Septs of Clan Buchanan

Buchanan

Surname Origin & Association: The surname Buchanan originates from the lands of Buchanan in Stirlingshire, near Loch Lomond. The name likely derives from the Gaelic Mac a’ Chanonaich, meaning “son of the canon,” or possibly Buth Chanain, meaning “house of the canon.”

Historical Context: The Buchanan family received their lands from the Earls of Lennox in the 13th century. The clan’s founder, Anselan O Kyan, was a noble Irish exile who pledged loyalty to the Scottish crown. The family rose to prominence in the 14th century and were recognized as a major Highland clan.

MacAuslan (and Variant: MacAslan)

Surname Origin & Association: Derived from the Gaelic Mac Ausaláin, meaning “son of Absalon.”

Historical Context: MacAuslan was an early family in the Lennox district. The Buchanans are said to descend from a grant of lands given to a MacAuslan in the 13th century. The names MacAuslan and Buchanan were used interchangeably for generations.

Colman

Surname Origin & Association: Derived from the Gaelic personal name Colmán, meaning “little dove.”

Historical Context: The Colmans were ecclesiastical figures associated with the early Christian church in the region of Buchanan lands. Their descendants aligned with Clan Buchanan through shared territory and kinship.

Dewar

Surname Origin & Association: From Gaelic Deòradh, meaning “pilgrim” or “custodian of relics.”

Historical Context: Dewar families were custodians of religious relics and chapels. Some settled in areas controlled by the Buchanans and became associated with the clan.

MacKinlay (and Variants: MacKinley, McKinley)

Surname Origin & Association: From Gaelic Mac Fhionnlaigh, meaning “son of Finlay.”

Historical Context: This family was found on lands adjacent to Buchanan territory. They pledged loyalty to the Buchanan chiefs and became closely allied through service and protection.

MacMaurice (and Variant: MacMorris)

Surname Origin & Association: An Irish-derived surname meaning “son of Maurice.”

Historical Context: Families with this name settled in the Lennox district and swore allegiance to the Buchanan chiefs. They are listed in later records as vassals of the clan.

MacMillan

Surname Origin & Association: From Gaelic MacMhaolain, meaning “son of the bald one” or “tonsured one.”

Historical Context: A branch of the MacMillans became affiliated with the Buchanans after settling near Loch Lomond. They entered Buchanan service and were later recognized as a cadet family.

Ruskie

Surname Origin & Association: A territorial surname from the lands of Ruskie near Callander, on the border of Buchanan country.

Historical Context: The Ruskie family were minor lairds and Buchanan allies. They supported the Buchanan chief militarily and were counted as part of the clan’s extended kindred.

References (APA Style)

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

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

Clan Buchanan Society International. (n.d.). Clan Buchanan History & Septs. Retrieved from https://www.theclanbuchanan.com

ScotClans. (n.d.). Clan Buchanan Profile. Retrieved from https://www.scotclans.com