Clan Macrae

The Clan Macrae is a Highland Scottish clan. The clan has no chief; it is therefore considered an Armigerous clan.

Surname

The surname Macrae (and its variations) is an Anglicisation of the patronymic from the Gaelic personal name Macraith. This personal name means "son of grace".Black, Surnames of Scotland, p.560.

Traditional origins of the clan

According to the late 19th century historian Alexander Mackenzie, and Rev. Alexander Macrae in the early 20th century, the main authority for the early history of Clan Macrae is the late 17th century manuscript account of the clan written by Rev. John Macrae.

According to tradition, the Macraes were originally from Ireland, and shared a common ancestry with the Mackenzies and Macleans. The Macraes were said to have originated from Clunes, which is located near the southern shore of the Beauly Firth, and was within the lordship of Lovat. Alexander Macrae stated that these traditions likely refer to a period sometime in the middle of the 13th century. According to John Macrae, after a violent dispute arose between the Macraes and more...
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