Septs of Clan Johnstone

Marjoribanks (Marchbanks, Marjoriebanks)

Surname Origin & Association: Derived from “Marjorie’s banks,” the name refers to lands believed to be associated with Princess Marjorie Bruce. A cadet branch of the Johnstones adopted the name after acquiring such lands.

Historical Context: The Marjoribanks family shared armorial elements with the Johnstones, including the gold cushions and spur-rowel. Despite eventually gaining independent recognition, they have long been acknowledged as a sept of Clan Johnstone.

Rome (Room, Roome, Röme)

Surname Origin & Association: A Border surname originating in Gretna, Dumfriesshire. Possibly derived from a local placename or Old Scots word.

Historical Context: The Rome family were close allies and vassals of the Johnstones in the Border region. Though briefly listed as an independent riding family in the 16th century, they are today considered a traditional sept of the clan.

References

Black, G. F. (1946). The Surnames of Scotland: Their Origin, Meaning and History. New York: New York Public Library.

Clan Johnston/e in America. (n.d.). History of the Clan. Retrieved from https://clanjohnstone.org/history-of-the-clan/

Clan Johnston/e in Canada (CASSOC). (n.d.). Clan Johnston/e (Johnstone) Profile. Retrieved from https://www.scotscanada.ca/en/johnstone

Electric Scotland. (n.d.). Clan Johnson. Retrieved from https://electricscotland.com/webclans/htol/johnson2.html

House of Names. (n.d.). Marjoribanks History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms. Retrieved from https://www.houseofnames.com/marjoribanks-family-crest

House of Names. (n.d.). Rome History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms. Retrieved from https://www.houseofnames.com/rome-family-crest

Johnstone, C. L. (1889). The Historical Families of Dumfriesshire and the Border Wars (2nd ed.). Dumfries: Anderson & Son.

ScotClans. (n.d.). Johnstone Clan History. Retrieved from https://www.scotclans.com/blogs/clans-jk/johnstone-clan-history

ScotClans. (n.d.). Marjoribanks Clan History. Retrieved from https://www.scotclans.com/blogs/clans-lm/marjoribanks-clan-history

Scots Connection. (n.d.). Johnstone Clan Motto and Associated Names. Retrieved from https://www.scotsconnection.com/clan_crests/johnstone.htm

Wikipedia. (2025). Clan Johnstone. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clan_Johnstone