Throughout the earliest recorded centuries, as Scotland's population began to grow, tight-knit communities and families began to make their presence felt.
These rural groups needed to have a unified identity to help them exert their influence over their neighbours, keep them safe from invaders and grow lasting bonds and alliances.
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.
The MacDonalds – One of Scotland's most famous clans, the MacDonald name comes from 'Mac Domhnuill' meaning 'Son of Donald'. With septs widespread across the country, it remains one of the most common surnames in Scotland to this day.
Their motto: Per Mare Per Terras - "By Sea and By Land" (referring to their base in the islands and their push for control of the west coast).
The Campbells – Another of the most famous Scottish clans, based in Argyll, their name comes from the Gaelic 'Cam' meaning 'Crooked' and Beul meaning 'Mouth'.
Their motto: "Ne Obliviscaris" - Latin for "Do not forget".
The MacLeods – A clan with influence over the islands of Skye and Lewis, MacLeod means 'Son of Leod', a famed Norse warrior.
Their motto: "Hold Fast"
The Camerons – From the Gaelic 'Cam-sron' meaning 'Crooked Nose', the clan is based in Lochaber.
Their motto: "Aonaibh Ri Chéile" from the Gaelic for "Let Us Unite".
The Sinclairs – Hailing from the lands of Sutherland, the Orkney Isles and the Lothians, Clan Sinclair take their name from the Norman family St Clair who settled in Rosslyn before extending their influence through marriage to the northern Highlands and Islands.
Their motto: "Commit Thy Work To God"
The Mackintoshes – Prominent in both Inverness and Perthshire, they take their name from the Gaelic "Mac an Tòisich", which means “Son of the chief Leader.”
Their motto: "Touch not the cat bot a glove" referring to their clan crest, which features a cat.
This either means if you come after them they will be ready for you or the glove may refer to their claws being "sheafed", meaning only approach if you are friendly.
The MacKenzies – Derived from 'Mac Coinnich' meaning 'Son of Kenneth' or 'Son of the Fair one' - the clan was found in the western Highlands and the Outer Hebrides, it's now associated with Dalmore single malt whisky.
Their motto: "Luceo Non Uro" from the Latin for "I Shine Not Burn".
The Frasers (of Lovat) – A clan name that is said to date back to Norman times, with the word possibly coming from the French word for strawberry 'fraise'. Originating in Inverness, this clan have been active in Scotland's politics and conflicts for generations.
Their motto: "Je Suis Prest" - from the French: "I Am Ready"
The Grants – Hailing from Banffshire, it is thought their name could have from the French word "Grand" meaning "tall" or "large" but there is little evidence to back this up.
Their motto: Stand Fast, Stand Sure
The Gordons – This clan is said to have been descended from a Norman nobleman. First associated with the town of Gordon in the Borders, they are now better known in Aberdeenshire.
Their motto: "Bydand" - Thought to be a contraction of the Scots "Bide and Fecht" meaning "Stay and Fight.
The Macleans – This clan are strongly Hebridean based with bases in Mull, Coll and Tiree. The name comes from 'Son of Gillean', a renowned Thirteenth-Century warrior.
Their motto: 'Virtue Mine Honour'
The Robertsons – Derived from 'Son of Robert', said to have been a famous clan chief of the Clan Donald. Also referred to as Clan Donnachaidh they were based in Perthsire.
Their motto: "Virtutis Gloria Merces" from the Latin "Glory is the reward of valour".
The Abercrombies – (Location) A village in Fife which means 'mouth of the river Crombie'. Clan Abercromby is a Lowland Scottish clan.
Their motto: "Petit Alta" – "He aims at high things"
The Andersons – Meaning Son of Andrew, it was usually used in reference to the Patron Saint of Scotland. Clan Anderson was found in the North East of Scotland.
Their motto: "Stand Sure"
The Buchanans – The Gaelic "both-chanain" (meaning "the seat of the canon") and the area in Stirlingshire of the same name are both cited as being the origin of this surname.
Their motto: "Clarior Hinc Honos" - "Brighter hence the honour".
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