Quote Originally Posted by MacWage View Post
I want to pitch in a note on "septs." Matt has said it VERY WELL.
There are some "septs" that are PERFECTLY legit. The name itself is rare and comes from a family that held a hereditary office in particular clan, so was distinct from the normal clansman WHILE tied to THAT particular clan, but NOT the "chief-line" either.
On the other side, some "septs" stretch in imagination. Matt mentioned a number of these. It seems that, during the popularization of "clan tartans," some enterprising person went through the Scottish surname list and simply scattered all the unassociated names with A clan.
So, one should be cautious in over-claiming through a "sept" (such as getting a HUGE tattoo that covers your back) without any real research.

So, what is the PRACTICAL implication?
One of my "family names" is Todd. Todd is pretty closely associated with Gordon and is usually just said "Todd IS Gordon." "Todd," itself, comes from "Fox" (I've been told). Now WHY Todd is associated with Gordon is something I have not been able to establish. So, I WILL be making a kilt in Gordon. I would have hesitation in getting a Gordon tattoo, though. I happen to REALLY like that tartan, so that's cool.
Another name is Wilson, which is generally associated with the Gunns. Wilson is probably one of the MOST common names in ALL SCOTLAND. There is, however, a REAL reason for the Wilson association with Gunn (and several versions of precisely WHY). So, many Gunns are Wilsons, though most Wilsons probably are NOT Gunns.
Yes, Yes, Yes! So many names are "son of" names using prefixes Mac, Mc, M', or suffixes son & s. I'll use the name "Gregor" for examples:
MacGregor
McGregor
M'Gregor
Gregorson
Gregors

All mean son of Gregor.

Now in names that mean son of William, which is a popular Germanic name, it is impossible for all Wilson's or Williamson's (my name) to be " --- " of Gunn. I include Williamson because it is actually the same name as Wilson. Another popular Wilson probability is Clan Innes. Let's not forget all those Wilson's that are from the Lowlands either. If I'm correct Wilson, is normally in the top 5 for most common surnames of Scotland. Brown & Smith are usually top 5 as well.

http://www.clanscottsociety.org/link....html#Scotland

http://genealogy.about.com/library/w...h_surnames.htm

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/2775365.stm

http://surnames.behindthename.com/to...100scs2001.php

http://www.caithness.org/fpb/februar...monsurname.htm

I'm sure you (MacWage) are aware of all this. You seem like a smart guy. Some of the others who are new at this, could use the help. (not saying the others aren't smart)

Now, the best book for Scottish Surnames has already been mentioned in this thread (by Matt) "The Surnames of Scotland" by George F. Black. Follow the link! To my understanding it has been out of print, but is now for sale at "Scots Press: Unicorn Limited." I suppose they have resurrected yet another great book of reference.