Septs of Clan Campbell
Arthur (and Variants: MacArthur, MacArtair, MacCarter)
Surname Origin & Association: Arthur is of Brittonic origin, but in the Campbell context it refers to the MacArthur families of Argyll, said to descend from Arthur Ardmehar, a son of the legendary Diarmid O’Duine, progenitor of the Campbells.
Historical Context: The MacArthurs were a powerful kindred in Argyll and rivals to the main Campbell line. After the MacArthur chiefs lost power in 1428, the remaining families allied with or were absorbed by Clan Campbell.
Bannatyne (and Variant: Ballantyne)
Surname Origin & Association: The Bannatynes of Kames on the Isle of Bute became associated with the Campbells through a 1538 bond of manrent to the Earl of Argyll.
Historical Context: The Bannatynes served as Campbell lieutenants on Bute and maintained strong feudal ties. Only the Bute branch is considered a Campbell sept.
Burns (and Variants: Burnes, Burness, Burnett)
Surname Origin & Association: Burns may derive from a family tradition that poet Robert Burns’ ancestors were Campbells who adopted the name Burness or Burns.
Historical Context: Though evidence is thin, the tradition persisted, and Burns was included as a Campbell sept. Burnett is unrelated but included due to mistaken identity.
Caddell (and Variants: Cadell, Calder, Cattell)
Surname Origin & Association: Calder stems from a marriage in 1510 between Muriel Calder and Sir John Campbell, founding the Campbells of Cawdor.
Historical Context: The Calder lands passed to the Campbells, and the Calder family became part of the clan, forming a sept by marriage and territorial union.
Connochie (and Variants: MacConnochie, MacConochie, MacConchie, MacConnechy)
Surname Origin & Association: Derived from MacDhonnchaidh, meaning “son of Duncan,” this name comes from Duncan Campbell of Inverawe, a cadet of Clan Campbell.
Historical Context: This Campbell branch used the patronymic and served as prominent lairds in Lorne and Glenfeochan, forming a distinct but related line.
Denoon (and Variant: Denune)
Surname Origin & Association: Denoon is linked to a Campbell of Dunoon who fled north and assumed the name Denune in Ross-shire.
Historical Context: This family founded the Denunes of Cadboll, who are considered a Campbell cadet branch by descent and change of name.
Gibbon (and Variants: Gibson, MacGibbon, MacGubbin)
Surname Origin & Association: MacGibbon families in Cowal became vassals of the Campbell Earls of Argyll after their lands were granted to the Campbells in 1508.
Historical Context: The MacGibbons became feudal dependents and were absorbed into the Campbell structure through allegiance and land tenure.
Harris (and Variants: Harres, Hawes, Haws, Hawson)
Surname Origin & Association: These names are of English or Lowland Scottish origin.
Historical Context: There is no documented connection to Clan Campbell, and their inclusion on some lists is regarded as erroneous.
Hastings
Surname Origin & Association: Linked to the 1804 marriage of Flora Campbell, Countess of Loudoun, to Francis Rawdon-Hastings.
Historical Context: This noble marriage introduced the Hastings name into the Campbell line of Loudoun, making it a heraldic connection rather than a true sept.
Isaac (and Variants: MacIsaac, Isaacs, Kissack, Kissock, MacKissock)
Surname Origin & Association: Originally a Clanranald family, MacIsaacs became associated with the Campbells through service, particularly in Craignish.
Historical Context: Some MacIsaacs acted as officers under Campbell lairds, becoming integrated into the clan by feudal loyalty.
Iver (and Variants: MacIver, MacIvor, Iverson, Ure, Orr)
Surname Origin & Association: MacIver families in Argyll claimed descent from a Campbell ancestor and became hereditary captains of Inveraray Castle.
Historical Context: The MacIver Campbells of Lergachonzie and Stronshira were deeply integrated into the Campbell network and used the dual surname.
Kellar (and Variants: Keller, MacKellar, MacEalair)
Surname Origin & Association: MacKellars were hereditary officers serving the Campbell chiefs.
Historical Context: From the 15th century, they acted as sergeants and administrators, particularly in Cowal, and were granted lands in return for loyal service.
Lorne
Surname Origin & Association: Not a surname but a territorial title. The Campbell chief holds the title “Marquess of Lorne.”
Historical Context: Acquired in 1470, the Lordship of Lorne became a key Campbell holding, making the name symbolically tied to the clan.
Loudon (and Variants: Louden, Loudoun, Lowdon)
Surname Origin & Association: Comes from the Campbells of Loudoun, established through a 14th-century marriage to Susanna Crawford.
Historical Context: The Loudoun line became a significant Campbell branch in Ayrshire, and descendants or retainers used the Loudon name.
MacDiarmid (and Variants: MacDermid, MacDermott)
Surname Origin & Association: Associated with the legendary Diarmid O’Duine, ancestral hero of Clan Campbell.
