Clan Gordon: Feuds, Family and Territories

Written by: Stewart Borland
Published: 11th October 2018, last updated: 11th August 2022

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The Clan Gordon tale is one of conflicting sides and bloody feuds with neighbouring clans, which spans the length of Scotland and beyond. The feisty House of Gordon had fire in the belly and weren’t afraid to stand up for what they believed was right.

The Gordon Name: Origin and Survival

The Gordon name is not Gaelic in origin, but is instead said to originate from Normandy. Many attribute the name Gordon to the Macedonian city of Gordonia. Due to its foreign origins, Clan Gordon is often also referred to as the House of Gordon.

The first Gordons were welcomed to Scotland by King David I, and by the start of the 12th century they had set up home near Kelso in the Scottish Borders, under the watchful eye of the nearby Earl of Dunbar. In the centuries that followed, Clan Gordon would rise to become a powerful name further north, in the Aberdeenshire area of the Scottish Highlands.

During the Wars of Scottish Independence, Clan Gordon originally backed William Wallace but subsequently switched sides to become staunch supporters of Robert the Bruce and his bid to free Scotland from English rule. Sir Adam of Gordon’s dedication to Bruce’s cause earned Clan Gordon land at Strathbogie in Aberdeenshire, including Huntly Castle which would become the clan’s ancestral home.

The clan chief is the Earl of Huntly and, as of April 1599, also the Marquess of Huntly. Legend has it all Gordons are descended from Sir Adam Gordon, but many argue that not all 150 houses which claimed the name Gordon were descended directly from the original Earl of Huntly himself.

Aboyne Castle, Aberdeenshire

Aboyne Castle, Aberdeenshire, current seat of the chief of Clan Gordon. Photo by Alan Findlay / CC BY 2.0

There are a number of names associated with Clan Gordon, including the septs: Ackane, Adamson, Addie, Addison, Adkins, Aiken, Aitchison, Aitken, Akane, Akins, Atkin, Atkinson, Badenoch, Barrie, Connor, Connon, Cote, Craig, Crombie., Cullen, Culane, Darge, Dorward, Duff, Durward, Eadie, Eddie, Edison, Esslemont, Garden, Gardiner, Garioch, Garroick, Geddes, Gerryie, Harrison, Haddow, Huntley, Jeffrey, Jessiman, Jopp, Jupp, Laing, Laurie, Lawrie, Leng, Ling, Long, MacAdam, MacGwyverdyne, Mallett, Manteach, Marr, Maver, McGonigal, Meldrum, Mill, Mills, Milles, Milne], Milner, Moir, More, Morrice, Muir, Milnes, Mylne, Pittendriegh, Shellgren, Steele, Teal, Todd, and Troup.

Clan Gordon Tartan

Clan Gordon tartan has multiple variations, and with its black, blue and green colour scheme, is similar to a Black Watch tartan, except with the addition of a yellow stripe. The Red Gordon tartan is a fetching variation on the original Gordon tartan and is sometimes called ‘Huntly’. The Gordon Weathered tartan is a more muted take on the pattern, with autumnal browns and greys, or the Gordon Red Weathered tartan is a variation on the weathered look. The Gordon Dress Modern tartan is a brighter, more highly contrasting version of the traditional tartan, with white incorporated, similar to the Gordon Dress Ancient version.

Photo by Celtus / CC BY-SA 2.5

Clan Gordon Crest

Gordon Clan Crest

The clan’s crest was a symbol of allegiance, used by clan members to show allegiance to their clan chief.

The Clan Gordon family crest features a majestic stag’s head and the crest incorporates two mottos: bydand which has several interpretations, including ‘stay and fight’ or resilience, and animo non astutia which means ‘by courage, not cunning’.

Photo by Celtus / CC BY-SA 3.0

Clan Gordon Feuds

During the late 13th and early 14th century, Clan Gordon was heavily involved in the Wars of Scottish Independence, fighting alongside Robert the Bruce. The clan suffered losses during the bitter feuding, including the death of clan leader Sir Adam Gordon at the Battle of Halidon Hill in 1333 and the death of chief Sir John Gordon at the Battle of Otterburn in 1388. The chief’s only child, Elizabeth Gordon married Alexander Seton, chief of Clan Seton, but the Clan Gordon name lived on when their son reverted back to Gordon in 1457.

As well as fighting the English, Clan Gordon was embroiled in bitter clan feuds, particularly with Clan Lindsay and Clan Douglas.

The cousin of the Earl of Huntly, Patrick Gordon of Methlic, fought Clan Lindsay and died at the Battle of Arbroath in 1445. But Clan Lindsay were defeated when Clan Gordon joined forces with Clan Ogilvy at the Battle of Brechin in 1452.

