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.