Historical Context: MacDiarmids in Glenlyon became Campbell dependents when the area came under Glenorchy control. Their name symbolizes ancient ties.
MacElvie (and Variants: MacKelvie, McElvee)
Surname Origin & Association: Likely from Galloway or Bute, with little documentation.
Historical Context: Their presence in Argyll is sparse, and their inclusion on Campbell lists is speculative.
MacGlasrich
Surname Origin & Association: A Campbell alias meaning “son of the person from Glassary.”
Historical Context: After a feud, a Campbell fled Argyll and his descendants in Lochaber took the name MacGlasrich, forming a Campbell sept in exile.
MacKerlie (and Variants: MacKerley, MacKerlich – Clan Tearlach)
Surname Origin & Association: Descended from Charles Campbell of Craignish, a Campbell cadet.
Historical Context: This branch became known as Clan Tearlach and earned official recognition as a sub-clan in 1795 and 1875.
MacNichol (and Variants: Nichol, McNicol, Nicolson)
Surname Origin & Association: Linked to a MacPhee ancestor who settled in Campbell lands.
Historical Context: MacNichols in Glenorchy and Glenshira became known for their scholarship and service under Campbell patronage.
MacNocaird (and Variants: MacNocairn, Caird)
Surname Origin & Association: Derived from Gaelic for “son of the smith,” referring to metalworking families.
Historical Context: These smiths lived in Campbell territories and were recorded in Argyll as early as 1297. Their link is occupational.
MacOran (and Variant: MacCorran)
Surname Origin & Association: Alias of a Campbell of Melfort who fled and adopted a new name.
Historical Context: The family eventually resumed the Campbell name. Prime Minister Henry Campbell-Bannerman descended from this line.
MacEwen (and Variants: MacOwen, McEwan)
Surname Origin & Association: MacEwens became hereditary sennachies to the Campbells.
Historical Context: After the fall of Clan MacEwen of Otter, many entered Campbell service and were absorbed into the clan.
MacPhedran (and Variant: MacPhederain)
Surname Origin & Association: Held the ferry at Loch Awe under Campbell grant.
Historical Context: Granted lands in 1439 by Duncan Campbell of Lochawe; they served as ferry operators and smiths.
MacPhun (and Variants: MacMun, MacMunn)
Surname Origin & Association: Keepers of St. Mund’s relic and loyal Campbell vassals.
Historical Context: Held lands in Cowal and served the Campbell Earls, notably supporting Argyll’s rebellion in 1685.
MacTavish (and Variants: MacTamhais, Thomson, Thomas, MacThomas)
Surname Origin & Association: Believed to descend from Tavish Coir, a Campbell progenitor.
Historical Context: MacTavishes were a Campbell cadet in Knapdale, and later Campbell guardians managed their estates after 1745.
Muir (and Variants: Moore, Mure)
Surname Origin & Association: Some Mure families settled in Campbell lands in Kintyre.
Historical Context: A Mure-Campbell line emerged via the Earls of Loudoun. Others served as tenants under Campbell overlordship.
Ochiltree
Surname Origin & Association: Surname used by hereditary notaries and estate officers in Argyll.
Historical Context: The MacUchtridh family served the Campbell Earls in the 15th–16th centuries. Their name faded after 1600 but remained tied to Campbell service.
Pinkerton
Surname Origin & Association: A Lowland barony granted to the Earl of Argyll in 1483.
Historical Context: Though no family link exists, the chief’s control of Pinkerton added the name to Campbell lists.
Torrie (and Variant: Torry)
Surname Origin & Association: Served as tenants and estate managers under the Campbells of Cawdor.
Historical Context: Moved from Cawdor to Islay as part of Campbell plantation efforts, becoming loyal followers.
References
- Adam, F., & Innes of Learney, T. (1970). The Clans, Septs and Regiments of the Scottish Highlands (8th ed.). Johnston and Bacon.
- Black, G. F. (1946). The Surnames of Scotland: Their Origin, Meaning and History. New York Public Library.
- Campbell, A. (2000). A History of Clan Campbell, Volume 1: From Origins to Flodden. Edinburgh University Press.
- Campbell, A. (2002). A History of Clan Campbell, Volume 2: From Flodden to the Restoration. Edinburgh University Press.
- Campbell, A. (2004). A History of Clan Campbell, Volume 3: From the Restoration to the Present Day. Edinburgh University Press.
- Campbell of Airds, D. (2000). A Short History of Clan Campbell. HarperCollins.
- Innes, C. (1854). The Black Book of Taymouth: With Other Papers from the Breadalbane Charter Room. Bannatyne Club.
- MacGregor, M. (2006). Highland Clans: The Campbell Confederacy. John Donald Publishers.
- McIan, R. R., & Logan, J. (1845). The Clans of the Scottish Highlands. Ackermann & Co.
- 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.