Clan Douglas battled the Gordons for power and devastated the clan’s lands, including setting Huntly Castle ablaze. However, Clan Gordon eventually overcame Clan Douglas in 1454, and the clan chief Alexander Gordon became known as Cock o’ the North – a moniker which would be passed down to other Clan Gordon chiefs over the centuries to follow.

Huntly Castle, Aberdeenshire

Ruined Huntly Castle, ancestral home of the chief of Clan Gordon. Photo by Mike Searle / CC BY-SA 2.0

During the 16th century, Clan Gordon waged a long and bitter battle with Clan Forbes, which was fuelled by the murder of Seton of Meldrum (a close connection to the Earl of Huntly) and the Protestant Reformation. Battles and massacres ensued until the Parliament stepped in, forcing the clans to thrown down their arms.

When George Gordon, 4th Earl of Huntly, mistakenly refused Mary Queen of Scots admittance to Inverness Castle, he fell foul of the powerful monarch. A raging battle of 2,000 men ensued and the Earl lost the fight and died from apoplexy shortly afterwards. In a bizarre twist, six months after his demise, George Gordon’s body which had been gutted, salted and pickled was made to stand trial before the Scottish Parliament on a charge of high treason.

During the Civil War at the Battle of Aberdeen, Clan Gordon were split down the middle, with members of the clan fighting on opposing sides. One side was led by Lord Lewis Gordon who fought for the Covenanters, while the other was led by Sir Nathaniel Gordon fighting for the Royalists.

The split loyalties of the clan would continue into the 18th century and the Jacobite risings of both 1715 and 1745, when members of Clan Gordon fought on opposing sides at the Battles of Inverurie, Falkirk and Culloden.

Battle of Culloden. Photo by David Morier / Public Domain.

Scotland Clan Map: the Clan Gordon Territories

Clan Gordon has connections to both the Scottish Borders and Aberdeenshire, with many of their 149 castle sites sprinkled across the northeast of Scotland.

The original Gordon Castle is said to have stood in the village of Gordon, in the Scottish Borders, although today there is no trace of the first stronghold. Today, the 15th century Gordon Castle sits east of Elgin in Moray and is a popular tourist destination with contemporary interior design and a delightful walled garden.

The Baronial Fyvie Castle is another Clan Gordon house, and has played hosts to some rather famous guests over the centuries, including Robert the Bruce and Charles I.

Balmoral Castle was sold to the 3rd Earl of Huntly in the 15th century, and today the grand estate is best known as a private royal residence.

Huntly Castle lies north of the city of Aberdeen, and you can still visit the ruins today. Down south in Galloway, you’ll find Clan Gordon’s derelict Kenmure Castle which was used as a hotel up until the 1950s.

Fyvie Castle, near Turriff in Aberdeenshire

Fyvie Castle, near Turriff in Aberdeenshire. Photo by Ikiwaner / CC BY-SA 3.0

Clan Gordon Descendants

Today there are descendants of Clan Gordon dotted across the globe. Many members of Clan Gordon return to Scotland to visit the beautiful lands and castles that were once their family home.

A Famous Gordon

Portrait of Lord Byron, by Thomas Phillips Perhaps the most famous descendant from the House of Gordon, is not immediately recognisable as a Gordon himself. The 19th century wordsmith Lord Byron was in fact named George Gordon Byron, and his grandfather was George Gordon of Gight Castle. The seminal poet penned famous works including Don Juan, She Walks in Beauty and Manfred during the Romantic Movement. It has been said Bryon led a notorious life and was described by his peers as ‘mad, bad and dangerous to know’.

Photo by Thomas Phillips / Public Domain.

Gordons with Highland Titles

As of June 2019, there are over 3230 plots in the Highland Titles Land Register under the Gordon name.

Accessorise like a true Gordon

Highland Titles: A Very Modern Clan

Alike historical clans, our community also share the investment and attachment to the land, our Nature Reserves, and we even have our own tartan and crest. Join the clan by purchasing a plot of land and continue our mission to conserve Scotland, one square foot at a time™!

About the author

Written by: Stewart Borland

Comments on this post

Ellie
11/02/19 - 19:46

My last name is Steele, but it says Gordon is my clan. How can this be?
Barnaby
13/03/19 - 23:04

Steele are one of the Septs of the Gordon Clan. Septs are families that followed another family’s chief, or part of the extended family and that hold a different surname.
Jeremy Gordon
28/03/19 - 09:48

How would I go about finding out what house I belong to?
Betty
03/04/19 - 01:11

My 7th great grandmother is Elizabeth Gordon. The only info I have is she was born 1660 in Scotland and was the daughter of a Highland Chieftan but no name was given. Is there more information on her? Thank You!
Robert Gordon
09/04/19 - 00:21

My lastname is Gordon and I was wondering if my family is part of the Gordon clan
- Peter Bevis
  10/04/19 - 09:40
  
