Septs of Clan MacGregor

Historical Context: Clan members used Black as a protective surname during the outlawing of the MacGregor name. It is now recognized as a sept of the clan, especially in areas like Perthshire.

Caird

Surname Origin & Association:

Caird derives from the Gaelic ceard, meaning “craftsman” or “tinker.” It was often used for itinerant metalworkers.

Historical Context: Dispossessed MacGregors often lived as traveling craftsmen and adopted Caird as a surname. It became associated with the clan during the years of proscription.

Comrie

Surname Origin & Association:

Comrie is a territorial surname from the village of Comrie in Perthshire. The name comes from Gaelic meaning “confluence of rivers.”

Historical Context: MacGregors who fled persecution settled in Comrie and adopted the place-name as their surname. It was one of several aliases used during the clan’s suppression.

Fletcher

Surname Origin & Association:

Fletcher is an occupational surname from the French flechier, meaning arrow-maker.

Historical Context: Some MacGregors used Fletcher as a trade name during the proscription, and a Fletcher sept was known for providing arrows and guarding clan lands.

Gregor (and Variants: Gregory, Gregorson, Gregson, Grigor, Gregg, Greig)

Surname Origin & Association:

These surnames all derive from the personal name Gregor, the progenitor of Clan MacGregor.

Historical Context: Many MacGregors dropped the “Mac” during proscription and used Gregor or its variants. These names are all considered direct fragments of the original MacGregor surname.

Greer (and Variants: Grier, Grear, Grierson)

Surname Origin & Association:

Greer and Grierson are Lowland contractions of Gregor. Tradition claims the Griersons of Lag descended from a MacGregor chief’s son.

Historical Context: While modern evidence is inconclusive, the clan historically regarded Greer and Grierson as affiliated names and included them among MacGregor septs.

King (and Variants: MacAra, MacAree, MacNee, MacNie)

Surname Origin & Association:

King is a translation of the Gaelic Mac an Rìgh, meaning “son of the king.” MacGregors claimed royal descent and sometimes adopted these names.

Historical Context: During the proscription, MacGregors used King and its Gaelic equivalents to preserve their lineage in secret. These names are now recognized as septs.

Leckie (and Variant: Lecky)

Surname Origin & Association:

Leckie is a territorial surname from lands in Stirlingshire. It became connected to Clan MacGregor through marriage.

Historical Context: The Laird of Leckie married into the MacGregor family and fought with them during the Jacobite rising of 1715. Leckie is now considered a MacGregor sept.

MacAdam (and Variants: McAdam, MacCaddam)

Surname Origin & Association:

MacAdam means “son of Adam” and is a patronymic surname.

Historical Context: A MacGregor named Adam changed his name to MacAdam around 1445 to escape persecution. The family settled in Galloway and remained connected to the clan.

MacGruder (and Variants: Magruder, McGruther, MacGrouther, Grewar, Gruer)

Surname Origin & Association:

MacGruder may derive from “son of the brewer” in Gaelic or be a phonetic variation of MacGregor.

Historical Context: Some MacGregors used this name as an alias. Though the connection is debated, MacGruder and Magruder are traditionally recognized as septs.

MacNeish (and Variants: MacNish, Neish, Nish)

Surname Origin & Association:

MacNeish is Gaelic in origin, meaning “son of Neis.” It was once the name of a small independent clan.

Historical Context: After a feud with the MacNabs, the surviving Neishes were absorbed into neighboring clans, including the MacGregors. The name is now considered a MacGregor sept.

MacPeter (and Variants: Peter, Peters, Peterson, Petrie)

urname Origin & Association:

MacPeter means “son of Peter,” a name adopted by some MacGregors as an alias.

Historical Context: During proscription, MacGregors used MacPeter or Peter to conceal their identity. Some descendants continue to carry these names.

Malloch

Surname Origin & Association:

Malloch may derive from Gaelic roots describing someone “dumpy” or from a nickname.

Historical Context: Historical accounts report that MacGregors adopted the surname Malloch during the late 17th century. It is now recognized as a sept.

White (and Variant: Whyte)

Surname Origin & Association:

White is a descriptive surname from Old English, used to denote someone with light hair or complexion.

Historical Context: Some MacGregors used White as an alias during the proscription, particularly in Stirlingshire and surrounding areas. It is now considered a clan sept.

References

Adam, F., & Innes of Learney, T. (1970). The Clans, Septs & Regiments of the Scottish Highlands (8th ed.). Edinburgh: Johnston and Bacon.

Clan Gregor Society. (2013). Clan Gregor Society Sept/Family Names. Retrieved from https://clangregor.com

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

Highland Archive. (n.d.). Septs of Clan MacGregor – Chebucto Heritage. Retrieved from https://chebucto.ns.ca

Wright, J. (1898). The Highlanders of Scotland: Notes on the Clan Gregor. In Transactions of the Gaelic Society (Vol. 23).

WikiTree Contributors. (2020). Profiles of Gilbert Grierson and Malcolm MacGregor. Retrieved from https://www.wikitree.com