Septs of Clan Armstrong

Armstrong (and Variants: Armstrang, Armestrang, Armystrang, Fortenbras, Harmestrang)

Surname Origin & Association: Armstrong is a nickname-derived surname meaning “strong arm.” It may have Norman-French origins (from Fortenbras, meaning “strong in the arm”) or may have originated as a local name given for martial prowess.

Historical Context: Clan Armstrong became one of the most powerful and feared Border clans by the 16th century. Centered in Liddesdale, they commanded thousands of reivers and resisted royal authority. Their chief was executed in 1530, and the clan was outlawed by 1610, scattering across Ireland and the Americas.

Crozier (and Variants: Crosier, Crosar, Crozer, Crosser, Grozier)

Surname Origin & Association: Crozier is an occupational surname derived from a bearer of a cross or crook, or one who lived near a wayside cross.

Historical Context: The Croziers were a notable Border family residing in Liddesdale. Though recorded as an independent clan in 1587, they were strongly aligned with the Armstrongs and operated within the same reiving network.

Fairbairn (and Variants: Fairbairns, Fairbarn, Fairburn)

Surname Origin & Association: Fairbairn means “fair child” in Scots, originating as a descriptive nickname. A legendary Fairbairn is said to be the founder of the Armstrongs.

Historical Context: The origin legend of Clan Armstrong credits an armor-bearer named Fairbairn with saving a king in battle. Though likely apocryphal, the name Fairbairn remains a symbolic ancestral connection and is recognized as a sept.

Nixon (and Variants: Nickson, Nixson)

Surname Origin & Association: Nixon is a patronymic surname meaning “son of Nick,” from the diminutive of Nicholas.

Historical Context: Nixons were close allies of the Armstrongs in Liddesdale and Debatable Lands. They rode with the Armstrongs, lived on Armstrong-administered lands, and shared their fate when the Borders were pacified in the 17th century.

References

Armstrong Clan Association. (n.d.). Armstrong Clan History. Retrieved from https://armstrongclan.info

Fraser, J. G. (2025). Clan Crozier. ElectricScotland.com.

ScotClans. (n.d.). Associated Names of Clan Armstrong. Retrieved from https://www.scotclans.com

Surname Database. (n.d.). Armstrong, Crozier, Fairbairn, Nixon. Retrieved from https://www.surnamedb.com

Way, G., & Squire, R. (1994). Collins Scottish Clan & Family Encyclopedia. HarperCollins.

Wikipedia. (2025). Clan Armstrong. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clan_Armstrong