  Hi
  Almost certainly
Sharon
16/04/19 - 04:46

Would love to know my gordon tree somehow my mothers name Ann Gordon her father James Gordon now deceased and I never got to meet him this is all I know is there anywhere I can check so interested in finding out : )
Christine March
17/04/19 - 14:18

Hello, Watching Outlander has re-kindled my interest in my Scottish roots. My grandfather was Tom Gordon Johnston (no “e”); his wife, my grandmother, was Margaret Steele Morton. I see a few of us here could be related. They were from Kilmarnock. I’ve been able to trace the family back a few generations. Quite fascinating but I can’t determine to which clan either grandparent belonged. My Mom was very proud of her Scottish roots but I realise now she had a very simple, romantic view of Scottish history.
loren gordon
18/04/19 - 20:20

I am a direct descendant of Gordons from Aberdeenshire.
My Grand and Great Grand father were from there.
I am one of two remaining from this generation.( 2019)
Karen gordon
02/05/19 - 05:21

I am doing my family tree and I can trace to my great great grand in virginia William Gordon around from around 1760 to 1860. Can’t find anything past. How can I find out any further back? Have many relatives in virginia i think.
Margaret deVries
05/05/19 - 02:24

My name. Margaret McInnes Dunlop McDowall. Middle names were my Grandmothers maiden names
We lived and still live in the Lowlands , Renfrewshire Except me in USA
My sister and I always thought we were a sept of Clan Gordon , but then It was Clan McGregor ??
Nothing I have read so far contradicts them both….so confused ! I really would like to know which one …
My Mothers name was Abraham , My Grandfather was Samuel Abraham his grandfather or father was Jewish
But he was not practicing the Jewish Religion but at his funeral the women came back to house fixed food and only the men went to cemetery …jewish custom I believe.also everyone in family had to be named after a relation, living or dead ? They all were named this way too ! My sister and I broke that tradition !
But many of the woman in family have Jewish Features , my mother and several aunts and cousins they were proud of this …it was part of who they were sin
There seems to be a lot of name changing , My Fathers parents died young leaving 3 girls and 3 boys …I had an auntie Anna who was a cousin brought up with them but not legally adopted
two sons Died in WWII leaving my Father the only son left ,
There is so many people who remarried my sister and I wish we had asked more questions
My Grandmother Jeanie ALSO CALLED JEAN OR JANE .had several kids, all Abraham’s , she married my grandfather and we never found out if the older kids changed their surnames or if both grandparents were Abraham’s, or to some Abram who married another Abraham ?
My Mother was youngest child of both of them ….had a big family but who belonged to who? My aunt Ina told someone my mother was her half sister? Never thought to confirm this ,,,I knew 2 aunts loved them both but the others ? They obviously were not a close family !
Sorry for the rant ! Just bringing back memories …
I believe it could Gordon Clan sept , but would be grateful if you have any ideas how I’d really know …
Still reading ? Thanks for your time and patience …

Johnson was a middle name of siblings
Had uncles died in WWII and wives married again so Ltd like chasing rabbits !
John M Gordon
11/05/19 - 20:45

A note for Ellie, who posted here on 11/02/19. The following names are considered associated names or septs of Clan Gordon:

Ackane, Adam(son), Ad(d)i.e., Addison, Adkins, Aiken, Aitchison, Aitken, Akane, Akins, Atkin, Atkins(on), Badenoch, Barrie, Connor, Connon, Cote, Craig, Cromb(i.e.), Cullen, Culane, Darg(e), Dorward, Duff, Durward, Eadie, Ed(d)i.e., Edison, Esslemont, Garden, Gard(i)ner, Garioch, Garr(o)ick, Geddes, Gerr(y)ie, Harrison, Haddo(w), Huntl(e)y, Jeffrey, Jessiman, Jopp, Jupp, La(i)ng, Laurie, Lawrie, Leng, Ling, Long, MacAdam, MacGwyverdyne, Mallett, Manteach, Marr, Maver, McGonigal, Meldrum, Mill, Mills, Milles, Miln(e)], Milner, Moir, More, Morrice, Muir, Milnes, Mylne, Pittendri(e)gh, Shellgren, Steel(e), Teal, Tod(d), and Troup
I hope you come back to this site and see this message for you Ellie.
Gerald gordon.
20/05/19 - 12:36

My father’s name was Terence gordon. Sadly I don’t know much about him. He lived in Lancashire, he was also an orphan, I would love to know more about him. And the connection to the gordons. Which I am proud to belong to.. Regards gerry gordon. .
Scotty Gardner
23/06/19 - 08:17

My last name is Gardner I’ve traced my family heritage back to the Gordon Scottish Clan . And every time I read my family’s history it just makes me so proud. I especially love the fact we are the cocks of the North. I looked it up on YouTube the songs the bagpipes and drums which is beautiful, and then I came across a kick ass punk rock band named the cock of the north … I’m so glad I found this website. Cheers ,& Oi! to all of my family members in the Gordon family clam. I hope you’re all doing well and I wish you the best from Texas!! Scotty Gardner
Denise Hemken
27/06/19 - 02:05

