Clan Name

Meaning and Evolution of the Name

The surname Grant evolved through medieval records with variations influenced by Norman French and Scots usage. As record-keeping expanded and families migrated, spelling variations became more common.

The history of Clan Grant is reflected in its many cadet branches and landed families, each established through descent from the chiefly line or through long-standing service and tenure of land. These families, known traditionally as the Grants of their respective estates, formed an extended kinship network that strengthened the clan’s presence throughout Strathspey, Glenurquhart, Glenmoriston, and neighboring regions. While each branch developed its own identity and local influence, all shared allegiance to the Chief of Clan Grant and contributed to the clan’s continuity, leadership, and resilience across generations.

Cadet Branches of Clan Grant

Grant of Grant (Chiefs)
Cadet Branches of Clan Grant
Grant of Glenmoriston (Senior Cadets)
Grant of Wester Elchies
Grant of Kinchirdie, Gellovie, Knockando, and Gartinbeg
Grant of Easter Elchies
Grant of Lurg of Abernethy
Grant of Rothiemurchus
Grant of Ballindalloch (Second)
Grant of Monymusk
Grant of Arndilly
Grant of Corriemony of Glenurquhart
Grant of Sheuglie
Grant of Tullochgorm* (Oldest line of Chiefs)
Grant of Ballindalloch and Dalvey (First)
Grant of Carron
Grant of Wester Elchies of Glenmoriston
Grant of Gartinbeg, Kinveachy, Dalrachnie, Inverlaidnan, and Dalvey
Grant of Kilgraston

Grants of Tullochgorum in Canada

Research from the Grant DNA Surname Project, when considered alongside traditional genealogical records, indicates that the Grants of Tullochgorum belong to the same Y-chromosome lineage as the chiefly family of Clan Grant and represent an early branch of that line. Genetic evidence places the Tullochgorum branch among the oldest surviving divisions of the chiefly male line, suggesting a separation at an early stage in the clan’s development. Genealogical and family research further confirms that descendants of this line are living today in Canada, with documented presence in New Brunswick, Manitoba, and British Columbia. Together, DNA analysis and historical records demonstrate an unbroken male-line continuity from early Clan Grant history to present-day Canadian descendants, reinforcing the significance of the Tullochgorum line within both the clan’s past and its living global community.

Recognized Septs & Associated Names

Septs and associated families traditionally linked to Clan Grant include:

Grant

Allan

Bisset

Gilroy

MacAllan

MacIlroy

Suttie

Association may stem from blood ties, land tenancy, or long-standing allegiance to the chiefs of Grant.

Researching a Clan Grant Connection

Those exploring Grant ancestry are encouraged to:

Research family origins in Strathspey or nearby regions
Examine parish records, wills, and land documents
Consider historical spelling variations
Migration & Name Variations

Clan Name

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