Septs of Clan Bruce

Carlyle (and Variants: Carlisle, Carlysle)

Surname Origin & Association: Carlyle is a territorial surname from the city of Carlisle in Cumberland. The family entered Scotland in the 12th century under the patronage of Robert de Brus, 1st Lord of Annandale.

Historical Context: The Carlyles were granted lands in Annandale and married into the Bruce family. Sir William de Carlyle wed Lady Margaret Bruce, sister of King Robert I. Their descendants received royal favor and fought alongside the Bruces during the Wars of Independence.

Carruthers

Surname Origin & Association: A habitational name from the lands of Carruthers in Dumfriesshire, likely derived from the Brittonic Caer Rydderch, meaning “fort of Rydderch.”

Historical Context: The Carruthers family were hereditary stewards of Annandale and received charters directly from King Robert I for their loyal service. They supported both Robert the Bruce and King David II.

Crosbie (and Variant: Crosby)

Surname Origin & Association: From Norse roots, meaning “cross farm.” Crosbie families settled in Annandale in the 12th century as vassals to the Bruce lords.

Historical Context: The Crosbies intermarried with the Bruce family and fought at Bannockburn. Their deep ties to the Bruce legacy were sealed through both blood and battlefield.

Randolph

Surname Origin & Association: A patronymic from the Germanic personal name Randolph, meaning “shield-wolf.”

Historical Context: Thomas Randolph, nephew of Robert the Bruce through his sister Isabel, was one of Bruce’s top commanders and later Regent of Scotland. His family held the Earldom of Moray and the Isle of Man.

Stenhouse

Surname Origin & Association: A habitational surname from the estate of Stenhouse in Stirlingshire.

Historical Context: The Bruce of Stenhouse line was a cadet branch of the royal Bruces, descended from Bruce of Airth. The family held lands under the Bruce chief and were titled Baronets of Stenhouse in the 17th century.

Leggat

(and Variants: Legate, Leggett) Surname Origin & Association: An occupational surname from Old French legat, meaning “legate” or “messenger.”

Historical Context: Leggat families held land and offices in Bruce territories. Their inclusion as a sept reflects historical loyalty and feudal association with Bruce lords.

Cowden

Surname Origin & Association: From the lands of Cowden, possibly meaning “hill of the cow.”

Historical Context: The Cowden family descends from Patrick Bruce of the Bruce of Airth line. This cadet branch became known as Bruce of Cowden and remained loyal to the chief.

References (APA Style)

Anderson, W. (1867). The Scottish Nation (Vol. I). Edinburgh: A. Fullarton & Co.

Clan Carruthers Society International. (2021). Bruce and Carruthers, the historic links. Retrieved from https://clancarrutherssociety.org

Falkirk Local History Society. (n.d.). Bruce of Stenhouse Family Notes. Retrieved from https://falkirklocalhistory.club

Grant, J. (1886). The Scottish Clans and Their Tartans. Edinburgh: Oliver & Boyd.

The Bruce Trust. (n.d.). Crosbie connections with Bruce. Retrieved from http://www.brucetrust.co.uk

Chisholm, H. (Ed.). (1911). Encyclopædia Britannica (11th ed., Vol. 17). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.