The Names and Families of Clan Donald
For membership in Clan Donald, your family’s origin should align with the specified territory. All names must have a connection to Clan Donald through birth, marriage, or legal adoption.
A
Abrach From Lochaber or GlenCoe (From the Gaelic: ‘Belonging to Lochaber’.)
Addison From Islay
Alcock Originally MacAllan – from the West Highlands & Islands
Alexander From Alasdair (First adopted by the Menstric line of MacAlasdair. A few of this line are of Glengarry.)
Allan/Allen Originally MacAllan – from the West Highlands & Islands
Allanson/Allison From the West Highlands & Islands
Ambrose From Islay & Kintyre
Anderson From Islay
Arnot From Islay & Kintyre
B
Balloch From the West Highlands & Islands or Antrim
Baxter Originally MacBaxter – from Islay& Kintyre
Beaton From the West Highlands & Islands
Bethune From Skye
Bisset From Antrim or the West Highlands & Islands
Blue From Islay, Kintyre or Arran
Bowie From Islay, Kintyre or Jura
Boyd From North Uist
Boyle From Antrim, Skye or Lochaber
Bradley Originally O’Brolachain – from Islay & Kintyre
Brady Originally O’Brolachain – from Islay & Kintyre
Brodie Originally O’Brolachain – from Islay & Kintyre
Brown (23) Originally MacBrehon – from Islay & Kintyre
Budge From Skye or Caithness (Clan Donald Budges derive from the MacDonalds on Skye who fled to Caithness and changed their names.)
Buie (Bowie) From Islay, Kintyre or Jura
Bulloch From the West Highlands & Islands or Antrim
Burke From Antrim, Skye or Lochaber (Clan Donald Burkes are from the Irish-Norman de Burca.Originally from Antrim to Clan Donald South, then to Skye, Clan Donald North and Keppoch; others to Uist, Benbecula, Clanranald.)
C
Cain Originally MacCain – from the West Highlands & Islands, Ardnamurchan or Lochaber
Calbraith Originally Galbraith – from Islay, Kintyre or Gigha
Callan Originally MacAllan – from the West Highlands & Islands
Cambridge originally MacCambridge – from Islay & Kintyre
Canochson From Islay, Kintyre or Antrim. (Clan Donald Canochsons derive from the Gaelic
Cathonoch “Son of Cathanach”. Clan Donald SOUTH)
Carmichael Originally MacIllimhicall – from the West Highlands & Islands
Carroon From the West Highlands & Islands, Kintyre or Antrim (Clan Donald Carroons derive from Loch Carron in Lochalsh. Adopted by a GLENGARRY family.)
Chambers originally MacCambridge – from Islay & Kintyre
Clark/Clerk From Islay or Kintyre
Cochran From the West Highlands & Islands
Colson From the West Highlands & Islands
Cone From the West Highlands & Islands or Antrim
Conlay Originally MacLae – from Islay or Kintyre
Conn From the West Highlands & Islands or Antrim (Clan Donald Conns derive from the traditional name of Clan Donald – Siol Cuinn – “The Seed of Conn” of the 100 Battles. Found in Islay, Kintyre, Antrim, Clan Donald SOUTH.)
Connell Originally been a MacConnell (O’Connell is NOT related.)
Connely Originally MacDonleavy – from Islay or Kintyre
Cook originally MacCook – from Islay, Kintyre or Arran
Coppock From Lochaber
Cowan Originally MacCowan – from Glengarry, Islay or Kintyre
Cromb Originally MacCrum – from Islay
Crum Originally MacCrum – from Islay
Cunningham Originally MacCowan – from Glengarry, Islay or Kintyre
Currie /Curry Originally MacMhuirich or MacGorrie
D
Daniel Originally MacDaniel – from West Highlands & Islands or Antrim
Darroch From Islay, Kintyre or Jura
Dennison From Islay or Kintyre
Donald/ Donaldson Originally MacDonald
Donnell Originally MacDonnell (O’Donnell is not related.)
Drain From Kintyre
Dunsleve From Islay or Kintyre
E
Ellison Originally MacAllan – from the West Highlands & Islands
F
Fletcher Originally MacLeister – from Islay or Kintyre
Forrestor/Foster From Islay or Kintyre (Clan Donald Foresters’ derive from the Office of “Forest Keeper” for Clan on Islay & Kintyre. Clan Donald SOUTH.)
G
Galbraith From Islay, Kintyre, Colonsay or Gigha
Galt From West Highlands & Islands (Clan Donald Galts derive from the Old Gaelic meaning “Stranger”. Found on Islay Clan Donald SOUTH.)
Gilbride Originally been a MacIlbride – from the West Highlands & Islands or Antrim
Gill Originally MacGill or MacGillis – from the West Highlands & Islands
Gililan Originally MacLellan – from the West Highlands & Islands, particularly Morar or Moidart
Gillis From West Highlands & Islands, particularly Morar
Glashan Originally MacGlashan – from Islay, Kintyre or N. Uist
Glass Originally MacGlashan – from Islay, Kintyre or N. Uist
Godfrey Originally MacGorrie – from S. Uist, Benbecula or N. Uist
Gowan Originally MacGowan – from the West Highlands & Islands
Gray Originally MacGlashan – from Islay, Kintyre or N. Uist
Greenfield From Glengarry or Caithness (Clan Donald Greenfields derive from a farm in Glengarry whose MacDonells, upon migrating to Caithness, took the name of their Greenfield homelands.)
