How many Scottish clans are there?
With a history dating back over a thousand years, Scottish clans are a rich part of the country's cultural heritage. Clans have played an important role in shaping Scottish history and continue to be an important part of the country's cultural identity to this day.
Find out about histories, family crest & coats of arms of over 400 Clans.
So, how many Scottish clans do you think there are today? There is no single simple answer because there are numerous ways to define a Scottish clan. According to some sources, there are over 1,000 different clan names associated with Scotland, while others believe there are closer to 200 distinct clans.
The Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs, which lists around 140 distinct clans, is one of the most widely recognized sources of information on Scottish clans. This organization was founded in 1951 and is comprised of representatives from Scotland's recognized clans. Even within that category, there are distinctions, such as 'armigerous' clans with a recognized Chief and non-armigerous clans with no such claim.
Most clans also have lists of 'Septs,' which are ancestral families who once shared lands or swore allegiance and thus retain a generally recognized right to wear clan insignia such as tartans and crests to this day. Even if you have no known clan ancestors, tracing your ancestors to an area is generally a reliable way to establish your historic clan.
Many clans in Scotland can trace their ancestors back to the medieval period, when the country was divided into kingdoms and territories. These territories became associated with specific families over time, who adopted the name of the territory as their own.
The Clan MacDuff, which can be traced back to the 11th century, is one of the earliest recorded examples of a Scottish clan. Meanwhile, the Clan MacLeod is said to have originated in the 12th century.
Clans such as Clan Campbell, Clan Stewart, Clan MacGregor, and Clan Robertson are also well-known in Scotland. These clans, along with many others, helped shape Scotland's history by fighting in battles and wars and establishing the country's independence.
Despite the decline of the clans in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, many Scottish clans thrive today. Many clans have formed societies and organizations to help preserve their cultural heritage and promote their distinct history and traditions.
Read more: Everything You Need to Know about Scottish Clans
Do Scottish Clans Still Exist?
Yes, Scottish clans still exist in the twenty-first century. Although the historic clan system of politics is no longer in effect, the bonds and connections between clansmen remain. A clan is still a legally recognized group in Scotland, with an official clan chief. The Court of the Lord Lyon registers Scotland's official clans. Scotland currently has approximately 267 official clans. Do you want to reunite with members of your clan? Attend the annual Clan Gathering in Edinburgh. Visitors come from all over the world to see the parade of proud clans marching down Edinburgh's Royal Mile.
See more: Tartan vs Plaid: What's The Difference Between Tartan and Plaid?
Do Clan Chiefs Still Have Any Power?
No, clan chiefs no longer wield the same level of power they once did. Historically, clan chiefs served as protectors, judges, and leaders for the people of their respective areas. They wielded considerable power, particularly in the Scottish Highlands, where the Scottish monarch's influence was felt less strongly. Although there are still clan chiefs today, they lack the historic powers. They do, however, have the distinction of being the only people legally permitted to use their clan's official Seal of Arms.
Scottish Clan Tartans
Wearing clan tartans is one way people still show their pride in their Scottish clan today. Clan tartans arose as a result of local weavers producing slightly different patterns in the cloth. It became possible to distinguish distinct communities based on the pattern of the cloth they wore. The system of clan tartans was formally established during the Victorian era. Clan tartans, like Scottish clans, are still in existence today. Don't worry if you don't have a clan or prefer the tartan of another clan. Wearing the tartan of another clan is considered a sign of respect. Find Your Tartan on ScotsTee
See more: What is a Scottish Clan?
The meanings and origins of the ten most common Scottish surnames
There are some surnames that instantly make you think of Scotland, whether it be MacDonald, Campbell, or Fraser.
However, just because certain names are associated with the country does not mean they are the most common here. Every surname tells a story, and all of the names that you come across in Scotland have a unique history.
The National Records of Scotland provides the most up-to-date information about the surnames that occur most often in Scotland's registers of births, marriages, and deaths for various years back to 1975.
The data may not represent the surnames of the population of Scotland as a whole, as it includes the surnames of non-residents who were born, married, or died in the country. Likewise, the data excludes the surnames of residents who were born, married, or died elsewhere.
Nonetheless, the information provides an interesting insight into some of the most commonly occurring last names in the country.
Continue reading for a comprehensive roundup of the 10 most common surnames in Scotland, according to the National Records of Scotland, as well as their origins. The complete list can be found on the National Records of Scotland website.
1. Smith
With 2,719 occurrences, Smith is by far the most common surname in Scotland according to the National Records of Scotland. It is among the most popular names across the entire English-speaking world, so it is unsurprising to see it so commonly here.
It originated in Scotland, England, and Ireland and refers to the historical occupation of smithing. In times gone by, smithing was a very important role, and there would have been a metalworker in every settlement, explaining its prominence.
Having been derived from Scotland, England, and Ireland, the surname Smith holds significant prevalence with 2,719 instances in Scotland alone, as documented by the National Records of Scotland. It stands as an exceptionally widespread name across the vast expanse of the English-speaking world, rendering its ubiquity within Scotland unsurprising.