All i can gather is that my great great great grandmother was Rowena Gordon. And her great great grandfather was lord Gordon of Huntley Castle. And somewhere in there they were related to King James 1.
Now filling in gaps is a bit tricky. My aunt has done lots of leg work got birth and marriage certificates for many. I know our family trickled to the US due to not being first born so not in line for any titles or such. But wondering how to find anything on this Gordon and find out as much as I can on any of this part of my family history.
Robert Milner
05/07/19 - 08:36

I am a Yorkshire man living in Sutherland and have noted the largest concentration of Milners are in Yorkshire and Scotland. Any scottish Milners on here with links to Yorkshire and the Gordon’s
Vanessa Cole
20/07/19 - 15:39

Hello-Greetings from South Carolina!

I am an AIKEN, a sept of Clan Gordon. I am working on my initial Aiken coming to America (VA in the mid-1600s) and my first question in this research (there will probably be more) is:

Why are there several areas on the map that are labeled Gordon and how do I pinpoint which one my Aiken family is from?

Thank you for your help!

Sincerely,
Vanessa Cole
Elizabeth Gay Gordon
26/08/19 - 20:44

my name is about as “scottish” as can be, but i wish to find a scottish connection. How does one start such a search. Thank you for you wealth of information.
Clayton atkinson
02/09/19 - 17:59

My last name is atkinson. Were atkinsons also norman? ( like the gordons)
Gae Emslie – piazza
02/09/19 - 21:31

I was told I am part of the Gordon Clan but I cannot fine a listing for “Emslie”. My grandfather is Alexander Gordon Emslie born 1855 and my fathers name is Gordon Alexander Emslie born 1895 Family names are also Forbes and Greig. Is there a list I can check to see if Emslie is listed on it?
Robert Knight
12/09/19 - 18:18

My great great grandmother was Elizabeth Gordon born in Fintray Aberdeenshire Scotland in 1852 and emigrated to Australia. I would like to know if I am allowed to wear the Gordon clan tartan?
Harriet Snowball
16/10/19 - 15:47

My mum is a Moir so just wondered if anyone else is out there with that surname?
Duncan
17/10/19 - 20:28

im not to sure where i do fit in at all because i was told i what with clan Gordon. but my last name is adams so not to sure if i am or not. none of my family knows anymore then i do would like some to to find out.
Angela E. Shaw
19/10/19 - 05:54

I married a Shaw. We have two wonderful Christian lady friends named Huntly and Gordon.
I am a Jones. My mother was a Hooper. My husband has a paternal Jewish link. His lifelong friend is a Reece (Rhys/originally from the Southwest border of Wales and England). To sum it all up, just like my belated Missouri
father-in-law once said,
“Weez Heinz57 puppies”.
And I like to put that sauce on my “Hamburg-ers”. . .
Janet Bliss
19/10/19 - 12:37

I have several generations of Milne in my ancestry. They lived in Aberdeen (Old Machar) and many were weavers. I have traced back to the late 18th Century, but need to know more!
scott moir
20/10/19 - 20:05

My great grandfather wrote a book about our family members, the Moirs. So I got a lot of information tracing my roots from there,..I can trace my Scotish roots, my relatives names/births/deaths/occupations/marriages/children back to the early 1500s in Scotland. I have been searching Scotish sites for any possible information about my ancestors from town halls, churches, newspapers, libraries, and cemetaries. Actually the cemetaries gave me many more leads. I too had problems with my family not being the “Moir Clan”, but rather the Gordon Clan.
kelly Lassen
21/10/19 - 00:47

I have been doing family trees on Ancestry.com for some time now. Actually, doing a tree only for the Gordon side. My full name is Kelly Jo Gordon. It’s hard to believe that I have such a fasinating bloodline. My question is…how do you know for sure about the history of your family? I get a lot of comments on Ancestry.com about certain info put into the family trees. Am I truly from a Gordon Clan? By the way, I am 55% England, Scotland and Wales. Rest is French, German and Italian. I would love feedback. I never really knew my father’s side of the family. That is why the Gordon name is so special and important to me. Would love to learn more! Thanks! Kelly
Mitchell Gardner
06/11/19 - 04:47

Hello, I’m curious if anyone knows a clan Gordon family tree I can look at? I’m trying to retrace my Scottish roots
William Grubbs
06/11/19 - 19:41

