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| Celtic Radio Community > Surnames & Heraldry > MacPherson |
| Posted by: Macfive 28-Oct-2006, 05:34 PM |
| Background: Of ecclesiastic origin, this is a name derived from the gaelic Macaphersein, meaning "Son of the Parson". The clan itself is reputed to have been founded by Murdo Cattenach, a priest of Kingussie in Badenoch. The MacPhersons formed part of the great Clan Chattan, and frequently disputed the leadership of this federation with the MacKintosh family. They finally did acknowledge the MacKintosh claim to "Captain of Clan Chattan", but showed them little loyalty in the ensuing years. Tradition states that Robert the Bruce promised to grant the lands of Badenoch to the chief of the MacPhersons, on condition that he destroy the Bruce's bitter enemies, the Comyns. This murderous deed was carried out by the chief, Ewan Ban MacMhuirich, and his three sons. In recognition of this event, the clan MacPherson is often referred to as "the Clan of the three brothers". Variations: Archibald, Carson, Cattanach, Clark, Clarke, Clarkson, Clerk, Clunie, Cluny, Currie, Ellis, Ellison, Fersen, Gillespie, Gillie, Gillies, Goudie, Gow, Gowan, Gowans, Leary, Lees, MacChlery, MacClair, MacCleary, MacCleish, MacCurrach, MacCurrie, MacGillies, MacGougan, MacGoun, MacGow, MacGowan, MacGown, MacGrail, MacKeith, MacLear, MacLeary, MacLees, MacLeish, MacLerie, MacLise, MacLish, MacMurdo, MacMurdoch, MacMurray, MacMurrich, MacPherson, MacQueen, MacVurich, MacVurirch, MacVurrich, Murdoch, Murdoson, Pearson, Smith. More Info: http://heraldry.celticradio.net/search.php?id=98 Discussion of this family is welcomed. |