Strachan History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Early Origins of the Strachan family

The surname Strachan was first found in Kincardineshire (Gaelic: A’ Mhaoirne), a former county on the northeast coast of the Grampian region of Scotland, and part of the Aberdeenshire Council Area since 1996, where the family sometimes spelled their Strachen or Straughan.

The family derive their name from the valley of the Aan (Strath Aan). The earliest record of the Clan was in 1057 AD, when they accompanied King Malcolm Canmore northward in his attempt to overthrow the King MacBeth after his usurpation of the Scottish throne.

The Clan Strachan was one of the major Clans participating in the Battle of Lumphanen, 25 miles west of Aberdeen. MacBeth died in the Battle on the 15th day of August, 1057 AD. MacBeth’s Cairn may still be seen there to this day. Later in 1165 AD, a Walderus de Strathecan had extensive territories in the lands of Strachan (pronounced Stawn, but many in North America have now reverted to the original pronunciation of Stracken).