Septs of Clan Murray
Balneaves (and Variants: Balneavis, Balneavez)
Surname Origin & Association: Balneaves is a territorial surname from the lands of Balneaves in Angus. The family was of Pictish origin and closely associated with the Murray family through proximity and marriage.
Historical Context: Prominent in Perthshire and often intermarried with the Murrays, the Balneaves were known as Pipers in early records. Their loyalty and shared heritage led to their inclusion as a Clan Murray sept.
Buttar (and Variants: Butter, Butters)
Surname Origin & Association: A surname of territorial origin found in Perthshire, especially around Pitlochry. Possibly linked to the place name Buttergask.
Historical Context: The Buttar or Butter family were old Perthshire landholders, historically allied with the Murrays of Atholl through landholding and service, making them a traditional sept.
Dunsmore (and Variants: Dunsmuir, Dunsmure, Dinsmore)
Surname Origin & Association: Dunsmore is derived from Gaelic dùn mòr meaning “great hill-fort,” associated with families from Fife and later Perthshire.
Historical Context: Dunsmore families migrated into Perthshire and supported the Murrays of Atholl, especially during the 1745 Jacobite rising. Their loyalty earned them a place as a recognized sept.
Surname Origin & Association: A noble Lowland surname originating from the town of Dunbar in East Lothian. Related to the Earls of Moray, connecting it territorially to Clan Murray.
Historical Context: The Dunbars held territory in Moray prior to the rise of the Murrays. Historical overlap and alliances brought Dunbar under the Murray banner as a sept.
Fleming (and Variants: Fleeming, Flemming, Flemyn)
Surname Origin & Association: Originally denoting a person from Flanders. The Murrays’ ancestor Freskin was Flemish, establishing a shared ethnic origin.
Historical Context: Fleming families supported the Murrays in military campaigns. Their Flemish connection and loyalty to Atholl earned them sept status.
MacMurray (and Variants: McMurry, MacMhuirich)
Surname Origin & Association: A Gaelic patronymic meaning “son of Murray.” Gaelic form is Mac Mhuirich.
Historical Context: Gaelic-speaking branches of the clan adopted this form. During the Jacobite rising, MacMurrays fought under Atholl Murrays, firmly identifying them as a sept.
Moncreiffe (and Variants: Moncreiff, Moncreigh)
Surname Origin & Association: Territorial surname from Moncreiffe Hill in Perthshire. Though a distinct clan, they allied with the Murrays.
Historical Context: Moncreiffe lairds signed a bond of manrent with the Murrays in 1568. Shared military service and intermarriage brought them into close alliance.
Moray (and Variants: de Moravia, Moray, Morrey, Morray)
Surname Origin & Association: Territorial name from the province of Moray, where the Murrays originated. Latin form de Moravia was used in early records.
Historical Context: Early ancestors of Clan Murray bore the name de Moravia. Some branches retained Moray as a surname, particularly in Ireland and Lowland Scotland.
Neaves
Surname Origin & Association: Possibly derived from Balneaves, or from the Scots word for nephew (nevoy). Found in Perthshire.
Historical Context: The Neaves family was tied to the Balneaves/Piper sept and shared Murray affiliations in the region. Their loyalty led to inclusion among Murray septs.
Piper (and Variants: Pyper, Piperer)
Surname Origin & Association: Occupational surname for a pipe player. Prominent in Perth, especially among families later known as Balneaves.
Historical Context: Pipers lived in Murray-controlled regions and intermarried with allied families. Their musical and feudal roles earned them status as a clan sept.
Surname Origin & Association: Territorial name from the barony of Rattray in Perthshire. Rattrays were neighbors to the Murrays.
Historical Context: Rattrays frequently supported the Murrays militarily and politically, particularly in the Jacobite risings. Their loyalty secured their status as a sept.
Small (and Variants: Smail, Smalle, Smeal, Smaill)
Surname Origin & Association: Descriptive surname referring to stature. The Smalls of Dirnanean were prominent landholders in Perthshire.
Historical Context: Small families served the Dukes of Atholl as tenants, estate managers, and soldiers. Their loyalty over generations earned them a place in the Murray clan.
Spalding (and Variants: Spaldin, Spaulding)
Surname Origin & Association: Territorial surname from Spalding, Lincolnshire. A branch settled in Perthshire, founding Clan Spalding.
Historical Context: Spaldings supported the Murrays of Atholl in the Jacobite wars and married into Murray families. Without a recognized chief, they were absorbed as a Murray sept.
References
Black, G. F. (1946). The Surnames of Scotland: Their Origin, Meaning and History. New York: New York Public Library.
Clan Murray Society. (n.d.). Home – Welcome to the Murray Clan Society. Retrieved from http://clanmurray.spanglefish.org/
Clan Murray Society. (n.d.). The Septs. Retrieved from http://clanmurray.spanglefish.org/the-septs
House of Names. (n.d.). Balneaves Family Crest, Coat of Arms and Name History. Retrieved from https://www.houseofnames.com/balneaves-family-crest
House of Names. (n.d.). Dunsmore Family History. Retrieved from https://www.houseofnames.com/dunsmore-family-crest
ScotClans. (n.d.). Clan Butter History. Retrieved from https://www.scotclans.com
Surname Database. (n.d.). Dunsmore. Retrieved from https://www.surnamedb.com/Surname/dunsmore
Wikipedia. (2023). Clan Murray. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clan_Murray
Wikipedia. (2023). Ashintully Castle. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ashintully_Castle