| Crest | A demi-savage Proper, holding in his dexter hand a sword, and in his sinister a sceptre all Proper. |
| Motto | This I’ll defend. |
| Translation | N/A |
| Plant | N/A |
| Gaelic Name | Mac Phàrlain |
| Origin of Name | The name MacFarlane derives from the Gaelic “Mac Phàrlain”, meaning “son of Faral”. |
| War Cry | Loch Sloy! |
MacFarlane Clan Chiefs
The MacFarlane clan has a long and rich history, with many chiefs who have led the clan over the centuries. Here is a list of MacFarlane clan chiefs, with their approximate dates of leadership:
- Gilchrist MacFarlane (1225)
- Andrew MacFarlane (1296)
- John MacFarlane (1370)
- Walter MacFarlane (1430)
- John MacFarlane (1488)
- Humphrey MacFarlane (1508)
- John MacFarlane (1547)
- Aulay MacFarlane (1592)
- John MacFarlane (1612)
- Aulay MacFarlane (1641)
- John MacFarlane (1663)
- Aulay MacFarlane (1714)
- John MacFarlane (1736)
- Walter MacFarlane (1767)
- John MacFarlane (1806)
- Walter MacFarlane (1837)
- Donald MacFarlane (1866)
- Walter MacFarlane (1896)
- Donald MacFarlane (1921)
- Ian MacFarlane (1956)
It’s important to note that the exact dates of some of these chiefs may be disputed or uncertain, as records from earlier times can be incomplete or difficult to interpret.
MacFarlane Clan Societies
| Clan MacFarlane Worldwide: | https://www.clanmacfarlane.org/ |
| Clan MacFarlane Society, Inc.: | https://www.macfarlaneclan.com/ |
| Clan MacFarlane Society of Canada: | http://www.macfarlane.org/ |
| Clan MacFarlane Australia: | https://www.clanmacfarlane.org.au/ |
| Clan MacFarlane New Zealand: | https://www.clanmacfarlane.org.nz/ |
| Clan MacFarlane Uruguay: | https://www.clanmacfarlane.org.uy/ |
MacFarlane Clan Tartans
MacFarlane Clan History
The MacFarlane clan is one of the oldest clans in Scotland, with a history that can be traced back to the 13th century. The clan’s origins are believed to be in the ancient province of Lennox, which is now part of the modern-day West Dunbartonshire area. The clan’s original Gaelic name was “Clann Pharlain”, which means “the children of Parlan”.
The MacFarlanes were originally a small clan, but they gradually grew in power and influence throughout the centuries. They were fierce warriors and fought in many of Scotland’s battles, including the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314 and the Battle of Flodden in 1513. The clan’s motto, “This I’ll Defend”, reflects their determination to protect their lands and people.
In the 16th century, the MacFarlane clan was involved in a long-standing feud with the Colquhoun clan over territory and power. The feud came to a head in 1603, when a group of MacFarlanes ambushed and killed several members of the Colquhoun clan. As a result, the MacFarlanes were declared outlaws and many of their lands were confiscated. The feud eventually ended in 1624, when the two clans signed a peace treaty.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, many MacFarlanes emigrated from Scotland to North America and other parts of the world. Today, the clan is scattered throughout the world, with many members still living in Scotland.
Some notable heritage information related to the MacFarlane clan includes their tartans, which are a type of fabric pattern that is associated with Scottish clans. The MacFarlane clan has several tartans, including the ancient, modern, hunting, weathered, dress, and black and white tartans. The clan’s crest features a demi-savage holding a sword and scepter, while their war cry is “Loch Sloy!”.
In terms of clan society organizations, there are several MacFarlane clan societies throughout the world, including the Clan MacFarlane Society in Scotland and the Clan MacFarlane Worldwide organization, which has members in North America, Europe, and Australia.
Overall, the MacFarlane clan has a rich and complex history that spans many centuries. They have faced many challenges and obstacles, but they have persevered and continue to thrive today as a proud and loyal Scottish clan.
