Clan MacEwen
| Clan MacEwen | |
|---|---|
| MacEoghainn (Son of Ewen) | |
 |
|
| Motto | Reviresco (I grow strong again) |
| Profile | |
| Region | Scottish Highlands |
| District | Cowal, Galloway, Lennox and Perthshire |
| Clan MacEwen has no chief, and is an armigerous clan | |
| Last Chief | Swene McEwen |
| Died | 1493 |
| Commander | John MacEwen (Clan Ewen) Thor Ewing (Clan Ewing) |
Clan MacEwen, Clan MacEwan, or Clan Ewen, is a Highland Scottish clan recorded in the fifteenth century as Clan Ewen of Otter.
Historically, there have been several unrelated MacEwen clans and septs, leading to several distinct origins for the modern surname. Each of these historical clans could be described by the name, "Clan MacEwen". The modern clan does not yet have a chief recognized by Lord Lyon King of Arms, and as such is currently considered an Armigerous clan. However, as of 2016, Clans Ewen and Ewing have elected Commanders: Sir John McEwen, 5th Baronet of Marchmont and Bardrochat has been named Commander of Clan MacEwen, while Clan Ewing has chosen Thor Ewing; both are in line to become the first Chiefs since the death of Swene McEwen, in 1493.
The name "MacEwen" means "son of Ewen," and could have arisen independently at different times throughout history. The spelling of the MacEwen name pre-dates widespread literacy and many variations can be found, including:
The MacEwen lords of Otter appear sporadically in fourteenth and fifteenth century records. The genealogy of the clan is recorded in MS 1467, now held by the National Library of Scotland. The last MacEwen of Otter was Swene Mac Ewen, on whose death in 1493 the barony passed into Campbell overlordship.
There have been MacEwens in Galloway since 1331 (apparently before the first MacEwens of Otter), when one Patrick McEwyn was Provost of Wigtown. According to tradition, these McEwens fought alongside the Agnews of Lochnaw against Black Archibald Douglas.
Many MacEwens still preserve a tradition of descent from Clan MacDougall, and a MacEwen sept has been acknowledged by the MacDougall chiefs. In particular, it is known that MacEwan of Muckley (the first armiger with the MacEwen name) was descended from Ewen Mor MacDougall, brother of the MacDougall of Lorne. MacEwens in the area of Perthshire and Loch Tay were therefore considered to be a part of Clan MacDougall.
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Wikipedia