H
Hattan Originally MacHatton – from Kintyre
Hawthorn From Kintyre
Henderson From Lochaber/Glencoe
Hendry From Lochaber/Glencoe
Henry From Lochaber/Glencoe
Herron Originally MacIlheran – from Kintyre, Arron or Bute
Hewison Originally MacHewison/MacUisdean – from Skye
Houston Originally MacHouston/MacUisdean – from Skye
Howe Originally MacHowison/MacUisdean – from Skye
Howie Originally MacHowison/MacUisdean – from Skye
Howison Originally MacHowison/MacUisdean – from Skye
Huchon Originally MacHuthen/MacUisdean – from Skye
Huchonson Originally MacHuthen/MacUisdean – from Skye
Hudson Originally MacHudson/MacUisdean – from Skye
Hughson Originally MacHughson/MacUisdean – from Skye
Huie Originally MacHuieson/MacUisdean – from Skye
Huston Originally MacHuston/MacUisdean – from Skye
Hutchin Originally MacHutchin/MacUisdean – from Skye
Hutchinson Originally MacHutchin/MacUisdean – from Skye
Hutchison Originally MacHutchin/MacUisdean – from Skye
I
Isaacson Originally MacIsaac – from Moidart, N. or S. Uist, Islay or Kintyre
Isles From the West Highlands & Islands or Antrim
J
Jeffrey Originally MacGorrie – from S. Uist, Benbecula or N. Uist
Johnson From the West Highlands & Islands, particularly Ardnamurchan or Lochaber/Glencoe
K
Kane Originally O’Cahan – from Antrim or Kintyre
Kean/Kain Originally MacKean – from Ardnamurchan or Lochaber/Glencoe
Keegan Originally Mackiegan – from N. Uist
Kelly Originally MacKelly/MacKelloch – from the West Highlands & Islands
Kendrick Originally MacKendrick – from Lochaber/Glencoe
Kennedy From Glengarry or Lochaber
Kerigan Originally MacKerigan – from Islay or Kintyre
Kessock Originally MacKessock – from Moidart, N. or S. Uist, Islay or Kintyre
Killough From Lochaber or Kintyre
Kinnel Originally MacKinnell – from the West Highlands & Islands
l
Lang Originally O’Loynachan – from Islay or Kintyre
Leach From the West Highlands & Islands or Antrim
Livingston From the West Highlands & Islands or Islay or Kintyre
Lynn From S. Uist or Benbecula (Clan Donald Lynns derive from the Gaelic O’Fhloinn or O’Loinn – “Descendant of Flynn”. Several of this name, along with some Burkes, to Uist & Benbecula – CLANRANALD, in the train of Fionnsgoth Burke, bride of Ranald Mor, 1st of Benbecula.)
MacA
MacAichan a form of MacEachan
MacAlasdair/MacAlexander/MacAllister Senior Branch of Clan Donald – original lands in Kintyre (Derived from: Gaelic MacAlasdair – “Son of Alexander”. From Alasdair Mor, 2nd son of Donald, grandson of Somerled.)
MacAllan From the West Highlands & Islands
MacAlonie From Islay (Clan Donald MacAlonies derive from the Gaelic MacGille OnFhaidh “son of the servant of the storm”. Islay – SOUTH.)
MacAmbrose From Islay or Kintyre
MacArthur From Islay or Skye (Armours to Clan Donald SOUTH on Islay, and pipers to Clan Donald NORTH on Skye.)
MacB
MacBaxter From Islay or Kintyre (Clan Donald MacBaxters derive from the Gaelic MacFuineadair “son of the baker”. Islay & Kintyre. Clan Donald SOUTH.)
MacBeth From the West Highlands & Islands (From Antrim in train of Agnes O’Cahan, bride of Angus Og. Became doctors to the Lords of the Isles. Throughout the West Highland & Islands, can be of Clan Donald NORTH or SOUTH. Many Beatons from KEPPOCH.)
MacBodach From N. Uist (Derived from the Gaelic Mac a’Bhodaich – “son of the Bute lad”. From John, son of Donald of Kingsburgh, who was known as Iain Bodach from being fostered on Bute. Found on North Uist – Clan Donald NORTH.)
MacBrayne From Islay or Kintyre
MacBrehon From Islay or Kintyre (Clan Donald MacBrehons derive from the Gaelic Maca’Bhriuthainn – “son of the judge”. From office of judge-brehon under the Lords of the Isles. Found on Islay & Kintyre. Clan Donald SOUTH.)
MacBreif From Islay or Kintyre
MacBretine From Islay or Kintyre (Derives from the Gaelic Mac a’Bhreatnaich – “son of the Briton” or “Welshman”. Celtic incomers to Islay, Kintyre, Colonsay, Gigha – Clan Donald SOUTH. Galbraith derivation is Gall – “stranger” plus Bhreatnaich – “Briton”.)
MacBride/MacBryde From the West Highlands & Islands or Antrim
MacBrion From Islay or Kintyre
MacBrolachan From Islay or Kintyre
MacBurie A form of MacMhuirich.
MacC
MacCaffer From Islay (Derived from the Gaelic MacCathbharra – “son of the helmet”. armourbearers to the Lords of the Isles. Found on Islay – Clan Donald SOUTH.)
MacCaig From Islay or Kintyre (Clan Donald MacCaigs derive from the Gaelic MacThaoig – “son of the poet” or “philosopher.” Islay & Kintyre – Clan Donald SOUTH.)
MacCain A form of MacIan
MacCairlie From Islay – a form of MacCarlich
MacCaldret From Islay (Derived from the Gaelic __________________. Clan Donald SOUTH.)
MacCaleb From Islay (Derived from the Gaelic __________________. Clan Donald SOUTH.)
MacCall Same as MacColl, though a few may be MacGills.
MacCallan A form of MacAllan
MacCallister A form of MacAlasdair
MacCalman From Kintyre (Clan Donald MacCalmans derive from the Gaelic MacCalma’in – “son of Calman”. From Kintyre – Clan Donald SOUTH.)
MacCambridge From Islay or Kintyre (Derived from the Gaelic MacAmbro’is – “son of Ambrose”. Clan Donald SOUTH.)
MacCannel A variant of MacConnell dating from the 17th century, now rare. From Islay, Jura, Colonsay and Kintyre (Clan Donald South — Clainn Iain Mhor.)
MacCarlich From Islay (Derived from the Gaelic MacThearlaich – “son of Charles”. Clan Donald SOUTH.)
MacCarrol A form of MacKerral.
MacCarron A form of Carroon if from Lochalsh, or of MacIlheran if from Kintyre, Arran or Bute
MacCarter A form of MacArthur.
MacCash From Islay (Clan Donald MacCashes derive from: Gaelic MacTa’mhais – “son of Thomas”. From Islay – Clan Donald SOUTH.)
MacCathail From Kintyre (Derived from the Gaelic MacCathail – “son of Cathal”. Clan Donald SOUTH.)
MacCavor From Islay or Kintyre (Derived from the Gaelic __________________. Clan Donald SOUTH.)
MacCellach From the West Highlands & Islands (Derived from the Gaelic MacCellaigh – “son of the warlike one”. The original Ceallach is by tradition related to the 4th cen. Colla Uais from whom the old name of Clan Donald – Clan Cholla. From Scottish Dalraida – Southern Hebrides. They allied themselves not only with Clan Donald SOUTH & CLANRANALD, but spread to Skye – NORTH, and KEPPOCH.)
MacChanney From Islay or Kintyre (Derived from the Gaelic Maca’Chananaigh – son of the cannon”. Clan Donald SOUTH.)
