Scotland's most recognisable family names and surnames can often be attributed to many of the country's famous clans. Key players in Scotland's history and culture, their descendants have spread out all over the world.
This means you'll often find famous clan names like the Campbells, Fergusons, MacDonalds and Stewarts in countries as far afield as Canada, New Zealand and South Africa and sometimes, even further.
The word 'clann' derives from the Gaelic word for 'children' and would refer to the descendants, family and sworn arms men of a particularly powerful chief or king.
Clans, septs, kith and kin would all fall under the broad umbrella of a particular name, that could come from the leader or even the place or region that they hailed from.
With that in mind, here are some of the most famous clan names, their mottos and their meanings.
Clan MacGregor – The anglicised version of MacGriogair, translated as "Son of Griogar".
Their Motto: S Rioghal Mo Dhream - “Royal is my race”
Clan Stewart – One of the royal lines of Scotland, the name comes from the title Steward, though they would eventually become Kings and Queens themselves in their own right.
Their Motto: Virescit Vulnere Virtus - Courage grows strong at a wound
Clan Douglas – Thought to have derived from the Gaelic dubh glas , meaning black river or stream.
Their Motto: Tender and True
Clan MacKay – Another 'Mac' name that derived this time from the Gaelic MacAoidh, "Son of Aoidh" with Aoidh, said to mean "fire or fiery".
Their Motto: Manu Forti - from the Latin "With a Strong Hand"
Clan Ferguson – An ancient name in Scotland, it is derived from the 'Son of Fergus', with Fergus being a famous warrior and meaning 'Man of Strength'.
Their Motto: Dulcius ex asperis - Latin for "Sweeter After Difficulties"
Clan Scott – Geographical name signifying a native from Scotland, with the double 'T' now being used widely.
Their Motto: Amo - from the Latin "I Love"
Clan Walker – From the Scots word 'Waulker' referring to someone who works with cloth.
Their Motto: Latin phrase 'Cura Et Industria' meaning 'Care and industry'.
Clan Ross – Said to have derived from the Gaelic word for 'of the promontory', 'Ros'.
Their Motto: Spem Successus Alit meaning 'Success Nourishes Hope'.
Clan Murray – Derived from the way the area of Moray is pronounced and meaning 'by the sea'.
Their Motto: 'Furth, Fortune, and Fill the Fetters' - roughly meaning 'forward to fortune and taking our fill.'
Clan Duncan – Stretching all the way back to the Kingdom of Dalriada in the 6th and 7th centuries, Duncan is one of the earliest names in Scotland.
Their Motto: The Latin "Disce pati" that means "learn to suffer and endure".
Clan Bell – Tied to Scotland's history with France, Bell is reported to come from the French word 'Bel,' meaning fair or handsome.
Their Motto: Signum Pacis Amor meaning "Love is the token of peace".
Clan Wallace – Made famous by William Wallace, Clan Wallace's name is thought to derive from an Old French word 'waleis' meaning a "welshman".
Their Motto: Pro Libertate meaning "For liberty".
Clan Keith – A Geographical surname taken from the lands of Keith in East Lothian (and not those in Speyside).
Their Motto: Veritas Vincit meaning "Truth Conquers".
Clan MacNab – This name is derived from the Gaelic Mac An Aba, which means "son of the abbot" and may refer to a son of one of the first kings of Scotland.
Their Motto: Timor Omnis Abesto meaning "Let fear be far from all".
Clan Munro – The origins of this name have been lost to antiquity, though it's thought to have derived from the Gaelic 'Mac an Rothaich' which means 'Man from Ro", and could refer to the River in Ireland of the same name.
Their Motto: Dread God.
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