Septs of Clan Kerr

Kerr (and Variants: Ker) Surname Origin & Association:

Kerr is the chief surname of the clan and is believed to derive from the Old Norse word kjarr, meaning “marsh” or “brushwood.” The surname also has a Gaelic association with ceàrr, meaning “left-handed.”

Historical Context: The Kerrs established themselves in the Scottish Borders by the 14th century, with two main branches: Ferniehirst and Cessford. The Ferniehirst line used “Kerr,” while the Cessford line often spelled it “Ker.” The family produced the Earls of Lothian and Roxburghe, and the two branches were united by marriage in 1631. Kerr is the central clan name and all variant spellings are included as septs.

Carr (and Variants: Carre, Care, Car) Surname Origin & Association:

Carr is an anglicized form of Kerr. It shares the same Norse root and was common among Kerr families who migrated to northern England or Ulster.

Historical Context: Many Kerrs who settled in England or Ireland adopted the spelling “Carr.” The Carrs retained their connection to the Kerrs of Scotland, and are included among the recognized septs of the clan.

Kear Surname Origin & Association:

Kear is a variant spelling of Kerr, influenced by Gaelic pronunciation. In Ireland, it may also derive from Gaelic names meaning “dark” or “left-handed.”

Historical Context: Scottish Kerrs who settled in Ireland sometimes had their name recorded as Kear. Although Kear also exists as an Irish surname independently, in the context of Clan Kerr, it is treated as a variant.

Karr (and Variants: Kar, Kare) Surname Origin & Association:

Karr is a phonetic variant of Kerr. This form was used in English-speaking countries and may reflect pronunciation more than lineage change.

Historical Context: Found in early American records and elsewhere, Karr families often trace back to Scottish Kerr origins. The name is considered a historic spelling variant and is recognized as a Kerr sept.

Carrach Surname Origin & Association:

Carrach is a Gaelic rendering of Kerr, particularly used on the Isle of Arran. It may derive from a Gaelic word meaning “left-handed” or “rough.”

Historical Context: Kerrs living in Gaelic regions adopted local name forms. On Arran and in other Gaelic areas, the name Kerr was translated as Carrach, which is now recognized as a historical sept.

Cessford Surname Origin & Association:

Cessford is a territorial name from the barony of Cessford in Roxburghshire. It was the seat of a major branch of the Kerr family.

Historical Context: The Kerrs of Cessford were prominent Border nobles, eventually becoming the Earls of Roxburghe. Descendants and associates of this branch are considered part of the Kerr clan, and Cessford is listed as a sept.

Keir (and Variant: Kier) Surname Origin & Association:

Keir is a spelling variant of Kerr found in historical records. It may also reflect a Gaelic term meaning “dusky” or “dark.”

Historical Context: Spelling was fluid in past centuries, and Keir/Kier often referred to Kerr families. These forms appear in Scottish records and are included among the clan’s septs.

Mac Ghiolla Cheara Surname Origin & Association:

Mac Ghiolla Cheara is the Gaelic patronymic for Kerr, meaning “son of the servant of Ceara.” This Gaelic form was used in Ireland and Gaelic-speaking parts of Scotland.

Historical Context: In Ulster and the Western Isles, Kerr was rendered in Gaelic as Mac Ghiolla Cheara. This name appears in historic documents and oral tradition and is included among Kerr septs.

Linton Surname Origin & Association:

Linton is a habitational surname from lands held by a branch of the Kerr family in Roxburghshire.

Historical Context: The Kerrs of Linton were a cadet line of the Ferniehirst branch. Some descendants adopted Linton as a surname, and it is now counted among the clan’s septs.

Heriot (and Variants: Herriot, Herriott) Surname Origin & Association:

Heriot is a surname from the parish and estate of Heriot in Midlothian. It became linked to the Kerrs through historical association and intermarriage.

Historical Context: During the 16th–17th centuries, Heriots allied with the Kerrs. Marriages and regional cooperation led to their inclusion as a sept of the clan.

References

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

ScotClans. (n.d.). Kerr Clan History. Retrieved from https://scotclans.com

Wikipedia. (2025). Clan Kerr. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clan_Kerr

WikiTree. (2021). Clan Kerr. Retrieved from https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Space:Clan_Kerr

Scots Connection. (n.d.). Kerr Clan Information. Retrieved from https://www.scotsconnection.com

Flick, A. (2022). Ferniehirst Castle. Flickr.