MacCleary From Islay or Kintyre
MacCleireach From Islay or Kintyre (Clan Donald MacCleireachs derive from the Gaelic Maca’chlerich – “son of the clerk”. Clan Donald SOUTH)
MacClellan From the West Highlands & Islands
MacCluskey From Antrim, Islay or Kintyre.
MacCochran A form of MacEachern.
MacCodrum From N. Uist (Derived from the Gaelic MacCodrum – “son of the good/god serpent”. Clan Donald NORTH.)
MacCohenane From Islay or Kintyre (Derived from the Gaelic _______________, – Clan Donald SOUTH.)
MacColl Of original Clan Donald blood. (Clan Donald MacColls derive from: Gaelic MacColla – “son of Coll”. Original Clan Donald by blood and alliance. From early Clan Donald name – Clan Cholla. In US most now are MacCalls. Throughout the West Highlands & Islands, Clan Donald NORTH or SOUTH.)
MacConacher From Islay (Clan Donald MacConachers derive from the Gaelic ____________________. – Clan Donald SOUTH.)
MacConlea From Islay or Kintyre
MacConn From Islay, Kintyre or Antrim
MacConnell Same as MacDonald/MacDonnell (Very common form among Islay-Kintyre refugees to Ayrshire & Galloway and then to the Ulster Scot Plantations.)
MacCook From Islay, Kintyre or Arran (MacCooks derive from the Gaelic MacDhabhuc – “son of David”. – Clan Donald SOUTH.)
MacCorie From Antrim, Islay or Kintyre
MacCormick From the West Highlands & Islands (Clan Donald MacCormacks derive from the Gaelic
MacCormaig – “son of Cormac”. Missionaries from Ireland to S. Uist – early 18th century CLANRANALD. Spread to N. Uist – NORTH and Southern Hebrides – SOUTH.)
MacCorran From Islay or Colonsay (Derived from the Gaelic MacGille Odhrain – “son of the servant of St. Odhran”. – Clan Donald SOUTH.)
MacCosham From Islay or Skye (Derived from the Gaelic MacCo’iseam – “son of Ossian”.)
MacCotter From Skye (Derived from the Gaelic MacOtir – “son of Ottar”. – Clan Donald NORTH.)
MacCowan From Glengarry, Islay or Kintyre
MacCoy Originally MacKay of Islay – from Islay, Kintyre or Antrim
MacCrain From Islay or Jura (Derived from the Gaelic MacCrain – “son of the boar”. – Clan Donald SOUTH.)
MacCrindle From Lochaber, Islay or Kintyre
MacCrory From the West Highlands & Islands or Antrim
MacCrum From Islay
MacCuaig From Islay (Clan Donald MacCuaigs derive from the Gaelic MacCuaich – “son of the drinking cup”. Hereditary cupbearers to the Lords of the Isles. Clan Donald SOUTH.)
MacCuish From N. Uist or Skye (Clan Donald MacCuishes derive from the Gaelic MacDubhsidh – “son of the black one of peace”. Originally MacDuffies who came to N. Uist & Skye – Clan Donald NORTH.)
MacCuithein From Skye, Benbecula or S. Uist (Derived from Clann ic Cuithein on Skye. MacQueens of Benbecula & S. Uist – CLANRANALD, are originally Skye MacCuitheins – Clan Donald NORTH, and not Skye MacQueens. MacKeithan is the usual American spelling.)
MacCulloch From the West Highlands & Islands or Antrim
MacCumbray From Islay or Kintyre (Derived from the Gaelic MacCuimrid – “son of Montgomery”. – Clan Donald SOUTH.)
MacCurry Most are originally MacMhuirichs, while a few are MacGirroes
MacCutchen From Skye
MacCuthan From Skye (Derived from Clann ‘ic Cuthain on Skye – Clan Donald NORTH.)
MacD
MacDaniel Another form of MacDonald, mainly found in the American South, where the two names were almost completely interchangeable.
MacDonald Derived from the Gaelic MacDomhnuill – “son of Donald (world ruler)”. Angus Mor
MacDonald, son of Donald MacRanald MacSomerled, was first of the name. Originally the title of the Lords of the Isles, in the 16th cen. it started being used as a last name by those who could claim to be a “son of Donald”. The MacDonnell & MacConnell spellings are mostly found in Clan Donald SOUTH, while MacDonell is mainly GLENGARRY, but more anciently KEPPOCH. The MacDaniel derivations are not territorial but are simply due to “free” spelling by clerks, census takers, ships captains, etc., particularly in the American South. There is absolutely no difference in Mac, Mc or even M’, and any of these spellings, even with a big D or a little d, may be found today in any of our main branches.
MacDonell Form used by Glengarry & Keppoch branches
MacDonleavy From Islay or Kintyre
MacDonnell Form used by Clan Donald South.
MacDougall Only one family – found in N. Uist (Clan Donald MacDougalls derive from the Gaelic
MacDhughaill – “son of Dougal”. From Siol Dhubghaill on N. Uist, descended from Dugald, son of Reginald, 1st of Clanranald. Originally CLANRANALD, later Clan Donald NORTH. All others are of Clan MacDougall.)
MacE
MacEachan From the West Highlands & Islands, mostly Clanranald though there are a few from Islay & Kintyre. (Derived from the Gaelic MacEachann – “son of Hector”. Traditionally from Hector, 2nd son of Ruaril, 3rd of Clanranald. Some may have originally been MacLeans – from one of their Hectors – but became Clan Donald adherants. Some of this name on Islay and Kintyre are really MacEacherns. CLANRANALD except those from Islay & Kintyre – Clan Donald SOUTH.)
MacEachern/MacEachern From Islay or Kintyre (Derived from the Gaelic MacEach-thighearna – “son of the Horse Lord”. Hereditary masters of Horse and Armourers to the Lords of the Isles. Cochran is “Englished Version”. Very numerous on Islay & Kintyre – Clan Donald SOUTH.)
MacEanruig From Lochaber/Glencoe (Derive from the Gaelic MacEanruig – “son of Henry”. From Dugald MacEanruig, chieftain of GLENCOE, whose daughter married Angus Og’s son, Iain Fraoch who became 1st of Glencoe.)
MacElfrish From N. Uist (Derived from the Gaelic MacGille Bhris – “son of the servant of St. Bricius”. Clan Donald NORTH.)
MacElheran From Kintyre, Arran or Bute
MacEntire A form of MacIntyre
MacEoghain From Antrim (In Antrim this was more commonly MacEoin, Anglicized to Bissett. Iain Mor, 2nd son of John, Lord of the Isles, married the heiress to the Glens of Antrim and this Ulster territory became part of Clan Donald SOUTH.)
