Who We Are
We are descendants of Clan Cameron whose names are Cameron or an acknowledged sept of Clan Cameron.
We are also those who are interested in the history and lineage of Clan Cameron, even if we aren't able to connect our family tree back to Clan Cameron
Clan Cameron Heritage
Toward the end of the 14th century, Donald Dubh Cameron, a man of notable importance and skill, became the first official chief of Clan Cameron. As original captain of this confederation of tribes, his surname was used to identify the clan. In 1472, the Cameron Clan was first recognized in a Scottish charter. The most common theory as to the origin of the name’s meaning is the Gaelic “Camshron” or “crooked nose.”
The Camerons, though a small tribe, were powerful, fighting against aggressive neighbors, such as the Earls of Argyll and Huntly. Camerons have been described as “fiercer than fierceness itself.” Ewen was a devoted follower of the Stuart kings, and Donald (also known as “the Gentle Lochiel”) was a staunch Jacobite and a renowned leader at the Battle of Culloden. These are just two of many illustrious Cameron chiefs.
Today film director and producer James Cameron is but one example of a well-recognized North American Cameron.
The Clan Cameron Museum, located in Achnacarry, was opened in 1989 by Sir Fitzroy Maclean of Dunconnell. Read more at: www.clan-cameron.org/museum.html
Clan Cameron Septs
Septs are families, related or not, who supported and lived near a particular chief. It was not unusual for smaller family groups who could not adequately support or protect themselves, to pledge their allegiance and support to a larger clan group. In exchange, they became part of and protected by the larger clan. The chief of this larger clan (in our case, our Lochiel) could rally and expect the members to answer within minutes if their lives, land or homes were being threatened by outsiders.
Clan Cameron is said to be one of the oldest of Scottish clans. Septs include Chalmers, Chambers, Clark, Clarkson, Clery, Clerk, Gibson, Kennedy, MacCleary, MacGillonie, MacKail, MacLeary, MacMartin, MacPhail, MacSorley, MacUlric, Martin, Paul, and Taylor, to mention a few. A more complete listing can be found at
www.clan-cameron.org/septs.html
Clan Cameron History
The Clan Cameron Association was formed in 1889 in Scotland as a means to perpetuate the clan’s history.
The worldwide network includes Scotland, North America (Canada and the United States of America), New Zealand, and Australia. Central to the operation of the Association of Clan Cameron is the hereditary chief, Donald Andrew Cameron of Lochiel, 28th Chief and Captain of Clan Cameron.
The Grandfather Mountain Branch is part of what is known as Clan Cameron Association of North America (CCNA). Lochiel has appointed a Commissioner in North America, and under the guidance of that Commissioner, regional leaders are appointed to oversee the growth of CCNA.
Each region contains branches that are approved by Lochiel and supervised by the appointed Commissioner. Officers for each branch are typically elected by branch members. Branches function independently within this system and are non-political in nature.
The goals of the CCNA are cultural and educational: to promote friendship among North American Camerons who enjoy a distant kinship, as well as encourage through education the perpetuation of the history, music and folklore of our forebears.
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