Septs of Clan Douglas

Agnew

Surname Origin & Association: Agnew is a surname of Norman origin from the Barony of Agneaux in Normandy. It became prominent in Galloway and aligned with the Douglases.

Historical Context: Andrew Agnew became Constable of Lochnaw Castle in 1426 under Douglas influence. The family rose through Douglas support and remained loyal allies in Galloway.

Bell

Surname Origin & Association: Bell is a Border surname possibly from a descriptive nickname. The Bells were part of the riding clans allied with the Douglases.

Historical Context: In 1426, William Bell received lands from the Earl of Douglas. The Bells fought with the Douglases during the Border conflicts and are now a recognized sept.

Blackadder

Surname Origin & Association: Blackadder is a territorial name from lands along the Blackadder Water in Berwickshire.

Historical Context: The Blackadders supported the Red Douglases. Robert Blackadder married a Douglas daughter and died at Flodden alongside Douglas kinsmen.

Carmichael

Surname Origin & Association: Carmichael is a territorial surname from Lanarkshire. The lands were Douglas territory granted to loyal followers.

Historical Context: Sir John de Carmichael fought under Douglas leadership. The family received land charters from Douglas lords and remains a traditional ally.

Carruthers

Surname Origin & Association: Carruthers comes from lands in Dumfriesshire. While linked to Clan Bruce, they also served the Douglases.

Historical Context: In 1446, John Carruthers became keeper of Lochmaben Castle under Douglas rule. Carruthers lands passed to a Douglas heir through marriage.

Dalzell

Surname Origin & Association: Dalzell is a Lowland surname from Lanarkshire, meaning “white valley.”

Historical Context: The Dalzells allied with Douglas through marriage and feudal service. Sir William Dalzell fought at Otterburn under Douglas leadership.

Dickson

Surname Origin & Association: Dickson means “son of Dick (Richard).” It likely stems from a Douglas-Keith connection.

Historical Context: Thomas Dickson helped Sir James Douglas recapture Douglas Castle in 1307. Dicksons remained loyal retainers in Douglas campaigns.

Pringle

Surname Origin & Association: Pringle is a territorial name from Hoppringill in Berwickshire.

Historical Context: The Pringles of Whitsome served as squires to Douglas lords. They fought at Otterburn and received land grants from the Earls of Douglas.

Rutherford

Surname Origin & Association: Rutherford is a territorial name from Roxburghshire. The family served as Douglas squires.

Historical Context: Robert Rutherford was granted Chatto lands by the 4th Earl of Douglas. The family fought in Douglas campaigns and lost patronage after Douglas forfeiture.

Sandilands

Surname Origin & Association: Sandilands is from an estate in Clydesdale. The family rose through a Douglas-Bruce marriage.

Historical Context: James Sandilands married Eleanor Douglas and received baronies from Douglas lords. The family became heirs-general of the Douglas line.

Weir

Surname Origin & Association: Weir is a Norman-derived surname from the de Vere family. The Weirs of Blackwood were close to Douglas strongholds.

Historical Context: In 1547, Thomas Weir of Blackwood pledged loyalty to the 6th Earl of Angus. The Weirs served as Douglas tenants and retainers in Lanarkshire.

References (APA Style)

Clan Douglas Society of North America. (2012). Douglas Septs & Allied Families – Historical Guide. https://www.clan-douglas-society.org/

Edington, H. (2011). Septs of Clan Douglas. Clan Douglas Society of North America.

The Douglas Archives. (n.d.). Pringle of Whitsome – Douglases and Pringles. http://www.douglashistory.co.uk

ScotClans. (n.d.). Clan Douglas Profile. https://www.scotclans.com

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