My aunt used to spend ours talking on the phone with me about our Gordon Jacobite ancestry, and I would always be half listening, and now she’s gone and I’m kicking myself for not paying more attention to her. She had family lore passed down through the generations from her mother and grandfather about the Lesmoir Gordon’s. Since I don’t have the coveted male Gordon Y chromosome, I had to rely on the 23andMe DNA test to pin-point the origin of my DNA geographically, and sure enough it came back with a high correlation match with Aberdeenshire, Scotland where the Gordon Clan originated. Using the Ancestry DNA match I also found dozens of other Gordon’s I’m related to and who have the same great-grandfather. My goal is to get a male Gordon cousin to see which House of Gordon he’s related using the Gordon DNA Project website, and then that should verify if I’m indeed a descendant of the 1st Earl of Lesmoir.
Marshall Gordon
08/11/19 - 21:28

I am a Gordon. In South Africa. Bydand
Claire Robert
30/11/19 - 20:50

Thanks for the information. I’m a Haddow and it states above we’re associated with Clan Gordon. I always understood we were related to Clan Douglas (and my family came from Douglas, Lanarkshire since at least 1700 – I haven’t made an older connection in my research yet). Just wondering if you know how I can decipher this bit of info. Are we Clan Douglas or Clan Gordon, or can we Haddows be both?
Kimberley vilhelmsen
27/12/19 - 03:37

My name listed is my married name, however my grandmother was a Gordon. I don’t have any questions, I just wanted to mention how fiercely proud I am of my Scottish heritage.

My family has a mix of Grangers, Grants and many more, but it is the Gordon clan I feel I have the connection to most strongly.

I must get back into my family history on the Scottish line, I’ve struggled so far. Maybe I need a trip to Scotland:)
charles spottiswoode
09/01/20 - 14:50

The village of Spottiswoode is situated in Berwickshire and is adjacent to Gordon.
Our written history relates to various marriages between the two and we are officially entitled to wear the Gordon tartan. However we do not appear on your list of associated names. I would be grateful for comments.
Werner Zurek
15/01/20 - 10:14

I joined the macGordon clan and paid my contribution. Unfortunately the clan didn’t contact me! How can I contact the head of the clan?
Roimata Haenga
31/01/20 - 03:42

My nan (still living) is Elizabeth nee Gordon. I’ve had a big interest into her family history as she gave me an amazing family tree book given to her by a Gordon on the South Island of New Zealand. The history goes back to the 11th century which still blows my mind. Her great grandparents are in a cemetery in Macduff which I am looking forward to visiting in August!
Rebecca Gordon
20/02/20 - 02:55

My father is James Gordon, and I can trace back as far as my 6x great grandfather Hugh Gordon in the tree before things start getting a bit mixed with all the juniors, seniors, and trying to find who married who. I’m trying so hard to trace further back.
Brendan Gordon
26/03/20 - 14:10

Hi my name is Brendan Gordon,son of Alexander Gordon, my mother was Sarah Gordon maiden name Carroll, the family were from Springburn, Glasgow.
Can anyone help me find my Gordon past.
Laurel Gordon
27/03/20 - 14:34

I am a Gordon and my Dads name is Bruce Gordon. We are protestant today but not really sure which side our ancestors were on.
Kaye Dwyer
27/03/20 - 23:47

My 2 x great grandmother was Elizabeth Gordon she married Walter Boyd Andrews (they immigrated to Western Australia) Elizabeth’s parents were Alexander Gordon and Elizabeth Grant. I am interested in Elizabeth’s brother Hon James Gordon born in Scotland 1786 and died in Canada approx 1856 trying to find out if he married and children. Would appreciate any help thanks.
Andrew Browne
28/03/20 - 17:40

My maternal grandmother was Louise Gordon and I have traced my Gordon ancestors back to a Henry Gordon born in 1622 in South Wales. I’m curious why his family moved to Swansea from Scotland in the early 1600s. I have hit a roadblock. Does anyone have any ideas? They were quite extensive landowners and had some standing because one of his descendants married into the Spencer family in the 1700s. Unfortunately the money obviously ran out by the time I was born.
Brent Gordon
07/04/20 - 02:11

I Live in Windsor Ontario Canda One day I will go back to the Mother land of Scotland!!!!
Lucie Milne
02/05/20 - 04:22

Hi. I’m Australian but my grandfathers last name is Milne. His family are Scottish. I’m interested to meet other Gordon’s
Peggy Leach
14/05/20 - 18:25

My mother was born in Motherwell in 1920. Her father’s last name was Clark, but I do not see that name on your list of Septs which confuses me. Her father always said he descended from Clan Gordon. My brother was named Gordon because of this. Clarification?
Elizabeth Sullivan
24/06/20 - 21:37

My maiden name is Gordon. I am the daughter of Donnie L Gordon, granddaughter of John Leonard Gordon, great-granddaughter of John Wesley Gordon, great-great granddaughter of Robert Bolin Gordon, great-great-great granddaughter of Alexander Gordon. I actually have a photo of Alexander. I have traced my lineage a long way, but have much farther to go.
Diane Penberthy
28/06/20 - 09:32