The etymology of Smith can be traced back to its association with the historical craft of smithing, which encompassed metalworking. In bygone eras, the role of a smith held immense significance, warranting the presence of a skilled metalworker in every settlement. Such prevalence and historical context solidify the prominence of the surname Smith within Scotland's cultural tapestry.
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2. Brown
In second place with 1,970 occurrences is Brown, which, like Smith, originates in Scotland, England, and Ireland. The descriptive name was originally used to refer to somebody who has brown hair or brown eyes or frequently dresses in brown.
Securing the second position with a tally of 1,970 instances, Brown asserts its presence as a notable surname. Similar to Smith, its roots can be traced back to Scotland, England, and Ireland. This descriptive name finds its origins in the traits of individuals with brown hair, brown eyes, or a penchant for donning brown attire.
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3. Wilson
With 1,886 people recorded with the surname Wilson, it ranks as the third most popular in Scotland. Its origins lie with the Viking settlers who arrived in Scotland in medieval times.
It derives from "son of Will," a contraction of William, and is popular both in Scotland and England.
Claiming the esteemed position of the third most popular surname in Scotland, Wilson boasts a count of 1,886 individuals. Its roots can be traced back to the arrival of Viking settlers during medieval times, as they made their mark on the land.
Wilson finds its etymological origins in the phrase "son of Will," which serves as a contracted form of the name William. Remarkably, this name garners popularity not only within the borders of Scotland but also resonates across the expanse of England.
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4. Robertson
In fourth place is Robertson, with 1,796 occurrences according to the National Records of Scotland. Although it originated in both Scotland and northern England, it is particularly common in the former.
Like with Wilson, it derives from "son of Robert". Robert was the name of three kings of Scotland, including Robert the Bruce.
Securing its position in fourth place, Robertson stands tall with a total of 1,796 recorded instances, as reported by the National Records of Scotland. While its origins can be traced to both Scotland and northern England, it finds remarkable prevalence within the boundaries of the former.
Much akin to the ancestral link found in Wilson, the surname Robertson derives from the phrase "son of Robert." Notably, Robert holds significant historical weight, as it was bestowed upon three kings of Scotland, one of whom was the illustrious Robert the Bruce. Such regal association lends further intrigue to the rich tapestry of this surname's lineage.
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5. Campbell
Campbell, with 1,749 recorded occurrences, originates from the Scots Gaelic "caimbeul", made up of "cam" — translating to crooked or distorted — and "beul", referring to mouth.
Clan Campbell is one of the most famous and historically most powerful Highland clans, based in Argyll.
Hailing with a tally of 1,749 recorded instances, Campbell finds its origin in the Scots Gaelic term "caimbeul." This term comprises two components, namely "cam," signifying crooked or distorted, and "beul," which references the mouth.
Notably, Clan Campbell stands as one of the most renowned and historically influential Highland clans. Boasting a stronghold in the scenic region of Argyll, this clan has left an indelible mark on the pages of history.
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6. Stewart
According to the National Records of Scotland, there are 1,675 people with the surname Stewart in Scotland. The name is Scottish in origin and derives from the Gaelic 'Stiùbhart', meaning steward.
Based on information obtained from the National Records of Scotland, it is recorded that a total of 1,675 individuals bear the surname Stewart within the Scottish territory. This name, rooted in Scottish heritage, can be traced back to its Gaelic counterpart 'Stiùbhart', which holds the meaning of steward.
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7. Thomson
In seventh place with 1,658 occurrences is Thomson. Like with Wilson and Robertson, it is a patronymic surname referring to "son of Thom"—short for Thomas.
Securing its position in the seventh spot, Thomson stands with a total of 1,658 recorded instances. Similar to the surnames Wilson and Robertson, Thomson follows the patronymic naming tradition, indicating "son of Thom." This Thom is a diminutive form used as a shorthand for the name Thomas.
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8. Anderson
Anderson is the eighth most common surname in Scotland, as documented by the National Records of Scotland. In accordance with the aforementioned records, it is established that the surname originates from the patronymic phrase "Son of Ander/Andrew," wherein "Ander/Andrew" signifies the profound essence of "man" or "manly."
The significant frequency of the surname within Scotland can be attributed to the patronage of Saint Andrew, who holds the esteemed position of the country's patron saint.
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9. Scott
In the ninth position, we find Scott, with a total of 1,194 instances. As the name implies, it pertains to an individual who hails from Scotland or possesses proficiency in the Gaelic language.
Clan Scott, tracing its ancestry back to Uchtredus filius Scoti, stands as one of the formidable Riding clans within the Scottish borders. Notable Scott properties include the esteemed Abbotsford House in close proximity to Galashiels and the splendid Dalkeith Palace.
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10. MacDonald
Concluding the list of the top 10 surnames, we have MacDonald, recording a total of 1,146 instances. Considering its strong connection to Scotland, it might have been anticipated by many to hold a higher rank.
The origin of MacDonald can be traced back to the phrase "children of Donald," wherein Donald signifies the captivating meaning of "world ruler." Donald represents yet another prominent Scottish clan, renowned for its extensive land holdings in the western highlands and the Hebrides.
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