Septs of Clan Gordon
Adam (and Variants: Adams, Adamson, Addie, Adie, Addison, Eadie, Eddie, Edie, Edison, MacAdam)
Surname Origin & Association: Adam and its variants derive from the given name Adam, popular in medieval Scotland and linked to Sir Adam of Gordon, the clan’s 13th-century progenitor. Patronymics like Adamson and diminutives such as Adie, Addie, and Eadie evolved from this origin.
Historical Context: The repeated use of “Adam” among early Gordons led many descendants and followers to adopt Adam-derived surnames. Over time, these names became common among Gordon cadets and retainers, particularly those living in the northeast and Borders.
Aitken (and Variants: Aiken, Aitchison, Atkin, Atkins, Atkinson, Akins)
Surname Origin & Association: Aitken is a diminutive of Adam, with derivatives like Atkin and Atkinson originating in the Borders. These families formed alliances with the Gordons during the clan’s rise in the Lowlands.
Historical Context: The Aitken name spread throughout the Borders and northeast Scotland, often accompanying Gordon relocations. Families with these names aligned with the Gordons through bonds of manrent and military service.
Badenoch (and Variants: none)
Surname Origin & Association: Badenoch is a territorial surname from the Highland district of the same name. The Gordons extended influence into Badenoch in the 16th and 17th centuries.
Historical Context: George Gordon, 4th Earl of Huntly, was created Lord Gordon of Badenoch, and many local families took the region’s name as their surname. These people came under Gordon protection and became part of the clan’s structure.
Barrie (and Variants: Barry)
Surname Origin & Association: Barrie is a locational surname from Barry in Angus. By the 15th century, Barrie families had migrated into Aberdeenshire, where they came under Gordon influence.
Historical Context: Settling in areas such as Glen Tanar and Glen Muick, some Barrie families allied with the Gordons, while others fell under Farquharson influence. Those in Gordon territories became septs of Clan Gordon.
Boyne (and Variants: none)
Surname Origin & Association: Boyne is a territorial surname from the Barony of Boyne in Banffshire, once held by a Gordon cadet branch.
Historical Context: The Gordons of Boyne, established in the 16th century, included Alexander Gordon who married one of Queen Mary’s ladies-in-waiting. Descendants and retainers of the estate adopted Boyne as a surname and entered the Gordon clan.
Brisbane (and Variants: Brisban, Brisbine)
Surname Origin & Association: Brisbane is of Norman-French origin and was established in Ayrshire and Lanarkshire. It became affiliated with Clan Gordon through military service and allegiance.
Historical Context: Brisbanes who served in the Gordon Highlanders or relocated to Gordon territories in the northeast adopted Gordon patronage and were later listed as septs.
Connon (and Variants: Connor)
Surname Origin & Association: Connon derives from Gaelic Conán or Conchobhar (Connor). Families with this name in Aberdeenshire came under Gordon authority.
Historical Context: Living in Gordon-dominated regions like Udny and Tarves, Connon families pledged loyalty to the Gordons and became recognized as part of the clan.
Craig (and Variants: none)
Surname Origin & Association: Craig is a toponymic surname meaning “rock.” Many Craig families lived on Gordon lands in the northeast.
Historical Context: The Craigs of Craigston were gentry, but many Craigs served the Gordon chiefs in military campaigns or as tenants. Their loyalty earned them a place among the Gordon septs.
Cromb (and Variants: Crombie)
Surname Origin & Association: Cromb and Crombie derive from the Gaelic “crom” meaning “bent.” Crombie families lived in Gordon territory and worked as tradesmen or farmers.
Historical Context: Gordons rewarded loyalty with protection, and Crombie families became attached to Gordon estates, particularly in the Enzie and Garioch regions.
Cullen (and Variants: Culane)
Surname Origin & Association: Cullen is a toponymic surname from the town of Cullen in Banffshire.
Historical Context: The Gordons held sway over surrounding lands and offered protection to local families. Some Cullens fought under Gordon banners in the Jacobite risings.
Darge (and Variants: Darg, Dargie)
Surname Origin & Association: Darge may derive from a Scots word for “work” or as a nickname. It appeared in Aberdeen by the 16th century.