My grandfather Henry WIlliam McKenzie born 1869 in Inverness. His father WIlliam McKenzie married Ann Gordon, and when Henry married in 1898 both parents deceased. Is there anyway I can find more, eg Marriage etc of WIlliam and Ann. Many thanks. DIane in Perth WA.
Momchilo
04/09/20 - 04:13

I am interested if anybody has any info on the Gordons and the Scots before the 12th century. I need this for my research I am doing for the dispersion of the bloodlines and their migrations. I have some info obtained through my researches according to the Genetics studies and genes distributions and sofar the Scottish and Irish genetics as being Keltic is very close to the Gaelic, Scythians and Tracean (Macedonian,not Bulgarian or Greek), as so the traits and features od the skin pigmentation and hair structure and color and so as the culture with the Aryans (I1a,I1b,I2a,I2b from south Europe and Balkans to North with Norway and Sweden Danmark and Germany) from the western coast of Europe as the R1b to eastern coast of Asia as R1a and the artifacts and mummies and skeleton remains and folklore found in Asia to be identified with Keltic culture, and what is mostly important, no arms were found at these archeological sites.The migrations of the Kelts are worldwide as part of the Arian peoples and todays scholars naming the European culture and Languages as IndoEuropean don’t even try to take in consideration that the migrations first started from the Balkans 2500-2800b.c. went north, west, and east before turned back from east to west to be called IndoEuropeans.
In such a way were the migrations of the Indians from Asia to American continent through the Barring Strait and Allaska but a totally different haplogroup and rase which features and traits even today they have in common with the Asiats.
Please share any info with me on the inquiry I have set, if you got anything will be appreciated.
Thanks.
Ans Goorden
16/09/20 - 12:28

We are descendants from Jacob Gorden (Gordon) who’s son was born in Holland in 1625. So it’s very likely that Jacob Gordon was a Scottish soldier who fought in Holland during the 80 years war. Also I found a Jacob Gordon ‘Scotsman’ who arrived in Zaltbommel (Holland) at 1610. Where can I find more information online or in Scotland, to try to continue the line before 1600?
Adam Herring
17/09/20 - 13:51

Greetings,

I was conducted my family genealogy on Family Search and other online sources and found relation to John Gordon, 16th Earl of Sutherland. However, on Family Search, someone listed his wife, Lady Helen Cochrane as Indian Techumsee. The only name similar to that is Tecumseh, the leader of the Shawnee Indians. Would anyone know if it was a common practice in Scotland to give a daughter or wife a native american nickname? I did try contacting the person who created the profile but heard nothing back. I was hoping is someone might know something or point me in the right direction. Thank you.
Derek Mill
26/09/20 - 05:01

Mill here. I always thought my ancestors were Gaelic… seem like they were Normans. Viking blood !
Cynthia
29/10/20 - 22:46

Hi, I am related to Gardner name and I know they were under the Gordon clan. I am trying to find out what castle that Robert the Bruce had given to a distant family member after he became King of Scotland. Is there someone that can help me sort this out or send me somewhere to get information.
Dana Wilkinson
13/11/20 - 07:50

My last name is Wilkinson. I had read that they were a sept of the McDonald clan. Can this be?
Crystal Squier
14/11/20 - 03:45

My great grandmother was Margaret Gordon, her father was Thomas Gordon from Ayrshire. Any information on these people (more names for the family tree, stories, etc) would be greatly appreciated.
Carrie Aukerman(Gordon)
25/12/20 - 19:07

My father was William R Gordon from Anderson(Madison County) Indiana. I do not know much about his father’s side of the family but would love to know more. I need to know the when, where and who we come from.
William Leng
13/01/21 - 01:26

Trying to trace the Leng’s back to the Gordon’s.
Julie Lakey
30/01/21 - 10:02

My great grandmother was Isobella Gordon from Old Deer Aberdeen. I have traced her family back to Urquhart Gordon born 1750 and his father William, from Old Meldrum Aberdeenshire.
Isobella married George Farquhar and they eventually moved to Derby, where my grandmother was born.
There are family tales that Isobella’s family were chiefs of the clan at some point. I dont know if this is correct. My mother always said we could wear 5hr Gordon tartan. She said it had no red in it because they were not a fighting clan, but looking at the Gordon history, it looks like they did plenty!
Sheri Lene Williams
31/01/21 - 01:16

My 3rd great grandfather was Andrew Jackson Gordon and his father was Captain Govin Gordon. Our family is connected to the Lay family as well as other southern families of Alabama, Mississippi, Kentucky, Louisiana and Texas.
james gatts
05/02/21 - 04:18

My father loved telling me about his great grandmother sara gordon and the gordon clan. It is quite nice to read all the information you have put here thank you very much. I remember him telling me about our ancestor being killed by bloody mary. haha
Esme de Bruyn (Gordon)
10/02/21 - 06:50

