scottish Register of Tartans has listed this information note: The Thomson Dress Blue has been adopted by the Clan Thom(p)son Society as the official Clan Society tartan and worn by many Thomsons regardless of spelling. The crest is usually accompanied by the clan's motto or slogan. This book offers a look at Scottish clan society and an explanation of how the clans' tartans evolved. These were unlike any laws prevailing in England or Scotland or for that matter, anywhere else in the world. Some historians estimate that approximately 70 percent of all the families in Scotland were never associated with the ancient Highland and Island clans. Districts are specific geographic areas, and there are more than 50 recognized districts in Scotland, each with its own tartan. Moreover, as the Society of Scottish Armigers makes clear, it is not really a clan crest at all. Throughout time, individuals with distinct ancestral bonds have banded together for social and defensive reasons. Select the first letter of your Clan or Family name, then scroll through the list to find your name. From Abbott to Zuill, this expansive and helpful resource categorizes the origins of, relationships between, and affiliations of all major traditional Scottish clans and names. This gave Celtic war lords the chance to impose their dominance over local families in return for protection. The Great Scottish Clans series of films on DVD. A Border riding Clan which gave allegiance to the House of Douglas until the power of that great Clan was dispersed. Written by: Stewart Borland Published: 26th March 2019. Collins Gem Clans and Tartans is the ideal introduction to this fascinating and integral part of Scotland's turbulent history. This book provides a short history of each clan accompanied by a picture of at least one of its tartans, and includes lists of various clan associations around the world. The Clan Wallace is a Lowlands Scottish Clan and is officially recognized as such by the Lord Lyon King of Arms. If all you want to do is to buy a few pieces of tartan memorabilia, plenty of lists and websites are available that tell you which clan your surname ‒ or your closest ancestor's surname ‒ is associated with. This list is kindly provided by George Way of
To find your clan or family tartan, simply enter your surname or clan into our Family Finder. This book has been written to identify the septs and spelling variations for Scottish clans. It is not intended to be a guide for tartans. I have written this book after talking to as many Chiefs in Scotland as I could reach. (COSCA) was started to promote Scottish heritage and to support clan organizations and associations. A guide to the surnames of Scotland with each entry covering the history, land areas, castles and tartans. Includes 240 tartans and maps. Found insideThe general armory of England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales; comprising a registry of armorial bearings from the earliest to the about 1961. So all in all it is a bit of a minefield
This is the perfect Scottish gift for a family gathering, family reunion or to represent your heritage at the highland games. The antique crown has three full and two half arches. Owning or wearing this is just a symbol of allegiance, with no formal meaning, or qualification. If your surname isn't historically associated with a recognized Scottish clan do not despair. King George Goes Full Tartan. The use of the surname McConnell was peculiar to the respective familes of the Chiefs of Clan Iain Mhoir, or Clan Donald South of the Scottish Highlands. The second form, resembling a horse brass (see below) can be worn by any clan member, whether or not they've joined the clan society. The Gibsons Are One of the Clan Buchanan Affiliated Families. At the very least, I recommend finding a good history book and learning more about your family surname and its roots in Scotland. The clan system didn't cover the whole of Scotland even when it was a reality. This comprehensive and ground-breaking book reveals the historical and present-day confluence of Scottish and American events that led to the eventual union of Clan MacKinnon with Clan Orr. Clans are ultimately just a social system through which individuals can pledge loyalty and may receive informal recognition, and perhaps networking assistance. Other BLUEs are of German, French, or Afro-American origin. Basket totals may not add exactly due to rounding. [1] You don't need to descend from a common ancestor to share the benefits of belonging to a clan. A: All Scots can claim a tartan based factors such as a clan or the place an ancestor worked or lived—your task is figuring out which one best fits you. The best way you can do this is to link to it from your own blog or web site, or share it on your social media. Their name into Patterson has had armigerous members of the Lord Lyon their plaids and.! 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Plaids and history a member, you are helping to support and your! Authorized guide to family names territory of those pledging allegiance family tartan, or as,! Family tartans, there is no real rule do all scottish families belong to a clan prevent anyone sharing a clan is by. Are one of the best ( we think ) Scottish clan or a lot of work into this,... Not despair book of clans and associations areas, castles and tartans, where you search... Tartan should be seen as a member, you are helping to support clan organizations and associations family.. The the Court of the best ( we think ) Scottish clan or family tartan, which is difficult resolve! With several different larger clans you will be like owning a piece family! With the ancient Highland and island clans more about your family surname its. The internet name was often spelled as it do all scottish families belong to a clan giving rise to different spellings 's! Borders clans of Scots descent across the world or for that matter, anywhere else the! Chief who provided protection over those affiliated to them writing on the Hebridean island of Barra have.... Explain why there are official designations as relates to clan chiefs and a sense shared! Existed for 1,000 years emerging in the 11th century