Septs of Clan Graham
Airth (and Variants: none)
Surname Origin & Association: Airth is a territorial surname from the barony and parish of Airth in Stirlingshire. It became linked to Clan Graham when William Graham, 7th Earl of Menteith, was created Earl of Airth in 1633. Descendants and retainers associated with the Airth title are historically considered part of Clan Graham.
Historical Context: The Grahams of Airth were an important cadet branch. The Earldom passed through Graham hands until the late 17th century. Individuals surnamed Airth were often tenants or minor landholders under Graham leadership, reinforcing their status as sept members.
Allardice (and Variants: Allardyce, Allardes, Ardis)
Surname Origin & Association: Allardice is derived from the barony of Allardice in Kincardineshire. The family was formally linked to Clan Graham through the 1662 marriage of Sir John Allardice to Lady Mary Graham, sister of the 8th Earl of Menteith.
Historical Context: This marriage tied the Allardice and Graham lineages. Later descendants attempted to reclaim Graham titles, and the Allardice family continued to be recognized as Graham kin. The inclusion of Allardice as a sept is based on this marital alliance and shared heritage.
Auchinloick (and Variants: Auchinleck)
Surname Origin & Association: Auchinloick is a place-name surname likely tied to lands in Perthshire or Stirlingshire. The name became linked to the Grahams via feudal tenancy under the Earls of Menteith.
Historical Context: While the name is rare, it appears in clan sept lists as a marker of local families on Graham-controlled land. Tenants or minor lairds bearing the name would have identified with Clan Graham.
Ballewen (and Variants: Ballewan)
Surname Origin & Association: Ballewen is derived from the estate of Ballewan in Stirlingshire. A cadet branch of the Grahams held Ballewan, giving rise to the surname.
Historical Context: The Grahams of Ballewan were active in the 17th and 18th centuries. Local residents or descendants of this branch were historically part of Clan Graham’s structure and are included as a sept.
Blair (and Variants: none)
Surname Origin & Association: Blair is an independent Lowland surname but is listed as a Graham sept due to long-standing alliance and shared regional presence.
Historical Context: The Blairs and Grahams intermarried, and Graham leaders historically extended protection to Blair families. Though Blair has its own identity, those with the name living under Graham influence were considered part of the clan.
Bonar (and Variants: Bonnar, Bonner)
Surname Origin & Association: Bonar is of Norman origin and took root in central Scotland. The name became associated with Clan Graham through feudal allegiance and service.
Historical Context: Bonar families lived under Graham leadership and were involved in clan military and estate activities. Their sept status reflects this historical dependency and alliance.
Bontine (and Variants: Buntine, Bunting, Bunten, Bunton)
Surname Origin & Association: These names derive from a diminutive or nickname origin. The Bontine name became part of Graham heritage when a Graham cadet assumed it upon inheriting land.
Historical Context: In the 18th century, Robert Graham of Gartmore adopted the Bontine surname through inheritance. His descendants continued this identity, and similar surnames among retainers and tenants became linked to Clan Graham.
Buchanan (and Variants: none)
Surname Origin & Association: Buchanan is an established clan name. It was listed under Clan Graham during a period when the Buchanan chiefship was dormant and Graham chiefs oversaw Buchanan lands.
Historical Context: After acquiring Buchanan Castle and estates in 1682, the Dukes of Montrose provided leadership for Buchanan tenants. This temporary feudal relationship led to Buchanan’s inclusion as a sept.
Buchlyvie (and Variants: Buchlyrie, Buchlyvy)
Surname Origin & Association: This name originates from the village and estate of Buchlyvie in Stirlingshire. It became a Graham sept through estate acquisition and stewardship.
Historical Context: When the Grahams acquired Buchanan lands, they inherited oversight of Buchlyvie. Individuals from this estate adopted the name, creating a surname tied to the Graham clan structure.
Conyers (and Variants: none)
Surname Origin & Association: Conyers is an English surname included as a Graham sept through the Graham family’s acquisition of Norton Conyers in Yorkshire.
Historical Context: Graham baronets of Norton Conyers used the estate name as a secondary identity. Those living on or affiliated with Norton Conyers were recognized as part of the Graham extended family.