MacEvinney From Antrim, Islay or Kintyre
MacG
MacGachen/ MacGeachie Form of MacEachan.
MacGee Originally MACKAY of Islay – from Islay, Kintyre or Antrim● MacGilbride From the West Highlands & Islands or Antrim
MacGill Of original Clan Donald blood, from Islay or Jura (Derived from the Gaelic Mac an ghoill – “son of the lowlander” or “stranger”. Some MacColls may derive from this name. Clan Donald SOUTH.)
MacGillanders From Islay (Derived from the Gaelic MacGille Andrais – “son of the servant of St. Andrew”. Anglicized to Anderson on Islay – Clan Donald SOUTH.)
MacGillechallum From Islay or N. Uist (Clan Donald MacGillechalums derive from the Gaelic
MacGillechaluim – “son of the servant of Calum”. Islay – Clan Donald SOUTH; N. Uist – Clan Donald NORTH.)
MacGillecongall From Islay or Kintyre (Derived from the Gaelic MacGille Congual – “son of the servant of St. Congall” Clan Donald SOUTH.)
MacGillelan A form of MacLellan
MacGillespie From Islay or Kintyre (Clan Donald MacGillespies derive from: Gaelic Mac Gille Easpuig – “son of the servant of the bishop” – Clan Donald SOUTH.)
MacGillies From the West Highlands & Islands (Derived from the Gaelic Mac Gille Iosa – “son of the servant of Jesus”. Very numerous in N. Morar – GLENGARRY; S. Morar – CLANRANALD; some found on Islay & Kintyre – Clan Donald SOUTH.)
MacGillifedder From Islay (Derived from the Gaelic Mac Gille Peader – “son of the servant of St. Peter”. Islay – Clan Donald SOUTH.)
MacGillivantic From Lochaber/Keppoch (Derived from the Gaelic Mac Gille Mhanntaich – “son of the servant of the stutterer”. Originally from Clanranald land in the outer isles, to Lochaber – KEPPOCH.)
MacGilliver From Islay
MacGillivoir From Islay or N. Uist
MacGilp A form of MacKillop
MacGinnis Originally MACINNES – from the West Highlands & Islands
MacGlashan From Islay, Kintyre or N. Uist
MacGlasrich From N. Uist or Islay
MacGorrie From S. Uist, Benbecula or N. Uist. (Clan Donald MacGorries derive from the Gaelic
MacGoraidh – “son of Godfrey”. From Godfrey, youngest son of Eain & Amie MacRuairl. N. Uist – Clan Donald NORTH; Benbecula & S. Uist – CLANRANALD.)
MacGowan From the West Highlands & Islands or Antrim (Derived from the Gaelic Mac a Ghobhainn – “son of the smith”.)
MacGugan From Kintyre (Clan Donald MacGugans derive from the Gaelic MacEochagain – “son of Ewan”. Clan Donald SOUTH.)
MacH
MacHatton From Kintyre (MacHattons not of Clan Donald may be of Clan Chatton.)
MacHendrie From Lochaber/Glencoe
MacHenry From Lochaber/Glencoe
MacHouston From Skye
MacHugh From Skye or from Antrim – and originally MacKays of Islay
MacHutchen From Skye
MacI
MacIan From the West Highlands & Islands, Ardnamurchan, Lochaber/Glencoe, and Ulster, in particular County Antrim (Derived from the Gaelic “son of John.” From (1) Iain Sprangach (younger son of Angus Mor) who was 1st of ARDNAMURCHAN, and (2), Iain Fraoch (younger son of Angus Og) who was first of GLENCOE, and from (3) O’Cahan.)
MacIlaheiney From Islay or Kintyre (Derived from the Gaelic Mac Gille sheathanaich – “son of the servant of St. John” – Clan Donald SOUTH.)
MacIlbra From Islay or N. Uist (Derived from the Gaelic Mac Gillebhrath – “son of the servant of judgement”. Islay – Clan Donald SOUTH; N. Uist – Clan Donald NORTH.)
MacIlbride From the West Highlands & Islands or Antrim (Derived from the Gaelic Mac Gille Brighde – “son of the servant of St. Bride” or from Gillebride, Father of Somerled – Clan Donald NORTH & SOUTH.)
MacIlchomhghain From Glengarry, Islay or Kintyre (Derived from the Gaelic Mac Gille Chomghain – “son of the servant of St. Comgan”. He was the special patron of GLENGARRY where is found some of this name. Also found on Islay & Kintyre – Clan Donald SOUTH.)
MacIchrum From Islay (Derive from the Gaelic Mac Gille chruim – “son of the servant of the bent one” – Clan Donald SOUTH.)
MacIldonie From Kintyre (Clan Donald MacIldonies derive from the Gaelic Mac Mhaoildomnhaigh – “son of the Lord’s Day servant” – Clan Donald SOUTH.)
MacIldowie From Islay (Clan Donald MacIldowies derive from the Gaelic Mac Gille dhuibh – “son of the servant of the black lad” – Clan Donald SOUTH.)
MacIlfersane From Kintyre (Derive from the Gaelic Mac Gille pears – caglais – “son of the servant of the parson” – Clan Donald SOUTH.)
MacIlhatton From Kintyre (Clan Donald MacIlhattons derive from the Gaelic Mac Gille Chatain – “son of the servant of St. Catan” – Clan Donald SOUTH.)
MacIlheron From Kintyre, Arran or Bute (Clan Donald MacIlherons derive from the Gaelic Mac Gille Chiarain – “son of the servant of St. Ciaran” – Clan Donald SOUTH.)
MacIllemartine From Skye or N. Uist, Islay or Kintyre (Clan Donald MacIllemartines derive from the Gaelic Mac Gille Martainn – “son of the servant of St. Martin”. Clan Donald Martins mostly from Skye – Clan Donald NORTH. A few found on Islay & Kintyre – Clan Donald SOUTH.)
MacIllergan From Islay (Derived from the Gaelic Mac Gille Fhearga’in – “son of the servant of St. Fergna” – Clan Donald SOUTH.)
MacIllibuie From Jura, Islay or Kintyre (Derived from the Gaelic Mac Gille bhuidhe – “son of the servant of the yellow-haired lad” – Clan Donald SOUTH.)
MacIllighlais From Islay, Kintyre or N. Uist (Derived from the Gaelic Mac Gille ghlais – “son of the servant of the gray lad” – Clan Donald SOUTH; N. Uist – Clan Donald NORTH.)
MacIllguirine From Islay, Kintyre, Colonsay, Gigha or Arran (Derived from the Gaelic Mac Gille Ghuirm – “son of the servant of the blue lad” – Clan Donald SOUTH.)
