Septs of Clan MacKay

Allan (and Variants: Allen, Allanson, MacAllan)

Surname Origin & Association: Derived from the personal name Alan/Ailean, this name was adopted by a branch of the MacKays descended from a notable ancestor named Allan.

Historical Context: The Allan sept likely originated in the 15th–16th century from a younger son or prominent clansman within Clan MacKay. Families descended from him used Allan or Allen as a surname while maintaining allegiance to the MacKay chief.

Bain (and Variants: Bane, Bayne, MacBain, MacVain, Baynes, Bhaine)

Surname Origin & Association: From the Gaelic Bàn, meaning “fair” or “white.” A descriptive nickname that became hereditary.

Historical Context: John “Ban” MacKay, a cousin of the Mackay chief, adopted this name after a family feud. His descendants settled in Caithness and Ross-shire and formed the Bain of Tulloch family, a well-known cadet branch of Clan MacKay.

Kay (and Variants: Key, Keye, Keyes)

Surname Origin & Association: An anglicized form of MacAoidh (MacKay), created by dropping the “Mac” prefix.

Historical Context: Kay and its variants were adopted by MacKays who migrated to English-speaking areas like Ulster or southern Scotland. These surnames remained associated with the original Mackay lineage.

MacCaw (and Variants: MacCaa, MacGaw, McCoy, MacCay, MacCoy, M’Kay, MacQuoid, MacQuey)

Surname Origin & Association: Variants of MacAoidh (MacKay), these surnames reflect regional dialects and spelling preferences in Scots and Irish records.

Historical Context: These surnames emerged as MacKays moved into Lowland Scotland, Galloway, and Ulster, with names adapting to local pronunciation and English orthography.

MacGhie (and Variants: MacGhee, MacGee) Surname Origin & Association: Gaelic form of “son of Aodh” (MacAoidh). Used particularly in southwest Scotland and Ulster.

Historical Context: Some MacKays in Galloway and Ulster became known as MacGhie or MacGee. Though not all bearers are related, many are accepted as MacKay septs due to shared origin.

MacKie (and Variants: MacKee, Mackey, McKie, MacCrie) Surname Origin & Association: Another variant of MacAoidh (MacKay), especially found in Galloway, Ulster, and parts of southwest Scotland.

Historical Context: Likely descended from Mackay cadets who moved south. The Mackies of Larg and other Galloway families traced their lineage to MacKay chiefs.

MacPhail (and Variants: Polson, Paul, Pólson, MacFall)

Surname Origin & Association: From Gaelic Mac Phàil, meaning “son of Paul.” Associated with the Siol Phail (Seed of Paul), a cadet line of MacKays.

Historical Context: The Paul/Polson/MacPhail families descend from a notable Mackay forebear named Paul in the 15th century. Their descendants adopted various patronymic forms.

Morgan

Surname Origin & Association: From the personal name Morgan (Old Welsh Morcant), Clan MacKay was historically referred to as Clan Morgan.

Historical Context: One of the earliest ancestral names of the clan. “Clan Morgan” was a medieval term used to refer to the Mackays, and descendants carrying the name are accepted as clan kin.

Neilson (and Variant: Nelson)

Surname Origin & Association: Patronymic meaning “son of Neil.” Derived from several notable MacKay ancestors named Neil.

Historical Context: A cadet of the Mackay chiefs, Neil MacNeill Mackay, is the forefather of this sept. His descendants adopted Neilson as a surname in the 15th century.

Pollard

Surname Origin & Association: Possibly derived from the personal name Paul or the French diminutive Pol + -ard.

Historical Context: Likely an English spelling of “Polson” or “Paul.” May represent a cadet or allied family under Mackay protection in Caithness.

Reay

Surname Origin & Association: Territorial name from the parish and village of Reay in Caithness. Also used as a courtesy title by the Mackay chiefs.

Historical Context: The Mackay chiefs were titled Lords Reay from 1628 onward. Descendants of these lords and people from the Reay estate sometimes adopted “Reay” as a surname.

Scobie (and Variant: Scobbie)

Surname Origin & Association: Territorial surname from a lost settlement, possibly from Gaelic Sgòbach (“thorny place”).

Historical Context: A Lowland family that became associated with Clan MacKay through landholding and marriage, notably forming the Mackay-Scobie branch in the 18th century.

Williamson

Surname Origin & Association: Patronymic meaning “son of William.” Tied to the Siol Uilleim (Seed of William) cadet branch.

Historical Context: The Williamsons of Banniskirk in Caithness descend from a William Mackay, son of Thomas (brother to Chief Neil MacKay). Recognized as a respected Mackay cadet family.

References (APA)

Clan Mackay Society USA. (n.d.). History and Septs of Clan Mackay. Retrieved from https://www.clanmackaysocietyusa.org

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

Scots Connection. (n.d.). MacKay Clan Crest and History. Retrieved from https://www.scotsconnection.com

Wikipedia contributors. (2023). Clan MacKay. Wikipedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clan_MacKay

House of Names. (n.d.). Pollard Family History. Retrieved from https://www.houseofnames.com/pollard-family-crest

Surname Database. (n.d.). Scobie – Last Name Meaning. Retrieved from https://www.surnamedb.com/Surname/Scobie