Scottish Clans and History

We often get asked about the different Scottish clans, the surnames associated with them and Scottish clan tartans, so we thought that we would share a bit with those eager to learn more about Scottish history before undertaking their long-distance walks across our beautiful countries.

Where do clan names come from?

Many people may think that to have a clan surname means that they are the direct descendants of the clan chief. But often times it was normal to adopt a specific surname when land was taken over, as a way to show solidarity with and also ensure the protection of the clan now in charge.

The word ‘clan’ actually means family or children in Gaelic, yet not all people in the same clan were actually related to each other.

Subsisting off the land (cattle was the main source of wealth in those days) was how the clans survived and inter-clan unrest often led to disputes and unrest. The biggest clan chiefs held the power similar to that of a king, a protector and even that of a judge as they ruled their clans and managed their lands.

Clan life was well and thriving until an incredibly bloody battle called the Battle of Culloden took place in 1746, and in this battle the rebellious Jacobite’s were crushed by the troops of the royal King George II.

Nowadays clans can typically be traced back to a specific area in Scotland – and many people come to Scotland to visit their former clans’ areas and learn their history.

Scottish surnames

Aside from the clan connections to specific surnames, surnames were also created in a variety of different and interesting ways such as what you lived near, or even body parts.

For example, if you lived in a craggy or rocky area your surname may be Craig (crag) or Murray if you lived in or near Moray in the Northeast of Scotland.

Even more uniquely the surname Cameron which derives from camshròin meaning to have a 'crooked nose', or in some cases if John had a son called Peter, Peter’s surname would become Johnson (John’s son).

What you did for a living could also influence your surname – if you were a poet, you may be Bard, or a weaver may be Webster, a baker could be Baxter and so on.

Clan legacies today

Many clans created their own tartan and seal, and tartan served as a way to identify which clan you belonged to or at the very least, which area you were from.

In those days to dye fabrics the clans would use flowers, plants, and earth to colour the dye, and fabrics differed in various areas depending on what dyes they could create and also the hair of the animals used to weave the fabric – this is what affected what colours were woven into the tartan and why they vary in colour and texture.

Scottish clan life is kept alive through its many descendants who now live around the globe and keep the traditions of their ancestors alive, and also through movies such as Rob Roy, Braveheart, and series such as the Outlander that keep the memories and history alive for the public.

Do you have Scottish ancestry? Are you planning on visiting Scotland to explore more about your history? Why not undertake one of our long walks while you are here and explore the scenery and outdoors that your ancestors enjoyed many years ago.

We have four long walks currently available – find out more here.

See you in the mountains! The Walkers Club Team.