Clan Kerr Resources

Official Clan Associations

• Clan Kerr Official Website
  The official site of Clan Kerr, edited by Bob Lawson, Curator at Ferniehirst Castle, the historic seat of this powerful Border family since the 15th century.
  https://clankerr.co.uk/​Plaidwerx+2clankerr.co.uk+2Wikipedia+2

• Clan Kerr USA
  Dedicated to celebrating the genealogy and heritage of those in North America with the surname Kerr and its variants.
  https://www.clankerr.org/​clankerrusa.com+2clankerr.org+2Wikipedia+2

• The Kerr Family Association of North America (KFANA)
  An organization honoring the legacy of Clan Kerr, providing resources and fostering connections among Kerr descendants in North America.
  https://www.kerrfamilyassociation.com/​Log in or sign up to view+3clankerrusa.com+3clankerrusa.com+3

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🔹 Historical Resources

• Clan Kerr – Wikipedia
  Offers a detailed overview of the clan’s history, including its origins, notable members, and cultural significance.
  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clan_Kerr​

• Clan Kerr Early Genealogy – Plaidwerx
  Provides insights into the early genealogy and history of Clan Kerr, including associated surnames and tartans.
  https://www.plaidwerx.com/clans/clan-kerr-genealogy.htm​

• Clan History – Clan Kerr USA
  Details the historical background of Clan Kerr, emphasizing its role as one of the most loyal yet warlike clans of the turbulent Border territories.
  https://www.clankerr.org/clan-history.html​clankerr.org

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🔹 Genealogical Resources

• Kerr Family Surname Genealogy – RootsWeb
  A comprehensive resource tracing the genealogy of the Kerr family, particularly focusing on branches in America.
  https://freepages.rootsweb.com/~tqpeiffer/genealogy/Documents/Surnames/MMPS/Kerr/KERR%20Webpage%20MMPS.htm​

• Kerr Family DNA Genealogy Project – Facebook Group
  A community for Kerr family history researchers to connect and share information, including DNA research findings.
  https://www.facebook.com/groups/58349657062/​Log in or sign up to view

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🔹 Notable Figures

• Michael Ancrum Kerr (1945–2024)
  Former Chief of the Scottish Clan Kerr, 13th Marquess of Lothian, and a prominent political figure.
  https://www.kerrfamilyassociation.com/​kerrfamilyassociation.com+1Wikipedia+1

• Ralph Kerr
  Current Chief of Clan Kerr, 14th Marquess of Lothian, overseeing the clan’s activities and heritage.
  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marquess_of_Lothian​

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🔹 Community Engagement

• Clan Kerr USA – Be a Kerr Clan Convener!
  Encourages members to become conveners, promoting clan activities and heritage in their local areas.
  https://clankerrusa.com/about-the-clan/be-a-kerr-clan-convener/​

• The Kerr Clan Australia – Facebook Page
  Represents Kerrs living in Australia or those with Kerr ancestry, providing updates and fostering community connections.
  https://www.facebook.com/TheKerrClanAustralia/​Log in or sign up to view

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Clan Kerr or Clan Carr is a scottish clan originating in the Scottish border district of Cunninghame.  The surname Kerr is said to been derived from the old Norse name Kjrr which translates into men from the marshes.  The Kerr’s arrived in Scotland from Normandy sometime after the Norman conquest in 1066.  It is believed that the progenitors of the clan were two brothers name Ralph and John who settled in Jedburgh, Scotland during the early 14th century, there is some controversy about which one was the senior and therefore the first chief of the clan.

The clan motto is Sero sed serio, which translates into late but in earnest. The clan crest features the Sun in its spledour.

The historic seat of Clan Kerr is Ferniehirst Castle located just south of Jedburgh Scotland.  The castle was built by the Kerr family in the late 15th century.  The castle was briefly lost to the English in 1547 during the Rough Wooing but the Kerr Clan under the leadership of Sir John Ker were able to take back the castle in 1549.  The castle underwent significant restoration in the 19th century and was used as a youth hostel for much of the 20th century.  In 1988 the castle was again restored and converted into a private home by clan chief, Peter Kerr, the castle is open to the public during July.

The Clan Kerr Society of North America was established in the 1990s with the goal to encourage kinship among members of the Kerr Clan.  The society has claimed to have participated in over 50 highland games and Celtic festivals since that time.  In 2013 the society change its name to Clan Kerr/Carr of the United States and North America and was incorporated in March 2014.