Quote Originally Posted by slohairt View Post
Dia Dhuit!

Walker: one who who "waulks" or treads cloth in the process known as fulling. Thus, Walker, or rather Waulker, would be a Lowland Scots name. A Gaelic translation would be Mac an tSiúbhail (IRISH) and Mac an t-Siùbhail (SCOTTISH GAELIC).
I must disagree with you strongly that Walker is a lowland name on the pointe that it is an occupational name in which many folk would both highland and lowland would take part. As further evidence I submit the existence of "Waulking Songs" sung at least in the Gaelic Hebridese... In addition I have met Walkers who were native Gaelic speakers (one "Johnny Walker" in fact). Not that there arent Walkers in the Lowlands, as well as England and Ireland, but to say that it is a Lowland name I think is very inaccurate.

I have also come across a story from a local bard to the Clan Gregor about some MacUechters (spelling?) from Balquhidder who changed their name to the closest sounding English one in order to get along with the occupiers... Thus at least one connection of Walker to MacGregor.

Anyway...just wanted to see what you came up with to double check what I've found.

Go raibh math agait (Thanks?).