Drumaquhassle (and Variants: Drumquhassle, Drumaguhassle)
Surname Origin & Association: A territorial surname from a Graham estate in the Trossachs. The Grahams of Drumaquhassle were a cadet branch.
Historical Context: The estate and its cadet branch were involved in Royalist military activity. The name became a sept to acknowledge the family’s contributions and regional importance.
Duchray (and Variants: Durchray)
Surname Origin & Association: Duchray is derived from a Graham cadet estate in the forest of Aberfoyle.
Historical Context: The Grahams of Duchray were known Royalists. The estate played a role during 17th-century uprisings. The surname reflects both land and lineage ties to the clan.
Dugalston (and Variants: none)
Surname Origin & Association: A territorial name from an estate in Dunbartonshire held by Graham descendants.
Historical Context: The Graham of Dugalston served as Rector of Glasgow University and held other public offices. The name marks a cadet estate under Graham oversight.
Eskbank (and Variants: Esbank)
Surname Origin & Association: Derived from the area near Dalkeith, Midlothian. Eskbank is significant as an early seat of Graham landholding.
Historical Context: The earliest Graham lands in Scotland were near Eskbank. Residents and tenants from this area took the name, which the clan now recognizes as part of its earliest history.
Fintry (and Variants: Fintrie)
Surname Origin & Association: A territorial surname from lands held by a major Graham cadet branch.
Historical Context: The Grahams of Fintry were deeply involved in national affairs and military service. Their estate gave rise to the name, which is included among recognized septs.
Glenny (and Variants: Glennie)
Surname Origin & Association: Derived from the estate of Glenny in the Trossachs. A cadet line of the Grahams held this estate.
Historical Context: The Glenny branch was active in clan affairs and regional politics. The name became a sept based on landholding and family lineage.
Graeme (and Variants: Grahame, Greme, Grayme, Graham)
Surname Origin & Association: Variant spellings of Graham, all referring to the same lineage.
Historical Context: These spelling variations were used interchangeably in historical records. All bearers are part of the clan and are listed to ensure complete recognition.
Grim (and Variants: Grime, Grimes, Grimm)
Surname Origin & Association: These surnames are believed to derive as phonetic or nickname variants of Graham, especially in the Border regions and Ulster.
Historical Context: Grahams displaced to Ireland or involved in border raids sometimes adopted these names. The clan recognizes them as variant forms associated with historical clan activity.
Hadden (and Variants: Haddon)
Surname Origin & Association: A Border surname included due to alliance and intermarriage with Graham families.
Historical Context: Historical ties include marital alliances and shared estates. Hadden is recognized as a sept for those connected to Graham lands or lines.
Haldane (and Variants: none)
Surname Origin & Association: Though a separate clan, Haldane is included due to deep historic kinship ties with the Grahams, especially through marriage.
Historical Context: The Grahams and Haldanes were intermarried by the 15th century. Despite separate leadership, Haldanes have been historically protected and allied with the Grahams.
Hastie (and Variants: Hasty)
Surname Origin & Association: Lowland surname that became affiliated with the Grahams through Border region loyalty and shared feudal service.
Historical Context: Hastie families in Graham regions served under Graham leadership and rode with them during reiver campaigns. The sept designation recognizes these ties.
Howe (and Variants: Howie, Howden)
Surname Origin & Association: Derived from landscape features or diminutives of Hugh. These surnames are linked to the Grahams through estate residency and military service.
Historical Context: Grahams employed and were allied with Howie and Howden families, particularly in Stirlingshire. They are included in the sept list for their long-standing local presence and service.
Kilpatrich (and Variants: Kilpatrick)
Surname Origin & Association: A habitational name from Dunbartonshire, linked to the Grahams via estate acquisition and tenant allegiance.
Historical Context: After the Grahams acquired Lennox lands, local families named Kilpatrick came under their protection and are considered part of the clan network.
Lingo (and Variants: none)
Surname Origin & Association: Estate in Fife associated with Colonel John Graham in the 19th century. Those who took Lingo as a surname reflect this Graham connection.
Historical Context: The estate was tied to a Graham military figure. Families connected to the estate or his descendants carry the name and are recognized as part of the clan.