Historical Context: Darge families in Aberdeen and surrounding Gordon lands entered the clan structure as loyal tenants and retainers, earning inclusion as a sept.
Durward (and Variants: Dorward, Dorwald)
Surname Origin & Association: Durward comes from an official court title meaning “door-keeper.” The name became a surname in the 13th century.
Historical Context: After the Durward family’s decline, descendants and dependents entered Gordon territory and adopted Gordon loyalty. The clan recognizes them as a historical sept.
Duff (and Variants: none)
Surname Origin & Association: Duff derives from the Gaelic “Dubh” meaning “dark.” In northeast Scotland, many Duffs aligned with the Gordons due to proximity.
Historical Context: Prominent Duff families supported the Gordons in the 17th century, notably at Glenlivet and in the Jacobite risings. Their allegiance made them part of Clan Gordon.
Esslemont (and Variants: none)
Surname Origin & Association: Esslemont is a territorial surname from the estate near Ellon, acquired by the Gordons in 1728.
Historical Context: The Gordons of Esslemont became a cadet branch. Locals who shared the estate name entered the clan’s protection and became septs.
Garden (and Variants: Gardiner, Gardner)
Surname Origin & Association: Garden may be a variant of Gordon or an occupational name. It became linked to the Gordons via proximity and service.
Historical Context: Some Garden branches, such as Garden of Troup, intermarried with the Gordons. Gardeners employed by the clan were also absorbed into the clan structure.
Garioch (and Variants: Garrick, Garriock)
Surname Origin & Association: Garioch is a territorial name from the Garioch region in Aberdeenshire, a stronghold of the Gordons.
Historical Context: Families named Garioch in the region naturally came under Gordon authority. Their descendants are considered part of Clan Gordon.
Geddes (and Variants: Geddis, Geddas, Geddeson)
Surname Origin & Association: Geddes is a toponymic name, possibly from a Nairnshire locale or the word for pike.
Historical Context: Geddes families in Moray and Banffshire served the Gordons militarily and were tenants on Gordon lands, establishing their place in the clan.
Gerrie (and Variants: Garry, Garri, Gerry)
Surname Origin & Association: Gerrie is a dialect contraction of Garioch, the northeast region under Gordon rule.
Historical Context: Gerrie families in Insch and Culsalmond areas aligned with the Gordons by tenancy and service, reinforcing their status as a sept.
Haddo (and Variants: Haddow)
Surname Origin & Association: Haddo is a territorial name from the estate held by the Gordon Earls of Aberdeen.
Historical Context: Those living on Haddo lands or connected with the Gordon of Haddo family were absorbed into Clan Gordon and are recognized as a sept.
Harrison (and Variants: none)
Surname Origin & Association: Harrison is a patronymic surname meaning “son of Harry.” The Gordon connection is through individual service and settlement.
Historical Context: Some Harrisons served in the Gordon Highlanders or settled on Gordon estates, gaining recognition as sept members through loyalty.
Huntly (and Variants: Huntley)
Surname Origin & Association: Huntly is derived from the Gordon chief’s title and estates.
Historical Context: Families and individuals using Huntly as a surname were often retainers, bastards, or close allies of the chief, effectively integrated into the clan.
Jessiman (and Variants: none)
Surname Origin & Association: Jessiman may come from Jesmond in Northumberland or a servant-name (“Jessie’s man”).
Historical Context: Jessiman families settled in Aberdeenshire and served the Gordons in trade or tenancy. Their presence on Gordon lands led to their sept status.
Jopp (and Variants: Jupp)
Surname Origin & Association: Jopp likely derives from a diminutive of Job or Jacob. It is a name of Lowland origin.
Historical Context: The Jopp family became burgesses in Aberdeen and supported Gordon political interests, later gaining sept recognition.
Laing (and Variants: Lang, Leng, Ling)
Surname Origin & Association: Laing is a nickname surname meaning “tall.” Common in eastern Scotland.
Historical Context: Laing families lived in Gordon lands and fought under Gordon banners. Their integration into clan life earned them a place as a sept.
Laurie (and Variants: Lawrie, Lowrie, Lowry)
Surname Origin & Association: Laurie comes from the personal name Lawrence. In the northeast, some Lauries served the Gordon chiefs.
