When I used the term "titled names", I meant all the names that are listed in Heraldry (armigers, etc). For example, if you were the "McSmith" that is on the coat of arms, or any Heraldic symbol, you would know that. In terms of Heraldry, there is only one McSmith. It's only in the movies that Joe Blow finds out that he is the true Joe Blow McSmith. If you don't know, you're more than likely not the one and none of this applies to you.

It is really is Kennel Club stuff, you can buy a dog "with papers" (do all the geneological research and establish bloodlines). However, only the Kennel Club can determine the legitimacy of those papers. At a certain distance from the main bloodline, those papers are not legitimate. In fact, it is fraud to claim those papers as legitimate. Yet, those businesses keep going the same way puppy mills keep going.

I know I'm really cynical about this kind of stuff but it's only because I appreciate the equality and democracy of the clan structure. Bloodline is only one element of it.

Your original question is one concerning the next level of Heraldry. That is there is no real definition of Sept, or associated families, in Heraldry. There is a basic acknowledgment that if a chief recognizes a family or individual as associate then you're in. However, there's no standard process to formally recognize or establish this. Basically, if you want to be in you're in. If you turn out to be miserable and criminal, the chief will kick you out. Has anybody ever heard of this happening? Didn't think so.

Always, step back and recognize that we are talking about the Scottish (Celtic) structure and not the Kennel Club. It's not like the rest of European (English) social structure. It's that different.