Scotland--Where Surnames Began

After the Battle of Culloden in 1746, many of the Highland clans changed their last names from the name of the Clan to a more generic last name based on their occupation, where they lived, father's name, or even a physical trait.  

Whole clans would change their last name from one surname to several surnames to avoid punishment and revenge.  It sometimes took several generations even after the threat of punishment was gone to return to the clan surname.  

There are many books available that give the history of Scottish clans and families, but Robert Bain's 1989 book titled Clans and Tartans of Scotland is one of the best available. Pick it up and discover even more about your roots!