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===Clan Names=== | ===Clan Names=== | ||
Many Scottish surnames are the names of Scottish clans that were '''once powerful families''' dominating large swaths of territory. However, it is a common misconception that every person who bears a clan's name is a lineal descendant of the chiefs of that particular clan. There are several reasons for this. In many cases, the families that originally lived on the lands acquired by powerful clans (such as the Campbells, Gordons, Macdonalds, and Mackenzies) adopted the names of their new lords. In some cases, the name of a clan may be identical to the surname of another family, yet there is no historical connection between the different families. A surname derived from a patronym, such as MacDonald may be used by numerous unconnected families descended from different men named Donald. | Many Scottish surnames are the names of Scottish clans that were '''once powerful families''' dominating large swaths of territory. However, it is a common misconception that every person who bears a clan's name is a lineal descendant of the chiefs of that particular clan. There are several reasons for this. In many cases, the families that originally lived on the lands acquired by powerful clans (such as the Campbells, Gordons, Macdonalds, and Mackenzies) adopted the names of their new lords. In some cases, the name of a clan may be identical to the surname of another family, yet there is no historical connection between the different families. A surname derived from a patronym, such as MacDonald may be used by numerous unconnected families descended from different men named Donald.<ref>"Scottish surnames", in Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scottish_surnames, accessed 19 February 2021.</ref> | ||
After the Battle of Culloden in 1746, many people changed their surnames from clan names to less Gaelic names to avoid being punished by the British government. | After the Battle of Culloden in 1746, many people changed their surnames from clan names to less Gaelic names to avoid being punished by the British government. | ||