MacIllimhicall From the West Highlands & Islands (Derived from the Gaelic Mac Gille Mhicheil – “son of the servant of St. Michael”. From Islay & Kintyre – Clan Donald SOUTH, and CLANRANALD lands.)
MacIlmaluag From Kintyre (Derived from the Gaelic Mac Gille Mo-Luoc – “son of the servant of St. Lugald” – Clan Donald SOUTH.)
MacIlneive From Isla. (Derived from the Gaelic Mac Gille nan Naomh – “son of the servant of the saint” – Clan Donald SOUTH.)
MacIlraith From Islay, Kintyre, Jura or Skye
MacIlraich From Islay, Kintyre, Jura or Skye (Clan Donald MacIlriachs derive from: Gaelic Mac Gille riabhaich – “son of the servant of the brindled lad”. Very common on Islay, Kintyre & Jura – Clan Donald SOUTH. One family were bards on Skye – Clan Donald NORTH.)
MacIlvenna From Antrim or Kintyre
MacIlvie From Islay or Kintyre (Derived from the Gaelic Mac Shealbhaigh – “son of Selback” – Clan Donald SOUTH.)
MacIlvoir From Islay or N. Uist
MacIlvrenenich From Islay or Kintyre (Derived from the Gaelic Mac Gille Bhriananich – “son of the servant of St. Brennan” – Clan Donald SOUTH.)
MacInlay From Islay or Kintyre.
MacIndayn From Islay or Kintyre (Derived from the Gaelic Mac Deadhan – “son of the Dean”. Islay & Kintyre – Clan Donald SOUTH; N. Uist – Clan Donald NORTH.)
MacIndeor From Islay (Clan Donald MacIndeors derive from the Gaelic Mac Indeoir – “son of the Dewar” – Clan Donald SOUTH.)
MacInleich From the West Highlands & Islands or Antrim
MacInleister From Islay or Kintyre (Derived from the Gaelic Mac an leisdeir – “son of the arrowmaker” – Clan Donald SOUTH.)
MacInnes From the West Highlands & Islands (Clan Donald MacInnes derive from the Gaelic Mac Aonghius – “son of Angus” – CLANRANALD, GLENGARRY, SOUTH or NORTH.)
MacInstocker From Kintyre (Clan Donald MacInstockers derive from hte Gaelic Mac an Stocair – “son of the trumpeter” – Clan Donald SOUTH.)
MacIntaylour From Islay or Kintyre (Clan Donald MacIntaylours derive from the Gaelic Mac an Tailleir – “son of the tailor” – Clan Donald SOUTH.)
MacInturner From Islay (Clan Donald MacInturners derive from the Gaelic Mac an Tuair Neir – “son of the turner” – Clan Donald SOUTH.)
MacIntyre Of original Clan Donald ancestry (Derived from the Gaelic Mac an t-saoir – “son of the carpenter” – CLANRANALD, GLENGARRY, SOUTH, or NORTH.)
MacIsaac From the West Highlands & Islands (Clan Donald MacIsaacs derive from the Gaelic Mac Iosaig – “son of Isaac”. Originally from Moidart, to S. Uist – CLANRANALD; N. Uist – Clan Donald NORTH; Islay & Kintyre – Clan Donald SOUTH.)
MacIver From N. Uist, Skye or Islay (Clan Donald MacIvers derive from the Gaelic Mac Iomhair – “son of Ivar”. Originally from Argyll, to Lochaber – KEPPOCH, GLENGARRY; N. Uist – Clan Donald NORTH; Islay – Clan Donald SOUTH.)
MacK
MacKain From the West Highlands & Islands or Antrim
MacKay From Islay, Kintyre, Antrim or N. Uist (Clan Donald MacKays derive from the Gaelic MacAoidh – “son of Hugh”. From Kintyre, to Islay – Clan Donald SOUTH; N. Uist – Clan Donald NORTH. No relationship at all to the Northern MacKays.)
MacKeachan A form of MacEachan
MacKean From the West Highlands & Islands or Antrim
MacKechern A form of MacEachern
MacKechnie A form of MacEachan.
MacKee Originally been a MacKay of Islay. From Islay, Kintyre or Antrim
MacKeithan From Skye, N. Uist, Benbecula or S. Uist
MacKelloch From the West Highlands & Islands
MacKelly From the West Highlands & Islands
MacKenabry From Rhum (Derived from the Gaelic Mac Iain Abraich – “son of John of Lochaber”. Rhum – CLANRANALD.)
MacKendrick From Lochaber/Glencoe
MacKerracher From Lochaber or Kintyre (Clan Donald MacKerrachers derive from the Gaelic MacFhearchair – “son of Farquhar”. Lochaber – KEPPOCH; Kintyre – Clan Donald SOUTH.)
MacKerral From Islay or Kintyre (Clan Donald MacKerrals derive from the Gaelic Mac Gille Cherrel – “son of the servant of St. Ciric or St. Caireall.” From Mulrony MacCarrol, Irish minstrel to Angus Og and then the Lords of the Isles – Clan Donald SOUTH.)
MacKerras From Islay or Kintyre (Clan Donald MacKerras’ derive from the Gaelic Mac Fhearghuis – “son of Fergus” – Clan Donald SOUTH.)
MacKerron From Kintyre, Arran or Bute
MacKessock From the West Highlands & Islands – a form of MACISSAC
MacKichan A form of MACEACHAN
MacKeigan From N. Uist (Derived from the Gaelic Mac Aodhagain – “son of Aodh”, (Hugh – Clan Donald NORTH.)
MacKiergan A form of MACKERRAL● MacKillop From Lochaber, Islay, Kintyre or Arran (Derived from the Gaelic Mac Fhilib – “son of Philip”. Lochaber – KEPPOCH; Islay & Kintyre – Clan Donald SOUTH.)● MacKinnel A form of MACDONALD
MacKiver From N. Uist, Islay or Kintyre
MacL
MacLae From Islay or Kintyre (Clan Donald MacLaes derive from the Gaelic Mac Dhunnshleibhe – “son of Dunsleve” – Clan Donald SOUTH.)
MacLafferty From Islay, Kintyre or Antrim
MacLairish From N. Uist (Derived from the Gaelic _________________ – Clan Donald NORTH.)
MacLardy/MacLarty From Islay, Kintyre or Antrim
MacLaverty From Islay, Kintyre or Antrim (Derived from the Gaelic Mac Fhlaithbheartaich – “son of the dominion bearing”. Heralds, Speakers, and Ambassadors – to the Lords of the Isles – Clan Donald SOUTH.)
