Clan Mackenzie
🔹 Official Clan Associations
-
Clan Mackenzie Society of Scotland & the UK
Dedicated to preserving and promoting the heritage of Clan Mackenzie, offering resources, events, and membership opportunities.
https://clanmackenziesociety.co.uk/ -
Clan Mackenzie Society in the United States
Fosters a greater interest among MacKenzie descendants in the clan’s history and educates members about Scottish traditions.
https://clanmackenzie.com/Clan MacKenzie Society
🔹 Historical Resources
-
Clan Mackenzie – Wikipedia
Provides a detailed overview of the clan’s origins, history, and significant events.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clan_Mackenzie -
Clan Mackenzie: History, Tartan, & Crest – Highland Titles
Discusses the clan’s allegiance to the monarchy, territorial expansions, and cultural symbols.
https://www.highlandtitles.com/blog/clans-scotland-mackenzie/Highland Titles
🔹 Genealogical Resources
-
Clan Mackenzie Genealogy
Provides guidance on researching MacKenzie family history and offers assistance from the Seanchaidh.
https://www.clanmackenzie.net/genealogy.htmlClan Mackenzie -
Clan Mackenzie Early Genealogy – Plaidwerx
Explores early genealogy and history of the clan, including associated surnames and tartans.
https://www.plaidwerx.com/clans/clan-mackenzie-genealogy.htm -
Clan Mackenzie Society of New Zealand – Genealogy
Offers genealogical information for New Zealand Mackenzies and connects family trees back to Scotland.
https://clan-mackenzie-nz.wildapricot.org/GenealogyClan MacKenzie Society of New Zealand
🔹 Notable Figures
-
Alexander Mackenzie of Kintail (d. after 1471)
Recognized as the earliest recorded chief of Clan Mackenzie.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clan_MackenzieHighland Titles+1Wikipedia+1 -
Kenneth Mackenzie, 1st Earl of Seaforth (d. 1633)
Elevated the clan’s status by acquiring the earldom of Seaforth.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kenneth_Mackenzie,_1st_Earl_of_SeaforthClan Mackenzie+1Clan Mackenzie+1
🔹 Community Engagement
-
Clan Mackenzie Society of Scotland & the UK – Events
Hosts gatherings, meetings, and cultural events for members and those interested in the clan’s heritage.
https://clanmackenziesociety.co.uk/events/ -
Clan Mackenzie Society in the United States – Membership
Provides opportunities for individuals to join, participate in events, and connect with others of Mackenzie descent.
https://clanmackenzie.com/membership/
Clan Mackenzie is a highland Scottish clan originating in Kintail, Northwest Scotland. It is not known how the Mackenzie clan came to exist but the prevailing theory is that a descended of the House of Geraldine, an Irish noble family, emigrated to Scotland in 1261 bringing with him a number of followers. Legend states that the clan aided King Alexander the third in defending Scotland against the King of Norway and were thus granted the lands of Kintail.
The motto of Clan Mackenzie is Luceo non uro, meaning, I shine not burn, and the crest is represented as a mount in flames proper. The historic seat of the clan was located at Eilean Donan Castle; the castle was destroyed by ships in 1719, during the Jacobite rebellion.
The name Mackenzie’s Gaelic origin comes from the name MacCoinneach, meaning, “Son of the Fair One”. The first recorded chief of the Mackenzies was Alexander Mackenzie of Kintail who showed up in official papal records in the mid 15th century.
The Mackenzie chiefs received royal titles in the 17th century after supporting Mary Queen of Scots and James the sixth against rival clans. Because of this support the chief was made Lord Mackenzie of Kintail in 1609 and his son was granted the title of Earl of Seaforth in 1623.
The Male line of the Macenzies of Kintail died out in 1815 when then chief Francis Mackenzie passed away after his male children had died. In 1980 the Lord Lyon recognized Roderick Francis Grant Mackenzie, The Earl of Cromartie as the clan’s chief. Currently Castle Leod, the historic home of the Earl of Cromartie’s family, located near Strathpeffer, is the current seat of the clan. It is open to the public certain days a year for visits and tours.
The Clan Mackenzie Society was formed in 1993 with the purpose of promoting the history and heritage of the clan and its septs.
