Photo by Allen Robinson leading Clan Gunn in the Grandfather Mountain Highland Parade
What is a Sept?
In Scottish culture, a sept refers to a smaller family or group that is associated with a particular clan. The term “sept” is derived from the Scottish Gaelic word “sliochd,” which means “offspring” or “descendants.”
Septs often share a historical or geographic connection to a particular clan, even if they do not bear the clan’s main surname. For example, individuals with different surnames but with ancestral ties or close historical links to a specific clan may be considered part of its sept. This association can stem from intermarriage, adoption, or historical alliances.
The concept of septs allows for broader inclusion of individuals and families who have a connection to a clan, regardless of their surname. It provides a sense of belonging and affiliation within the larger clan structure, allowing people to participate in clan activities, gatherings, and celebrations.
Clan Gunn Septs
The Clan Gunn Society Membership List gives no less that 77 names “recognized as being associated with Clan Gunn, but the list given in Frank Adam’s “The Clans, Septs and Regiments of the Scottish Highlands”, revised by Sir Thomas lnnes of Learney is much shorter. This is the list the Chief and Council recognize and consists of;
Gallie – Georgeson – Jameson – Johnson – Keene – MacCorkill – Maclan -MacKeamish – MacRob – Manson – Robison – Sandison – Williamson – Gaunson – Henderson – Jamieson – Kean – MacComas – MacCorkle -MacKames – MacKean – MacWilliam – Nolson – Robson – Swanson – Wilson
These are nearly all derived from the sons or descendants of “the Crowner”-James, John (or Ian). Henry. Robert, William and George. Gaunson is Gunn’s son,Manson is Magnus’ son, Swanson is Sweyn’s son, Nelson is Neil’s son and Sandison is Alexander’s son.
Surnames regarded as possible derivatives of Septs of Clan Gunn or affiliated with Clan Gunn include:
Allisterson
Croner
Crownar
Crowner
Cruiner
Cruner
Eanrig
Enrick
Galdie
Gallie
Gailey
Ganson
Gauldie
Gaunson
George
Georgeson
Henderson
Inrig
Jameson
Jamieson
Jamison
Johnson
Kean
Keene
MacAllister
MacChruner
MacComas
MacCorkill
MacCorkle
MacCullie
MacDade
MacDhaidh
MacEnrick
MacGeorge
MacHamish
MacIan
Mackames
Mackeamis
Mackeamish
Mackean
Mackendrick
MacMains
MacManus
MacNeil
MacOmish
MacRob
MacRory
MacSheoras
MacWilliam
Magnus
Magnusson
Main
Mains
Mann
Manson
Maness
Manus
More
Neilson
Nelson
Robinson
Robeson
Robison
Robson
Rorieson
Sandison
Swan
Swann
Swanney
Swanson
Thomson
TomsonWiley
Will
Williamson
Wills
Wilson
Wylie
Wyllie