MacLeister From Islay or Kintyre
MacLellan From the West Highlands & Islands (Clan Donald MacLellans derive from the Gaelic MacGille Fhaolain – “son of the servant of St. Fillan”. Very numerous in N. Morar – GLENGARRY, to S. Morar, Moidart & S. Uist – CLANRANALD. Also found on Islay & Kintyre – Clan Donald SOUTH, and N. Uist – Clan Donald NORTH.)
MacLergan From Islay
MacLerich From Islay or Kintyre
MacLinlagan From Islay (Derived from the Gaelic Mac Gille Fhinnlagan – “son of the servant of St. Fionnlagan” – Clan Donald SOUTH.)
MacLiver From Islay (Clan Donald MacLivers derive from: Gaelic Mac Gille Ibhair – “son of the servant of St. Ibhar” – Clan Donald SOUTH.)
MacLucas/MacLugas From Islay (Clan Donald MacLucas’ derive from the Gaelic Mac Gille Maluaig – “son of the servant of St. Luke” – Clan Donald SOUTH.)
MacLulich From the West Highlands & Islands or Antrim (Clan Donald MacLulichs derive from the Gaelic Mac Lulaich – “son of Lulach” – Clan Donald SOUTH; CLANRANALD, & Clan Donald NORTH. No relationship to those from Eastern Ross.)
MacLure From Islay or Kintyre (Clan Donald MacLures derive from the Gaelic Mac an leabhair – “devotee of the book” – Clan Donald SOUTH.)
MacLuskie From Antrim, Islay or Kintyre
MacM
MacManechin From N. Uist or Benbecula (Derived from the Gaelic Mac Manach – “son of the monk”. N. Uist – Clan Donald NORTH, Benbecula – Clan Donald NORTH or CLANRANALD.)
MacMarcus/MacMarquis From Kintyre. (Derived from the Gaelic Mac Marcuis – “son of Mark” – Clan Donald SOUTH.)
MacMath From Islay or Kintyre (Clan Donald MacMaths derive from the Gaelic Mac Mhatha – “son of Matthew” – Clan Donald SOUTH.)
MacMay From Islay or Kintyre
MacMhuirich From the West Highlands & Islands or Antrim (Derived from the Gaelic Mac Mhuirich – “son of Murray”. From Muiredach O’Daly, 13th Cen. Irish poet who became bard to the Lords of the Isles. Family came Heriditary Bards to the Lordship and later to Clanranald. Found on Islay, Kintyre, Jura & Antrim – Clan Donald SOUTH, and in all CLANRANALD lands.)
MacMichael From the West Highlands & Islands
MacMichan From Lochaber/Keppoch
MacMichie From Lochaber/Keppoch (Derived from the Gaelic Mac Gille Mhicheil – “son of the servant of St. Michael” – KEPPOCH. Separate from the MacMichaels of Islay & Kintyre.)
MacMitchell From the West Highlands & Islands● MacMoris From Moidart
MacMurchie From Islay, Kintyre or Antrim (Clan Donald MacMurchies derive from the Gaelic MacMhurchaidh – “son of Murdoch”, meaning “sea warrior” or navigator”. From Ireland to Islay & Kintyre – Clan Donald SOUTH A branch to N. Uist – Clan Donald NORTH, known as Siol Mhurchaidh.)
MacMurdo From Islay or Kintyre
MacMurdoch From Islay or Kintyre
MacMurphy From Islay or Kintyre
MacMurrich From the West Highlands & Islands or Antrim
MacN
MacNakaird From Islay or Kintyre (Derived from the Gaelic Mac Nargin – “son of silver” – Clan Donald SOUTH.)
MacO
MacOnill A form of MACCONNELL.
MacOshen From Islay or Kintyre.
MacOshenag From Islay or Kintyre.
MacOwen From Antrim
MacP
MacPhail From the West Highlands & Islands (Clan Donald MacPhails derive from the Gaelic MacPhail – “son of Paul”. Found throughout West Highlands and Islands, including GLENGARRY, GLENCOE, N. Uist & Skye – Clan Donald NORTH, Islay & Kintyre – Clan Donald SOUTH.)
MacPhilip A form of MACKILLOP
MacQ
MacQueen From Skye, N. Uist, S. Uist, Islay or Kintyre (Derived from: in Islay & Kintyre: (Clan Donald SOUTH), the Gaelic/Irish MacCuinn and MacCuithean; and in Skye & N. Uist: (Clan Donald North/Sleat), the Norse Mac Sve inn. Clan Chattan MacQueens apparently from Moidart (not Skye) with Mora of Moidart when she married Malcolm Mackintosh. In Skye the MacCuitheans call themselves MacDonald.)
MacQuilken/an From Islay or Kintyre (Clan Donald MacQuilkans derive from the Gaelic Mac Cuilcein – “son of Wilkie” – Clan Donald SOUTH.)
MacQuillan From Antrim, Islay or Kintyre (Derived from the Gaelic Mac Uighilin or Mac Cailein – “son of Colin”. Were original Lords of the Route in Antrim – taken over by Clan Donald in 16th cen. Antrim, Islay & Kintyre – Clan Donald SOUTH.)
MacQuilly From Eigg (Derived from the Gaelic Mac Choiligh – “son of the cock” – CLANRANALD.)
MacQuistan From Skye
MacR
MacRanald From Lochaber/Keppoch, Islay or Kintyre (Derive from the Gaelic Mac Raonuill – “son of Ranald”. Very common given name throughout Clan Donald, giving rise to many variations as last names. Fairly common on Islay & Kintyre – Clan Donald SOUTH.)
MacRanie A form of MACCRAIN
MacRankin From Lochaber/Keppoch (Clan Donald MacRankins derive from the Gaelic Mac Fhraing – “son of Francis” – GLENCOE, possibly KEPPOCH.)
MacRennie From Lochaber/Keppoch, Islay or Kintyre
MacReynold From Lochaber/Keppoch
MacRory/MacRuairi/MacRury From the West Highlands & Islands (Clan Donald MacRorys derive from the Gaelic Mac Ruairidh – “son of Rory”. From Ruaira MacRanald MacSomerled, 1st of Clan Ruiari, whose lands eventually, through an heiress, came to Clanranald. Common name throughout West Highlands, Islands & Antrim. CLANRANALD, Clan Donald SOUTH, Clan Donald NORTH.)
MacS
MacScilling From Kintyre (Derived from the Gaelic Mac Sgillin – “son of Scilling” – Clan Donald SOUTH.)
