Septs of Clan Macpherson

Macpherson

Surname Origin & Association: From Gaelic Mac a’ Phearsain, meaning “son of the parson.” The central surname of the clan.

Historical Context: Descended from Muireach, the Parson of Kingussie. A leading clan of the Clan Chattan confederation.

Cattanach

Surname Origin & Association: From Gaelic Catanaich, meaning “of Clan Chattan.”

Historical Context: Derived from the original clan name. Used by those descended from early Clan Chattan figures.

Clark (Clarke, Clarkson, Clerk)

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

Historical Context: Families serving in clerical roles within Clan Macpherson territory. Recognized for their hereditary service.

Clunie (Cluny)

Surname Origin & Association: Taken from Cluny in Perthshire, a historic seat of the Macphersons.

Historical Context: Refers to Macphersons from the Cluny estate. Used as a territorial identifier.

Currie (Curry)

Surname Origin & Association: Anglicized from Gaelic MacMhuirich, meaning “son of Murdoch.”

Historical Context: Some families bearing this name in Badenoch were allied to or descended from Macpherson stock.

Ellis (Ellison)

Surname Origin & Association: From Hebrew Eliyahu, meaning “my God is Yahweh.”

Historical Context: Associated with Clan Macpherson in later records through migration and allegiance.

Gillespie (Gillies)

Surname Origin & Association: From Gaelic Mac Gille Easbuig, meaning “servant of the bishop.”

Historical Context: Families with this name often served the church and were historically aligned with Macpherson territory.

Gow (Gowan)

Surname Origin & Association: From Gaelic gobha, meaning “smith.”

Historical Context: Gow families in Badenoch served as blacksmiths to the clan. Recognized as a traditional service sept.

Keith

Surname Origin & Association: A territorial name from East Lothian. The MacKeith form is used in some branches.

Historical Context: Connected through intermarriage and shared history in the northeast. Some lines identified with Macpherson.

MacChlerich (MacChlery)

Surname Origin & Association: From Gaelic Mac a’ Chléirich, “son of the cleric.”

Historical Context: Associated with clerical service within Macpherson domains. Tied to the clan through professional roles.

MacCurrach

Surname Origin & Association: From Gaelic Mac Cuirc, “son of Currach.”

Historical Context: A Highland name appearing in areas under Macpherson influence. Recognized as a minor sept.

MacGowan

Surname Origin & Association: From Gaelic Mac a’ Ghobhainn, “son of the smith.”

Historical Context: Closely related to Gow families. Served traditional smithing roles in clan communities.

MacKeith

Surname Origin & Association: Means “son of Keith.” A Highland variant of the Keith surname.

Historical Context: Connected to Macpherson through regional presence and loyalty. Recognized in clan sept listings.

MacLees

Surname Origin & Association: Possibly from Gaelic Mac an Leis, meaning “son of the physician.”

Historical Context: Identified with Macpherson through service and local settlement. Included in modern sept lists.

References (APA Style)

Clan Macpherson Association. (n.d.). Associated Families. https://www.clan-macpherson.org

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

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

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