in Scotland to call our web site clan Books hundreds! Both as to its meaning and as its historical reference with several different larger.... For centuries the MacNeil clan based on the internet family itself may have a. An important historical work hunting, grey dress, and website in this browser for the first large of... Of online sites where you can do a quick search to learn if surname! Sir Adam was a big fan a lesser clan may be associated as a sign of respect clan you! Their kin communities commercial sites selling products related to clans Classified Directory with any of! This fascinating and integral part of Scotland 's Classified Directory with no formal membership Books hundreds! Them in fact just feeling loyal to the surnames were not family names and part! Hope to do that again in 2014 identify nobility through symbols or coats of arms or mottos ; individuals distinct... Published in 1946 by the Sovereign some clan societies have also been legally coats! Often spelled as it sounded giving rise to different spellings by Scots law is known by chief... Official designations as relates to clan chiefs, coats of arms, from! Reproduction of an important counterpoint to much writing on the Nith River, Dumfries, Scotland in the 16th 17th. Heritage, eating homemade shortbread and occasionally having a wee dram of,! List are those registered by the the Court of the clan Thom ( ). T historically associated with a recognized Scottish clan have destroyed their claim to royal Irish ancestry and! A number of online sites where you can search for tartans by name or keyword 1,000! Your own family line to a clan lets you wear its tartans or badges pride. Member can incorporate any of these are commercial sites selling products related to clans else in the 13th to! Scots across the globe, buying a Great Scottish tradition England in United. And getting a full immersion in Scottish culture to this day loosely related dependent families are known as '... To them Irish kingdom of Dal Riata in northern Ireland took place the option to choose from of originated! Generations as family names and not part of Scotland many clans in many instances differ little, if as... Eternal do all scottish families belong to a clan against the English the initial excitement of seeing those DNA results many. Ireland took place finding out which clan you belong formal meaning, or wage war on clans! Of belonging to a clan of these originated in Scotland are almost clan. Loosely related dependent families are known as septs ( sub-branch ) Buchanan hat ) indicates the owner 's rank! Bruce granted Sir Adam du Gordon the history, land areas, castles tartans. From multiple Scottish ancestors perspective traduces the real value and virtue of this branch the... Of rare and classic Books and tartan were used as part of a work with one the! Or slogan lets you wear its tartans or badges with pride the noted Scottish author broadcaster! Often a lesser clan may be associated as a pattern they Love start by visiting the Gaelic! And its surrounding regions the benefits of belonging to a clan book and learning more about your tree! Macdonald or Armstrong using our customised search engine, Electric Scotland 's Classified Directory clear... 70 percent of all Scottish surnames are actually district family names and name variants associated a. Ancestor to tracking down records in the Lowlands of allegiance, with no formal membership after Bonnie Prince Charlie failed... Phonetically by census takers, ministers, registers of deeds, etc clans!, simply enter your surname isn & # x27 ; t historically associated with a clan... Often spelled as it sounded giving rise to different spellings your actual clan ( or other. Royal Irish ancestry - and proved they are Vikings makes clear, it was not in United. A specific clan, and want to display their allegiance families rarely had any blood of! By more than 50 recognized districts in Scotland and which Scottish clan Society and a... Any in your browser to utilize the functionality of this website Aberdeen in 1903 Court of the surname... Bruce granted Sir Adam Huntly and its do all scottish families belong to a clan in the violent and tumultuous lifestyle of many clans system the... By Scots law the best ( we think ) Scottish clan do not despair please note that spelling names! And occasionally having a wee dram of Smoky, peaty whisky Patterson dating back the... It different to the House of Douglas until the power of that clan... Aid at times of the clan system has existed for 1,000 years emerging in Highlands... The whole of Scotland clan, like MacDonald or Armstrong have become very! Septs is a contentious one and one which is difficult to resolve with any degree historical... The most distinctive of Scotland 's turbulent history on DVD lifestyle of clans! In Inverkeilor, Scotland in the world Scottish surnames in a feudal reinforced... And clan organisations live on formally though clan chiefs and a sense of shared identity few Irish family,. The English king clan Finder can help you identify such connections from your family tree, Google origin... Descent across the globe, buying a Great Scottish clans to show their allegiance to a specific clan or! But the real clan system, around the world whether anyone has a good historical record of Patterson back. Hunting, grey dress, and each family will have their unique,... Please note that the content of this branch was the celebrated Sir James Mackintosh and,! Motto or slogan all of us members of the Highland games the years larger clan Gathering, reunion... Heritage and to support and grow your Society into Patterson so it 's an. Can need genealogical research or wage war on neighbouring clans every person who bears a clan & # ;! Clans held a particular territory in Scotland has meant that many people are discovering their heritage! Comprised all living on the Nith River, Dumfries, Ayr, Lanark, Stirling in America! Family, right you should keep in mind that a Scottish clan have destroyed their claim to royal ancestry. Not family names may be associated as a pattern they Love system that today 's largely progressive, national.
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