MacShannon From Islay or Kintyre
MacSheehy From Ulster or Munster (Derived from the Gaelic Mac Sithigh – “son of peace”. A Galloglass family which finally settled in Munster – Clan Donald SOUTH.)
MacSherry From Skye (Clan Donald MacSherrys derive from the Gaelic Mac Siridh – “son of Sigurd”. Skye – Clan Donald NORTH.)
MacSorley From Islay, Kintyre or Antrim (Clan Donald MacSorleys derive from the Gaelic Mac Somhairle – “son of Somerled” – 1st Lord of the Isles. Antrim, Islay & Kintyre – Clan Donald SOUTH.)
MacSporran From Kintyre (Derived from the Gaelic Mac an sporail – “son of the purse”. Pursebearers – Treasurers – to the Lords of the Isles – Clan Donald SOUTH.)
MacStaker/MacStalker From Kintyre● MacSwain A form of MACQUEEN
MacSwan From Sleat on Skye (Derived from the Gaelic Mac Suain – “son of Suain” – Clan Donald NORTH. Not the same as MacQueen.)
MacSween A form of MACQUEEN
MacSweeney From Ulster or Munster (Derived from the Gaelic Mac Suibhne – “son of Suibhne”. From Suibhne O’Neill, a 14th cen. Argyle chieftain, who led Clan Donald Galloglasses in Ulster – some to Munster. Clan Donald SOUTH.)
MacT
MacTrein From Kintyre (Derived from the Gaelic Mac Treun – “son of the strong” or “champion”. Hereditary champions to the Lords of the Isles – Clan Donald SOUTH.)
MacU
MacUisdean From Skye (Derived from the Gaelic Mac Uisdean – “son of Hugh” – 3rd son of Alexander, Lord of the Isles. Hugh became 1st of Sleat and ancestor of the High Chiefs – Clan Donald NORTH.)
MacV
MacVanish From N. Uist (Clan Donald MacVanishes derive from the Gaelic Mac Mhanuis – “son of Manus” – Clan Donald NORTH.)
MacVannan From Skye (Derived from the Gaelic Mac Mhannan – “son of Buchanan” – Clan Donald NORTH.)
MacVarish From Moidart (Derived from the Gaelic Mac Bharrais – “son of Maurice” – CLANRANALD.)● MacVey From the West Highlands & Islands
MacVicar From N. Uist, Islay or Kintyre (Clan Donald MacVicars derive from the Gaelic Mac a bhiocair – “son of the Vicar”. Islay & Kintyre – Clan Donald SOUTH; N. Uist – Clan Donald NORTH.)
MacVurrich A form of MacMhuirich
MacW
MacWalrick From Glengarry or Lochaber (Clan Donald MacWalricks derive from the Gaelic MacUalraig – “son of Ualraig”. From Ulrick Kennedy who fled Ayrshire to Lochaber in 16th cen. Most are GLENGERRY, some are KEPPOCH.)
MacWarish A form of MacVarish
MacWhan A form of MacQueen
MacWhannel A form of MacDonald
MacWhellan A form of MacQuillan
MacWhiston A form of MacUisdean
MacWhithee A form of MacCuithein
MacWilkin A form of MacQuilkan
MacWillie From Ulster (Clan Donald MacWillies derive from Donald MacDonald, a Keppoch officer captured during the “45”. Received pardon if he left Scotland & changed his name. He chose MacWillie. One son settled in Ulster, another to USA. Same details by widely separated branches of the family lend credence to this family tradition. Not to be confused with the highland border MacWillie derived from William. KEPPOCH.)
MacWurie A form of MACMHUIRICH
M
Magee Originally MacKay of Islay – from Islay, Kintyre or Antrim
Magill Originally MacGills
Mann Originally MACGILLIVANTIC – from Lochaber
Manntach Originally MACGILLIVANTIC – from Lochaber
Marcus Originally MACMARCUS – from Kintyre
Marcusson Originally MACMARCUS – from Kintyre
Martin From Skye or N. Uist, Islay or Kintyre
May/Mayes/Mays From the West Highlands & Islands, mainly Kintyre
Michael Originally MACMICHAEL – from the West Highlands & Islands
Michaelson Originally MACMICHAEL – from the West Highlands & Islands
Michie Originally MACMICHIE – from Lochaber
Michison Originally MACMICHIE – from Lochaber
Milloy Originally MACMALUAG – from Kintyre
Mitchell Originally MACMITCHELL – from the West Highlands & Islands
Mitchelson Originally MACMITCHELL – from the West Highlands & Islands
Monk Originally MACMANECHIN – from N. Uist or Benbecula
Murchie Originally MACMURCHIE – from Islay, Kintyre or Antrim
Murchison Originally MACMURCHIE – from West Highlands & Islands or Antrim
Murdoch From the West Highlands & Islands or Antrim
Murdochson From the West Highlands & Islands or Antrim● Murphy Originally MACMURCHIE – from Islay, Kintyre or Antrim
O
O’Brennan From Islay or Kintyre
O’Brolachain From Islay or Kintyre (Derived from the Gaelic O’Brolach – “descendant of Brolach” – Clan Donald SOUTH.)
O’Cahan From Antrim, Islay or Kintyre (Derived from the Gaelic O’Cathain – “descendant of Cathain” – Clan Donald SOUTH.)
O’Docharty From Islay (Derived from the Gaelic O’Dochartaigh – “descendant of Dochertach” – Clan Donald SOUTH.)
O’Drain From Islay or Kintyre
O’Hanley From S. Uist, Benbecula or N. Uist (Derived from the Gaelic Ua-h-Ainie – “descendant of Ainie”. 18th cen. missionaries to S. Uist – CLANRANALD.)
O’Kane From Antrim, Islay or Kintyre
O’Kerigan From Islay or Kintyre
O’Loynachan From Islay or Kintyre (Derives from the Gaelic O’Luingeachain – “descendant of Longachan” – Clan Donald SOUTH.)
O’May From Kintyre (Derived from the Gaelic O’Miadhaigh – “descendant of Maidhach” – Clan Donald SOUTH.)
O’Shannaig From Islay or Kintyre (Derived from the Gaelic O’Seanaigh – “descendant of Seanach”. Harpers to the clan in Kintyre – Clan Donald SOUTH.)
O’Shannon From Islay or Kintyre● O’Sheehy From Ulster or Munster
P
Padon
Park From the West Highlands & Islands or Antrim (Clan Donald Parks derive from Chlann ic
Phairce. S. Uist – CLANRANALD.)
