Septs of Clan Cameron
Chalmers (and Variants: Chambers, Chambre, Camerarius)
Surname Origin & Association: Chalmers (including Chambers, Chambres, and Latin forms like Camerarius or French de la Chambre) originates from a Cameron clansman who entered French military service and adapted his name to suit the local language. In France, “Cameron” was Latinized to Camerarius, which in French became de la Chambre – essentially the origin of Chalmers. This individual’s decision to change his name for French service led to a new surname that later returned to Scotland.
Historical Context: One branch of this Cameron’s descendants remained in France, becoming nobles such as the Lords of Tartas, while another branch returned to Scotland and founded the Chalmers families of Aberdeenshire. The enduring Cameron connection is evidenced by the fact that “Chalmers” was even used as a secret code name for Camerons during the Jacobite Rising of 1745.
Clark (and Variants: Clarke, Clarkson, Cleary, Clerk; Gaelic Mac a’ Chlerich)
Surname Origin & Association: Clark/Clerk and its variations are anglicized forms of the Gaelic Mac a’ Chlerich, meaning “son of the cleric.” This sept is believed to have ecclesiastical origins, indicating that their ancestors were hereditary clerics or churchmen in the Lochaber area.
Historical Context: A local tradition ties this sept to Blar nan Chleireach (“Field of the Clerks”) near Lundavra in Lochaber. Historical evidence suggests that by the 15th century, some Mac a’ Chlerich families remained loyal to the Lords of the Isles and possibly split internally between supporting Clan Cameron or Clan Chattan. Those who stayed under Cameron protection likely moved into core Cameron lands and became stout adherents.
Cummings of Achdalieu
Surname Origin & Association: The Cummings of Achdalieu were a small Highland family group bearing the name Cumming who became associated with the Camerons through military loyalty.
Historical Context: According to tradition, a man named Cumming assisted Sir Ewen Cameron of Lochiel in battle, and his family settled on Cameron lands at Achdalieu as a result. This occurred during the Battle of Achdalieu in 1654.
Dowie (and Variants: MacAldowie, MacIldowie)
Surname Origin & Association: Dowie is derived from the Gaelic patronymic Mac Dhomhnuill Duibh, meaning “son of Black Donald.”
Historical Context: Donald Dubh, the 11th Chief of Clan Cameron, lived in the 15th century. The Dowies are considered descendants or followers of this chief, and their surname emerged in the generations after him, reflecting loyalty to a Cameron leader.
Gilbert (and Variants: Gilbertson, Gibbon)
Surname Origin & Association: The surnames Gilbert, Gilbertson, and Gibbon likely derive from individuals in Lochaber bearing the name Gilbert, whose descendants took it as a surname.
Historical Context: These names probably date from the 16th or 17th century when patronymic naming was common. Their association with the Camerons likely comes from loyalty and naming tradition rather than bloodline.
Kennedy (and Gaelic variants MacUalrig/MacWalrick of Lianachan)
Surname Origin & Association: Kennedy of Lianachan refers to a specific branch of the Kennedy family that settled in Lochaber and allied with Clan Cameron.
Historical Context: Ulric Kennedy, originally from Ayrshire, fled into Lochaber in the 1500s and settled at Lianachan. His family, known as MacUalrig or MacWalrick, became followers of the Camerons, forming a sept through alliance and sanctuary.
MacGillonie (and Variants: MacGillery, MacGuillonie, MacOnie, also Stronach)
Surname Origin & Association: MacGillonie translates to “son of the servant of the prophet.” This name is historically linked to the Camerons of Strone, one of the four principal branches of Clan Cameron.
Historical Context: The MacGillonies were present in Lochaber as early as the High Middle Ages and led early Cameron forces. Their inclusion as a sept reflects their role as a founding kindred within the clan.
MacKenzie (of North Ballachulish and Onich)
Surname Origin & Association: A branch of MacKenzies in Lochaber became associated with Clan Cameron after aiding them during a feud with Clan Mackintosh.
Historical Context: These MacKenzies were granted land on Loch Linnhe in return for their loyalty. Their allegiance to the Camerons was based on military aid and land tenancy.
MacLachlan of Coruanan
Surname Origin & Association: The MacLachlans of Coruanan served as hereditary standard-bearers to the Cameron chiefs.
Historical Context: Originating in Argyll, they settled in Lochaber by the early modern period and were entrusted with carrying the Cameron standard in battle, a mark of honor and close association.
MacMartin (and Variants: Martin, Martinus)
Surname Origin & Association: MacMartin was one of the original branches of Clan Cameron and derives from an early ancestor named Martin.
Historical Context: The MacMartins allied with the Cameron chiefs through marriage in the early 15th century. They were long-established in eastern Lochaber and fully integrated into the clan.
MacMasters
Surname Origin & Association: The MacMasters were the original inhabitants of Ardgour and later came under Cameron protection.
Historical Context: After losing Ardgour to the MacLeans, some MacMasters settled on Cameron land and became loyal supporters.
MacMillan (and Gaelic MacMhaolain)
Surname Origin & Association: A branch of the MacMillan clan settled in Lochaber and allied with the Camerons.
Historical Context: Granted lands by Clan Mackintosh in the 14th century, they later pledged loyalty to the Camerons and became a confederated sept.
MacPhail (and Variants: MacKail, MacKell, MacVail, Paul)
Surname Origin & Association: MacPhail means “son of Paul” and likely stems from a branch of the MacBean clan that remained in Lochaber.
Historical Context: These MacPhails chose allegiance to the Camerons over joining the Clan Chattan confederation. Their presence in Cameron lands is well documented from the 16th century onward.
MacPhee (and Variants: MacFie, MacVee – of Glendessary)
Surname Origin & Association: MacPhee is a Hebridean name that became linked to Clan Cameron through settlement in Glendessary.
Historical Context: After the fall of their original clan on Colonsay in the 17th century, a group of MacPhees settled in Lochaber and became loyal to the Camerons.
MacSorley (and Variants: Sorley, MacSorlie, Sorlie)
Surname Origin & Association: MacSorley means “son of Somerled” and represents an ancient clan in Lochaber.
Historical Context: The MacSorleys inhabited Glen Nevis and were among the original tribes of Lochaber later absorbed into Clan Cameron by the late 15th century.
Taylor (Mac an Taillear)
Surname Origin & Association: Taylor originates from Donald “Taillear Dubh,” an illegitimate son of a Cameron chief who became a legendary warrior.
Historical Context: Donald’s descendants, known as Mac an Taillear (sons of the tailor), became a distinct sept. Though not in line for the chiefship, they retained strong clan ties and eventually settled in Cowal.
References
- Cameron, J. (1994). The Camerons: A History of Clan Cameron. Clan Cameron Association.
- Cameron, A. D. (2001). No Quarter Given: The Muster Roll of Prince Charles Edward Stuart’s Army, 1745–46. Neil Wilson Publishing.
- Clan Cameron Association. (n.d.). Septs of Clan Cameron. Retrieved from https://www.clan-cameron.org
- Moncreiffe, I., & Hicks, D. (1967). The Highland Clans. Barrie & Jenkins.
- Way, G. of Plean, & Squire, R. (1994). Collins Scottish Clan & Family Encyclopedia. HarperCollins.
- Withers, C. W. J. (2001). Geography, Science and National Identity: Scotland Since 1520. Cambridge University Press.