In Scotland, many surnames are connected to larger clans as what are called septs. A sept is a family or group of families who may not share the same surname as the clan chief but historically owed allegiance to the clan.

Septs were often smaller branches of a clan, families living in the same area, or households brought under the protection of a chief. This system allowed clans to grow, form alliances, and strengthen ties across regions.

For example, the MacLaren clan historically included septs such as McFarlane and McLachlan. These families were connected to the clan through loyalty, shared ancestry, or protection agreements, even if their surnames differed.

Why Septs Matter in Heraldry

Septs do not automatically have the legal right to the clan chief’s coat of arms. The Lord Lyon King of Arms grants arms to individuals, not surnames or clans. However, members of septs often use a crest badge or elements from the chief’s heraldic symbols to show their connection.

These badges may include:

• Crests from the chief’s arms
• Plants or heraldic symbols indicating allegiance or shared heritage
• Strap-and-buckle designs encircling the crest to show it belongs to the clan chief

This distinction is important: sept members can display a badge symbolically, but it does not give legal entitlement to the arms themselves.

Clan and Surname History Prints

Our Scottish Clan History Print is ideal for exploring the history of a clan, including its symbols, crest, and associated families. If your surname is actually the clan name, this print gives a full picture of your clan’s heritage and heraldic symbolism.

However, if your surname is a sept of a larger clan, the Clan History Print will show the history of the main clan rather than your surname specifically. In that case, the Coat of Arms and Surname History Print is the better choice. It focuses on the earliest recorded arms linked to your own surname, giving detailed history, symbolism, and context specific to your name.

Both prints are also available as digital downloads, so you can view, print, and share your surname heritage instantly—perfect for overseas customers or families wanting multiple copies.

Customer Experiences

Our prints are valued for both their historical detail and visual appeal. Jane said of the Coat of Arms and Surname History Print, “Such prompt service.” Malcolm added, “The quality and the history about the name is fantastic. Would recommend your company to anyone who is looking to find the history of their name.”

Sharing and Learning About Septs

Many customers enjoy sharing their surname and clan prints online with relatives. Our Facebook page is a great place to post images, share stories, or see how others display their clan and surname heritage.

For further reading on heraldry, symbolism, and Scottish history, explore our Heraldry Blog Posts.

Explore Your Scottish Surname Heritage

Whether your surname is a sept of a larger clan or a clan name itself, our range of prints gives you a detailed look at the earliest recorded coats of arms, crest symbolism, and clan connections. Browse our Digital Gifts Collection for convenient downloads or traditional prints to display at home.

The post Scottish Septs: Understanding How Some Surnames Belong to Larger Clans appeared first on Hall of Names.