Historical Context: The Lauries of Huntly served the Gordon family as factors and soldiers, and are listed among the clan’s historical septs.
Mallett (and Variants: none)
Surname Origin & Association: Mallett is of Norman origin, arriving in Scotland through trade or military migration.
Historical Context: Mallett families served the Gordons as smiths and soldiers, notably within the Gordon Highlanders, cementing their sept status.
Manteach (and Variants: none)
Surname Origin & Association: Manteach likely derives from the Gaelic “Manntach,” meaning toothless or stammering, used as a nickname.
Historical Context: It was a byname for certain Gordon warriors, possibly including William Gordon of Terpersie. Some descendants used it as a surname.
Marr (and Variants: Mar)
Surname Origin & Association: Marr is a territorial name from the Earldom of Mar, within Gordon territory.
Historical Context: Families from Mar fell under Gordon influence. Though some allied with the Farquharsons, many joined Gordon efforts in war and politics.
Maver (and Variants: Mavor)
Surname Origin & Association: Maver is a localized name in Banffshire and Moray, possibly of Gaelic or French origin.
Historical Context: The Maver family served the Haddo Gordons as hereditary foresters and stewards. Their long loyalty secured their place as a sept.
Meldrum (and Variants: none)
Surname Origin & Association: Meldrum is a territorial name from the lands of Meldrum in Aberdeenshire.
Historical Context: The Meldrum family intermarried with the Gordons and supported them militarily. Several Meldrums served as officers in Gordon-led regiments.
Milne (and Variants: Miln, Milnes, Milner, Mill, Mills, Milles, Mylne)
Surname Origin & Association: Derived from the trade of miller, Milne was common in northeastern Scotland.
Historical Context: Milne families served the Gordons as millers, tenants, and soldiers. Their omnipresence on Gordon estates established them as clan dependents.
Morris (and Variants: Morrice)
urname Origin & Association: Morris derives from the personal name Maurice. Some Morrice families settled in Gordon lands.
Historical Context: A notable Gordon-Morris marriage and continued service by Morrice descendants led to their inclusion in the clan.
Muir (and Variants: Moir, Moore, More)
Surname Origin & Association: Muir is a toponymic surname meaning “moor.” In the northeast, many Muirs and Moirs lived under Gordon patronage.
Historical Context: The Moirs of Stoneywood and other branches supported the Gordons during the Jacobite risings and in daily estate affairs, earning their place among the septs.
Steel (and Variants: Steele)
Surname Origin & Association: Steel is an occupational surname. In Gordon regions, Steels were often craftsmen and soldiers.
Historical Context: Some Steels served in the Gordon Highlanders or as blacksmiths on Gordon lands. Their loyalty made them honorary members of the clan.
Teal (and Variants: Teall)
Surname Origin & Association: Teal is a rare surname, possibly from a nickname or from Lowland origins.
Historical Context: Some Teals served in the Gordon military or on estates. Due to their presence in clan records, they are listed as a minor sept.
Tod (and Variants: Todd)
Surname Origin & Association: Tod is a nickname surname meaning “fox.” Common in the Borders.
Historical Context: Some Tods resettled on Gordon estates in the northeast during agricultural reforms and aligned themselves with the clan through military or agricultural service.
References
Adam, F. (1908). The clans, septs, and regiments of the Scottish Highlands. Edinburgh: W. & A.K. Johnston.
Black, G. F. (1946). The surnames of Scotland: Their origin, meaning, and history. New York: The New York Public Library.
House of Gordon USA. (n.d.). Clan info and septs. Retrieved from https://houseofgordonusa.org
Way, G. of Plean, & Squire, R. (1994). Collins Scottish Clan & Family Encyclopedia. Glasgow: HarperCollins.
Wikipedia. (2025). Clan Gordon. Retrieved March 27, 2025, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clan_Gordon
TartanVault. (2020). Badenoch Family – Tartan, origins & Scottish heritage.
SpottingHistory. (2019). Esslemont Castle ruins. Retrieved from https://www.spottinghistory.com/view/7428/esslemont-castle-ruins/