Bagtown Clans

All About Scottish Clans!

Septs of Clan Robertson (Clan Donnachaidh)


Collier (Colyear)

Surname Origin & Association: From a Gaelic nickname or possibly from the Barony of Colyear. A cadet branch of the Robertsons adopted this name.

Historical Context: A Robertson kinsman changed his name to Colyear after fleeing Atholl. His descendants remained loyal and are recognized as a Robertson sept.


Duncan (Donnachie, Duncanson, MacConachie)

Surname Origin & Association: From Gaelic Donnchadh, meaning “brown warrior.” Clan Donnachaidh takes its name from Donnchadh Reamhar.

Historical Context: Descendants of Donnchadh formed the core of the clan. Variants like Duncanson and Donnachie mark patronymic forms of the name.


Reid (Read, Reed, Roy)

Surname Origin & Association: A Scots nickname for someone with red hair or a ruddy complexion. Gaelic equivalent: Ruadh.

Historical Context: Reid families in Perthshire were Robertson followers. The name became a sept due to its common use among clan members.


Robertson (Roberts, MacRobert, Robison, Robson)

Surname Origin & Association: A patronymic from “Robert,” in honor of Robert Riabhach, 4th Chief.

Historical Context: Clan Donnachaidh adopted the name Robertson after Robert Riabhach captured the king’s murderers. Related names are included as variants.


MacGlashan (MacGlassen, MacGlash, Galashan, Gray)

Surname Origin & Association: From Gaelic Mac an Glasain, meaning “son of the grey lad.” A byname-turned-surname.

Historical Context: A Stewart cadet family adopted this name after a feud and aligned with Clan Robertson by the 1600s.


Inches

Surname Origin & Association: From the Barony of Inches in Inverness-shire. Gaelic innis, meaning “island” or “meadow.”

Historical Context: A Robertson cadet line took the surname Inches after settling in Inverness. They retained loyalty and raised local forces for the clan.


Kynoch (Kinnoch)

Surname Origin & Association: From the lands of Kynachan in Atholl. Possibly derived from Gaelic meaning “head of the field.”

Historical Context: Connected by marriage and landholding to Clan Robertson. The name became an alias for Robertson families post-1745.


MacInroy

Surname Origin & Association: From Gaelic Mac Iain Ruaidh, “son of Red John.”

Historical Context: Atholl families of this name followed Robertson chiefs. Their loyalty secured recognition as a clan sept.


MacIver (MacIvor)

Surname Origin & Association: From Gaelic Mac Ìomhair, meaning “son of Ivar.”

Historical Context: MacIver families moved into Atholl and aligned with Clan Donnachaidh through service and intermarriage.


MacLaggan (MacLagan)

Surname Origin & Association: From Gaelic Mac Lagan, possibly meaning “son of the hollow.”

Historical Context: Became a clan alias post-1745 in Rannoch. Families of this name remained loyal tenants of the chief.


Stark

Surname Origin & Association: From Scots for “strong.” Originated as an alias adopted by a Robertson cadet.

Historical Context: A Robertson kinsman changed his name after fleeing Atholl. His descendants in Fife became the Stark sept.


Dobbie (Dobbin, Dobson)

Surname Origin & Association: Pet forms of “Robert.” Dobb and Dobson mean “son of Dob (Robert).”

Historical Context: Used as a nickname for Robertsons in the Lowlands. Recognized due to shared ancestry and allegiance.

References (APA Style)

Adam, F., & Innes, T. (1934). The Clans, Septs and Regiments of the Scottish Highlands (Rev. ed.). Edinburgh: W. & A.K. Johnston.

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

Clan Donnachaidh Society. (n.d.). Clan Donnachaidh Names and Septs. Retrieved from https://www.donnachaidh.com

Fargo, J. E. (2024). Sept Name – MacGlashan. Clan Donnachaidh Society (Mid-Atlantic Branch).

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

HTML Snippets Powered By : XYZScripts.com