Hello I was wondering how I could now exactly who my relatives are by name and birth and if I ever go to Scotland would I be welcome with open arms as I do know that some clans aren’t so welcoming. As I have a few friends that also come from Scotland and weren’t welcome. My grandfathers grandfather moved to South Africa with his children and so I don’t really know my grandfathers side of the family please do tell me if you have ever heard of a Jacobus Nathaniel Gordon if I’m correct that is his full name it is something like that he dies last year of cancer.
Mark O’Dell
22/02/21 - 10:51

My maternal great grandfather was Aitken from Ireland I have only recently found out we are clan Gordon. My paternal family name is from limerick .proud to learn of highland roots
craig moore
24/02/21 - 12:41

im a MOORE side of the clan i was always told we came from N. E area
still goo to find out some more about the family line
Jess Aitchison
24/02/21 - 13:38

Hello,

My last name is Aitchison. My family is originally from Scotland however I can’t find any relevance to my family history. I know we are a sept of Clan Gordon, I’d like to know more is there’s any out there? Where did my name come from? I’m only 21 and don’t have many living relatives with baring my last name so it’s not as if I can ask them. Thank you for any information and your time :).
Amorie d
28/02/21 - 16:48

Where do I start searching for my clan and the tree?
Steve Cruickshank
15/03/21 - 00:30

The family history that I have shows an Alexander Cruickshank born in Turriff, Aberdeenshire in 1751 and his son John born in 1780 (location not noted) and his son James was born in Methlick, Aberdeenshire in 1826. We visited Methlick in October of 2019 and visited the cemetery across from the Ythanview Inn. I’m interested in trying to find which clan the Cruickshank family would have belonged to. It appears that perhaps that Clan Gordon would be my best bet. Any thoughts?
Riley Gordon
15/03/21 - 17:58

I am a direct descendant of Sir Adam Gordon! He is one of my great-great-great….. grandfathers. This is so exciting!! I need to visit one day!!
I’m literally directly descended from him. His son’s son’s son’s son’ son’s son’s sons’s son’s son is my great grandfather!!
Ethaniel Loren Gordon
18/07/21 - 04:47

I am the grandson of Loren Douglas Gordon doesn’t mean anything I guess but I hope to honor him one day by reclaiming the Land that was taken from use no matter the cost
Verna Jean Gordon Christian
25/07/21 - 18:50

My Grandfather was Alexander Gordon born January 15 1870 and died April 24 1952.
His Father was Alexander Gordon born 1826 and died on February 4 1915.
His Father’s Father was Alexander Gordon I do not have a birthdate.
My Grandfathers siblings were William, Rebecca, Jane, Catherine, Mary, and Janet.

Don’t know when the Gordon family emigrated to Canada.
Jenny Gordon
27/07/21 - 09:24

Some of my brothers did note that we’re by definition more Norman than Sco’ish, and according to my paternal grandfather’s 2nd wife I have license to lay claim to joining DAR as our family has been here since the Revolutionary War and earlier.
My eldest brother visited our ancestral stomping grounds with his wife a year or two ago. [Useless information.]
Thank you for the historical essay.

Miss Jennifer S. Gordon
Jenny Gordon
27/07/21 - 10:08

So, did you know that according to the Scottish nobleman Sir William Drummond of Hawthornden’s history of the king Jameses of Scotland published in the 1711 collection of his works,on page 2 of his chapter The History of the Reign of James the First, King of Scotland he records that certain Scottish noblemen were given as hostages to the government of King Henry VI of England to effect the release of said James I of Scotland, among the which said hostages is listed “…the Lord Gordon, –“?!
Fascinating, eh?
mary vivenzi
21/09/21 - 07:16

I know I am part of the Gordon clan. And I am working on my family tree. I also know that the creator of Gordons gin Alexander Gordon is somehow related to me as my family has held tight to an old story of how the company really came to leave the Gordon family. And it’s quite different from the story that has been created over time my problem is I cannot locate the correct Alexander Gordons family tree. If anyone out there has any info on where I can find it so I can connect the dots between Alexander and his list of decendants It would be a great help in solving the rest of our history as well as the ability to re-discover the story that has been passed down through the generations. Thank you for your time and thank you for sharing this incredible history of the Gordon clan.
Mary
Gwendolyn Alice Owen
28/09/21 - 19:40

My grandmother Lula Alice Gordon (1901-1973) was the last of our family with the Gordon maiden or sire name. She married an Irishman, James E Rush and then my mother’s family from there. She married David Owen (I have been given a Welsh name).

After my Gordon search, I have validation problems after James Gordon. It seems as though he had a half brother, and his heirs settled in Alabama/Mississippi. Apparently James did as well.