Longstaff (and Variants: none)
Surname Origin & Association: An English Border name tied to the Grahams through shared military service and migration to Ulster.
Historical Context: Some Longstaffs served alongside Grahams in Border and Ulster contexts, particularly in the 17th century. The clan includes them due to this historical camaraderie.
MacGibbon (and Variants: MacGilvern, MacGilvernock, MacIlvern, MacShille)
Surname Origin & Association: Gaelic patronymics connected to early Graham ancestors or estate officers.
Historical Context: These names were used by Highland families under Graham protection or descending from cadet lines. Their Gaelic structure preserved the clan’s identity in Highland regions.
Menteith (and Variants: Monteith)
Surname Origin & Association: Taken from the region of Menteith, over which the Grahams held the earldom. Families using this name were often direct descendants or estate residents.
Historical Context: The Earldom of Menteith was held by the Graham chiefs from the 15th century onward. Descendants and followers sometimes took the name Menteith/Monteith.
Montrose (and Variants: none)
Surname Origin & Association: A territorial name linked to the Graham chiefship. Occasionally used as a surname by cadets or estate retainers.
Historical Context: As the Graham chiefs became Dukes of Montrose, some affiliated individuals used Montrose as a surname or alias. It is included to reflect this association.
Monzie (and Variants: none)
Surname Origin & Association: Taken from the estate of Monzie in Perthshire, held by a Graham cadet branch.
Historical Context: The Grahams of Monzie were notable for their political involvement and estate development. The name Monzie is included to honor this cadet line.
Orchill (and Variants: Orchille)
Surname Origin & Association: Named for the estate of Orchill, where a Graham cadet branch resided and preserved family relics.
Historical Context: The Grahams of Orchill held a sword of Sir John de Graham. Their estate was a symbol of continuity and tradition within the clan.
Pitcairn (and Variants: Pitcarian, Pyatt, Pye, Pyott)
Surname Origin & Association: Originally from Fife, linked to the Grahams via political and medical service, notably Dr. Archibald Pitcairne.
Historical Context: Graham-Pitcairn connections were reinforced through friendship and military loyalty. The clan includes Pitcairn and related names as septs.
Rednock (and Variants: Rednoch, Riddock, Riddoch, Reddock)
Surname Origin & Association: Named for the estate of Rednock, held by a Graham cadet branch.
Historical Context: The Rednock Grahams intermarried with other Graham cadets and played a military role. Their name and its variants are preserved in the sept list.
Sirowan (and Variants: Strowan, Strowen)
Surname Origin & Association: Possibly a variant of Strowan, linked through the Graham of Gorthy line and marriage to the Murray of Strowan family.
Historical Context: The Grahams acquired lands and kinship ties in Strowan through 17th-century marriage. The name Sirowan likely reflects this lineage.
Serjeant (and Variants: Sergeant)
Surname Origin & Association: Possibly from a hereditary title or military office under the Grahams.
Historical Context: Historical documents refer to Grahams in positions of estate or military leadership with the title Sergeant. Some descendants adopted it as a surname.
Sterling (and Variants: Stirling)
Surname Origin & Association: The surname Sterling/Stirling, while often separate, was associated with Grahams due to local settlement and intermarriage.
Historical Context: The Stirling name is linked to families that lived near or under Graham protection, particularly during times when Clan Stirling had no chief.
References
Clan Graham Society. (n.d.). Cadets and Septs of the Grahams. Retrieved from https://clangrahamsociety.org/about/
Electric Scotland. (2023). Clan Graham – Septs of the Clan. Retrieved from https://electricscotland.com/webclans/dtog/graham.html
Black, G. F. (1946). The Surnames of Scotland: Their Origin, Meaning and History. New York Public Library.
Fraser, W. (1880). The Red Book of Menteith (Vols. 1–2). Edinburgh: Privately printed.
Way, G., & Squire, R. (1994). Collins Scottish Clan & Family Encyclopedia. Glasgow: HarperCollins.
MacGregor, A. (1898). History of the Grahams. Glasgow: Morison & Co.
Logan, J. (1850). The Clans of the Scottish Highlands (Vol. 2). London: Ackermann.