Patton
Philip Originally MACPHILIP – from Lochaber, Islay or Kintyre
Philipson Originally MACPHILIP – from Lochaber, Islay or Kintyre
Philpot Originally MACPHILIP – from Lochaber, Islay or Kintyre
Pittullich (Originally MACPHILIP – from Lochaber, Islay or Kintyre
Polson From the West Highlands & Islands
Purcell From the West Highlands & Islands
Q
Queen Originally MACQUEEN – from Skye or N. Uist, Islay or Kintyr
Quin Originally CONN – from Islay, Kintyre or Antrim
R
Rainey Originally MACRANALD or MACRANIE – from Lochaber, Islay or Kintyre
Ranald Originally MACRANALD – from Lochaber, Islay or Kintyre
Ranaldson Originally MACRANALD – from Lochaber, or the West Highlands and Islands
Rankin Originally MACRANKIN – from Lochaber
Rennie Originally MACRENNIE – from Lochaber, Islay or Kintyre
Reoch From Islay, Kintyre or Jura
Revie From Islay, Kintyre or Jura
Reynolds Originally MACREYNOLDS – from Lochaber/Keppoch
Ronald Originally MACRANALD – from Lochaber, Islay or Kintyre
Ronaldson Originally MACRANALD – from Lochaber, or the West Highlands and Islands
Rorieson From the West Highlands & Islands
Rory Originally MACRORY – from the West Highlands & Islands
S
Samuel Originally MACSORLEY – from Islay, Kintyre or Antrim
Sanders Originally ALEXANDER – from the West Highlands & Islands, Antrim or Glengarry
Sanderson From the West Highlands & Islands, Antrim or Glengarry
Shannon Originally O’SHANNON – from Islay or Kintyre
Sharp From Kintyre, Arran or Bute
Shaw Originally been a MACILAHEINEY – from Islay or Kintyre
Sheehy Originally been a MACSHEEHY – from Ulster or Munster
Smith Originally MACGOWANS – only one family, from S. Uist
Sorleyson From Islay, Kintyre or Antrim
Sporran Originally MACSPORRAN – from Kintyre
Stalker Originally MACSTAKER – from Kintyre
Sweeney Originally MACSWEENEY – from Ulster or Munster
T
Taylor Originally MACINTAYLOUR – from Islay or Kintyre
Train Originally MACTREIN – from Kintyre
Turner Originally MACINTURNER – from Islay
W
Whan Originally MACQUEEN – from Skye, N. Uist, Islay or Kintyre
Whannell Originally MACWHANNEL – from West Highlands & Islands or Ulster
Whallan Originally MACQUILLAN – from Antrim, Islay or Kintyre
Wilkie Originally MACQUILKAN – from Islay or Kintyre
Wilkinson From Islay or Kintyre
Wright Originally MACINTYRE – from West Highlands & Islands
ABBREVIATIONS
Ant – Antrim, Northern Ireland
Arran – Isle of Arran
GCoe – Glen Coe
GGrry – Glen Garry
Is – Islay – early seat of the Lordship of the Isles
Kin – Kintyre peninsula
Loch – Lochaber
Cait – Caithness
NU – North Uist Island
SU – South Uist Island
Gi – Isle of Gigha
WH&I – Western Highlands & Islands
Skye – Isle of Skye
fr Gae: – from the Gaelic
REFERENCES USED
Bell, Richard “Ulster Surnames”
Black, G. F. “The Surnames of Scotland”
Booth, C. C. “A List of Islay People”
Booth, C. C. “A Second List of Islay People”
Clan Donald, USA Genealogies
Clan Donald, Australia Genealogies
Clan Donald, Canada Genealogies
Clan Donald, South Africa Genealogies
Clan Donald, New Zealand Genealogies
Clan Donald Lands Trust Reference Library Accumulated Papers and other Materials
Forty-Five Association “Muster Roll of Prince Charles Edward Stuart’s Army 1745-46”
Gruamach, Domhnull “A Historic Guide to Islay”
Gruamach, Domhnull “The House of Islay”
Hill, G. “The MacDonnells of Antrim”
MacDonald, ____ Lord Macdonald Estate Papers
MacDonald, A. & A. “Clan Donald”
Macdonald, Donald J. “Clan Donald”
MacDonald, John Interviews
MacDonald, Norman “The Clanranald of Lochaber”
MacDonald, Norman “The Clanranald of Knoydart and Glengarry”
McKerral, A. “Kintyre in the 17th Century”
MacLean, A. “Notes on South Uist Families”
MacLysaght, E. “Irish Families”
MacLysaght, E. “The Surnames of Ireland”
MacMillan, S. “Bygone Lochaber”
MacVicar, A. “Surnames Common Throughout Kintyre, Islay, Arran, 17th Century”
Martin, A. “Kintyre, the Hidden Past”
Matheson, W. “Notes on North Uist Families”
Odom Genealogy Library Collected Works
Patten, J. “The Argyle Patent & Assiciated Documents”
Shaw, R. “Septs & Adherants of Clan Donald”
Trotter, L. & R. Pre-1855 Gravestone Inscriptions in Lochaber
Did You Find Your Family Name?
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apply For clan donald usa membershipF.A.Q’s
We identify as “Clan Donald” rather than “Clan MacDonald” to acknowledge the diverse range of names within our extended family. Even the name “MacDonald” displays an array of spellings – MacDonald, McDonald, MacDonell, McDonnell, MacDaniel, MacConnell, MacWhannell, MacKinnell – along with anglicized variations like Donald, Donaldson, Connell, and others.
Most of the family names connected to Clan Donald have territorial limitations. Clan Donald feels that these territorial limitations are important. Therefore, where those limitations are listed, a prospective member must indicate that his or her family of the correct name did come from the indicated area before they may be accepted for membership. In over 35 years of using this list we have found that a strong family tradition of being of Clan Donald has proven correct in 99.99% of all cases.
Certain individuals and clan organizations use the term “sept list” to denote the different names linked with their clan. However, the Clan Donald USA Genealogy Committee formally asserts that this designation is not appropriate, particularly in reference to Clan Donald, and potentially for any Highland clan. The committee’s favored expression is “Families of Clan Donald.
A “trade name” refers to a surname that was adopted based on an individual’s occupation or profession. Determining whether you belong to Clan Donald involves researching your family history and surname lineage. If your surname is historically associated with Clan Donald, it’s possible that you have ancestral ties to the clan.
The anglicized name prefixes for the Gaelic “mac” or “mhic” (Mac, Mc, Ma, M’) are all interchangeable, and they do not carry any specific significance in relation to the origins of Highland, Island, or Irish (Eire) families.
Numerous name variants within Clan Donald often stem from a foundational name, which typically maintains a closer association with the Gaelic original.
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