Does anyone have any insight on this ball of yarn?
Marjorie
29/10/21 - 00:03

My family is Gordon’s. From Kaktovik Alaska and in Canada. My grandmother Was adopted as a baby but we know where we came from. I would love to go visit Scotland when I can. But would like to know more about my family that sailed here to Alaska. I know a bit but not much.
Madeleine Gordon
10/11/21 - 10:00

My Grandfather on my Father’s side went through our family history and found out that we are apparently related to Lord Byron from his mother and related to Major General Charles George Gordon (but not a direct descendent as he had no children) which I like to think is kind of nice.
Colin Steel
22/11/21 - 12:55

My Surname is Steel, i am researching my family tree at the moment, My fathers side of my family are originally from Neilston, Renfrewshire, Scotland my Great Grandfather John Gemmell Steel moved to the midlands via Barrow in Furnace with his wife Isabella (nee Evans). The family name is John and as far as i have traced back (1700) there has always been a John. I think i am right that the Steel/Steele family is a Sept of the Gordon Clan. If anyone can spare the time and knows anything about the Steel/Steel (there are other spellings of the name) i would be extreemly grateful they could pass it on to me.

I have been told that i could wear the Gordon Tartan, if anyone knows if they is correct of not could you let me know.

Thank You
Ricky Kenmure
26/11/21 - 23:07

My last name is Kenmure. Never quite understood my family history other than we were with the Gordon clan
Richard Gordon Lennox Davis
02/12/21 - 11:00

I am researching my family tree and on my paternal side can not get past my grandfather Deri Gordon Lennox Davis.Intrigued as to when and how the Gordon Lennox came in,and also whether or not I am eligible to be part of the Gordon clan.
My grandfather’s death certificate,from 1974,states that he was born in September 1887 in Christchurch.
Wm R Aitchison
14/12/21 - 22:14

I’m of a sept of Clan Gordon. I seem to remeber reading something about the Gordons siding with the MacDonalds in their suit against The Argyle Campbells after the glencoe massacre. and that spurring a general dislike/distrust between the Gordons and Campbells which lasted for centuries
Lia
18/12/21 - 20:16

Hi! My great grandfather’s name was Edwin Linsey Todd and he helped build the Tower in Stirling. Apparently the Todds were followers of the Gordon clan? My great grandfather came from Aberdeenshire. Apparently we also have a relative from Orkney Islands called Charlie Haden who was in whisky business. Any information on our Todd surname would be greatly appreciated! I’m trying to find tartan for our surname as I’d love to gift my dad with a scarf for Christmas. Many thanks! Lia
Amanda Gordon
11/03/22 - 17:49

Been searching on Ancestry for an answer or direction where else to look. Far back as I could go was James Postell Gordon. If anyone has any help for me I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you.
Michele S
19/03/22 - 06:05

I have my genealogy all the back to about 1040 to Adam of Gordon. In 1333 Sir Adam Gordon fought in the battle of Halidon Hill along side Robert the 2nd also known as the head of the Stuart line. Robert the 2nd was the Grandson of Robert the Bruce ! Oddly enough Elizibeth Gordon 1408 married Alexander Seton Lord and Huntley had…Elizibeth Seton married Alexander MacDonald 10th earl of Ross. It is here my ancestry branches off in another direction, where Alexander MacDonald was the grandson of King Robert the 2nd. And great grandson of ROBERT THE BRUCE King of Scotland

My dream vacation is to make it to Scotland to see Huntly castle and who knows?…
Matthew David Landberg
18/04/22 - 19:42

My mom’s dad’s given surname was Harrison which given to him via his mom Sarah Jane because they didn’t want to embarrass him. He had blond hair which turned white & I believe blue eyes.
Josh Lloyd
04/07/22 - 12:25

My great grandfather was a miln and we have family tree that goes way back to 1500s
David Adams Johnson
10/07/22 - 17:39

One correction: the reason it is the House of Gordon is because it was a royal house of Scotland. A royal house had a Duke or Earl at its head. That is also why the deer’s neck is resting in a crown on the clan crest.
Matthew David Landberg
12/07/22 - 04:08

My Papa (maternal grandpa’s) supposed last name was Harrison after his maternal grandma & grandma’s surname. Now I know my Papa was adopted as an young boy by his uncle’s & adoptive parents Nils & Emma Pearson.
Bryan
21/07/22 - 14:16

My great grandmother on my dads side is a aitken a sept of gordon
Mary Grove
25/07/22 - 23:18

My paternal grandfather came to the United States from Scotland. I have been told that the Adam name is from Clan Gordon. How or where do I go I verify this? Thank you.
Rex David Adamson
15/01/23 - 05:48

I come from a long line of Adamsons. I have done DNA, and family lineage research to find out, I am a proud scott. Gordon no less! I have been going to the Scottish games all my life, in many states. I feel privileged to be part of this family!