Septs of Clan Chattan

Mackintosh

Surname Origin & Association: From Gaelic Mac an Tòisich, meaning “son of the chief.” The Mackintosh family became hereditary leaders of Clan Chattan.

Historical Context: In 1291, Angus Mackintosh married Eva of Clan Chattan, becoming its 7th chief. The Mackintosh line led the confederation for centuries.

Macpherson

Surname Origin & Association: From Gaelic Mac a’ Phearsain, “son of the parson.” The Macphersons descend from Muireach, parson of Kingussie.

Historical Context: An original blood clan of Clan Chattan, the Macphersons joined the confederation and played key roles in its history, often contesting leadership.

MacBean

Surname Origin & Association: From Gaelic MacBheathain, “son of Beathán.” The name signifies “lively one.”

Historical Context: Joined Clan Chattan in the 13th century. MacBeans fought in key battles and supported Mackintosh chiefs over generations.

MacPhail

Surname Origin & Association: From Gaelic Mac Phàil, “son of Paul.” Related to early Clan Chattan stock.

Historical Context: The MacPhails moved with Clan Chattan from Lochaber to Badenoch in the 13th century. Some remained in the west and joined other clans.

Davidson

Surname Origin & Association: A patronymic surname meaning “son of David.” Known in Gaelic as Clann Dhai.

Historical Context: Joined Clan Chattan after the fall of the Comyns. Took part in key clan battles including North Inch and Invernahavon.

Farquharson

Surname Origin & Association: From Gaelic MacFhearchair, “son of Farquhar.” Descended from the Shaws of Rothiemurchus.

Historical Context: The Farquharsons signed the Clan Chattan Band in 1595. Colonel Anne Farquharson raised the clan in the 1745 Rising.

MacGillivray

Surname Origin & Association: From Gaelic Mac Gille Bràth, possibly “servant of judgment.”

Historical Context: Joined Clan Chattan after migrating from the west in the 13th century. Their chief died leading Clan Chattan at Culloden.

MacQueen

Surname Origin & Association: From Gaelic Mac Shuibhne, “son of Suibhne (Sweyn).” Known as Clan Revan.

Historical Context: Settled in Strathdearn in the 15th century. Formally aligned with Clan Chattan by the 1609 bond.

Shaw

Surname Origin & Association: Derived from the personal name Sitheach, meaning “wolf.”

Historical Context: The Shaws descend from the Mackintosh line and led the Clan Chattan champions at the North Inch battle in 1396.

MacThomas

Surname Origin & Association: From Gaelic Mac Thòmais, “son of Thomas.” Founded by Tomaidh Mòr, a Mackintosh descendant.

Historical Context: Became a separate clan in Glenshee in the 15th century. Later reaffirmed historic Clan Chattan ties.

Maclean of Dochgarroch

Surname Origin & Association: From Gaelic Mac Gille Eathain, “son of the servant of John.” A cadet branch of the Macleans of Lochbuie.

Historical Context: Joined Clan Chattan in the early 15th century through marriage and alliance with Mackintosh of Mackintosh.

MacIntyre (of Badenoch)

Surname Origin & Association: From Gaelic Mac an t-Saoir, “son of the carpenter.”

Historical Context: Joined Clan Chattan in the 15th century. Served as bards and fought in the 1715 Jacobite Rising.

Cattanach

Surname Origin & Association: From Gaelic Catanaich, meaning “of the Cattan.”

Historical Context: Directly descended from the original Clan Chattan line. The surname preserves the clan’s name.

Smith (Gow)

Surname Origin & Association: An occupational surname for blacksmiths. Gow is the Gaelic equivalent.

Historical Context: Descended from Henry Wynd, who fought at North Inch in 1396. Became a service sept of Clan Chattan.

Clark

Surname Origin & Association: From Latin clericus, meaning “clerk” or “scholar.” In Gaelic, Mac a’ Chléirich.

Historical Context: Clerks and churchmen serving Clan Chattan adopted this name. Recognized as a service sept.

MacAndrew

Surname Origin & Association: From Gaelic Mac Aindrea, “son of Andrew.” Also rendered as Anderson.

Historical Context: Joined Clan Chattan in the 15th century. Known as Clan Andrish, they followed Mackintosh leadership.

Tarril

Surname Origin & Association: A small clan with unclear Gaelic roots. Possibly from a personal name.

Historical Context: Settled in Petty under Mackintosh in the late 14th century. Wiped out defending clan lands in 1407.

References (APA Style)

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

Clan Chattan Association. (n.d.). Clan Histories. https://clanchattan.org.uk

McBain of McBain. (n.d.). History of Clan McBain-MacBean. https://mcbainofmcbain.com

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

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