I have been doing DNA studies and genealogy tracing. Through a portion of my family, I traced my line back to a Crauford family in Scotland as well as Cunninghame family. I learn different things about calling these clans. If my surname were Crawford (the changed spelling) the rules clearly favor saying I am of a clan; however, if a woman married and did not keep the surname of her father, the rules get murky. I have met several Scots, a few even in kilt and tartan and playing pipes who, when I asked if they were Scot said, "My mother was a Scot." So, it seems to hold for them. They did have a closer relative, i.e. the last century whereas mine are distant. Of course, I am an American, born and raised in Oklahoma although I have since lived other places. But as I trace my line back and learn that I have ties to both the Crawford and Cunningham clans, it is very encouraging and I hunger to know more about Scotland and Scots. The Crauford family seems to come from Auchenames, Ayrshire, Scotland. This was William in about 1530. Regards,
Stephen