Septs of Clan Fraser
Abernethy (and Variants: Abernathy, Abernethie)
Surname Origin & Association: A territorial surname from the village of Abernethy in Perthshire, linked to Clan Fraser through marriage.
Historical Context: In the 17th century, the Frasers of Philorth inherited the Saltoun title via marriage with the Abernethy heiress. Descendants carried both names, making Abernethy a recognized sept.
Bisset (and Variant: Bissett)
Surname Origin & Association: Of Norman origin, the Bisset family held lands in Beauly, later acquired by the Frasers.
Historical Context: After the Bissets’ fall in the 13th century, their lands passed to the Frasers of Lovat, and Bisset families in the region aligned with Fraser leadership.
Brewster (and Gaelic Variants: MacGruer, MacGruder, Grewar, Gruar)
Surname Origin & Association: Occupational name meaning “brewer,” Brewster is the Anglicized form of Gaelic surnames linked to the Fraser region.
Historical Context: Families like MacGruer and Grewar lived in Fraser territory, and Brewster became their English surname. They supported the Frasers in both civil and clan roles.
Cowie
Surname Origin & Association: A territorial name from the lands of Cowie in Kincardineshire. Sir Alexander Fraser was granted these lands by Robert the Bruce.
Historical Context: Fraser lords of Cowie passed the name to followers in the northeast. Cowie families in the area became associated with the Frasers of Philorth.
Frew
Surname Origin & Association: From the fords of Frew in Perthshire. The name means “stream” and refers to a river crossing.
Historical Context: Frew was a key location used by Fraser forces in the 1745 Rising. Families from the region aligned with Fraser activity and were later recognized as a sept.
Frizell (and Variants: Frizzell, Frissell, Frisell)
Surname Origin & Association: An old spelling variant of Fraser, from medieval forms like Frisel and Fresel.
Historical Context: Frizell and its forms evolved from Fraser in documents. These names appeared in Ulster and North America, reflecting displaced Fraser lines.
MacTavish
Surname Origin & Association: From Mac Tamhais, “son of Thomas.” Though its own clan, some MacTavishes aligned with Fraser of Lovat.
Historical Context: MacTavish families in Stratherrick served the Fraser chiefs and were treated as part of the clan, especially during the 18th century.
Oliver
Surname Origin & Association: Of Norman origin, from the personal name Olivier. The name is tied to Oliver Castle, once a Fraser seat.
Historical Context: The Frasers held Oliver Castle in the Borders. Some local families took the name Oliver and remained Fraser allies after the chief line moved north.
Simpson
(and Variants: Simson, Sim, Sims, Syme, MacKimmie, MacSimon) Surname Origin & Association: A patronymic meaning “son of Simon,” from the Gaelic Mac Shimidh.
Historical Context: Fraser chiefs were often named Simon. Clansmen used Simpson and related names to show kinship. This remains the most common Fraser sept.
Tweedie
(and Variants: Tweedy, Tweedale, Twaddle) Surname Origin & Association: From the River Tweed region. Tweedie families lived near early Fraser holdings.
Historical Context: Marriage or feudal bonds tied Tweedies to the Frasers in Tweeddale. After the Tweedies declined, their descendants aligned with Fraser society.
Gilruth
Surname Origin & Association: From Gaelic Mac Gille Ruaidh, “son of the red-haired lad.”
Historical Context: Gilruth families in Fraser land likely served as retainers. Though small in number, they were counted among Fraser followers and are a recognized sept.
References (APA Style)
Black, G. F. (1946). The Surnames of Scotland: Their Origin, Meaning, and History. New York: The New York Public Library.
Clan Fraser Society of Scotland & the U.K. (n.d.). Septs. Retrieved from fraserclan.net
Clan Fraser Society of North America. (n.d.). Sept Names of Clan Fraser. CFSNA Membership Guide.
ScotClans. (n.d.). Clan Abernethy. Retrieved from ScotClans.com
Way, G., & Squire, R. (1994). Collins Scottish Clan & Family Encyclopedia. Glasgow: HarperCollins.