What image comes to mind when you think of Scottish clans? Lovely muscular legs under tartan kilts and caber tossing? Mighty medieval Highland warriors? War-painted, spear wielding, armies of the Braveheart ilk? Border Reivers turning sheep and cattle raiding into a subtle art?.... I could go on forever, the images are so evocative, but let me confine myself to looking directly at the names of these clans before I get too carried away.
The earliest surnames in Scotland can be found in the reign of David I (1124-1153). These took the form of toponymic (Ian of Glencoe), patronymic (Ian son of Fergus), occupational (Ian the Tanner) or distinguishing nicknames (Ian Blond Hair) and were used as an individual reference, different for each generation, not associated with a "family" group. This continued through the fifteenth century and beyond. In 1481 we can see Alexander Donaldson, the son of Donald Symonson*, demonstrating that patronymics weren't permanent and changed with each succeeding generation.
Hereditary surnames -- the same name passed down the generations -- developed later, starting with the Lowlands, and was propelled by the clan system. The common practice was for a Laird to take his surname from the estate (which itself was often named after the owner). People looking for protection in times of strife would frequently attach themselves to a powerful clan and take on its name. This resulted in large numbers of people (followers of the clan) who all had the same last name, but no specific surname of their own. And not necessarily with a hereditary link to the family of the clan.
We can see many influences in these clan names. Some come from place names where the estate was situated. Many were patronymics of Gaelic first names; others were patronymics of first names brought to Scotland of Norman French, Scandinavian or Anglo-Saxon origin.
Gaelic clan names:
From Scottish place names:
Norman French, Anglo-Saxon and Scandinavian:
Many of these names have been used as first names for centuries -- especially with 19th century fashion for passing distinguished family names down the generations as Christian names. The rest, arguably, also could make attractive and distinctive name choices in their own right as well. One thing is for sure; each has a rich and fascinating history behind it.