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Ever wondered if your name holds echoes of something greater? If you’re part of the proud lineage of Clan MacNab (McNab), then your story begins long before you were born.
Derived from the Gaelic Mac an Aba, meaning “son of the abbot,” Clan MacNab carries a legacy as wild and enduring as the Scottish Highlands. Through fierce loyalty, bloody feuds, and timeless symbols of freedom, the name has been carved into the heart of Scotland’s past.
In this journey, we’ll uncover the warriors, thinkers, and rebels who shaped the MacNab legacy—inviting you to discover not just their history, but your place within it.
Clan MacNab Crest and Motto
Crest: The head of a savage affrontée Proper
Motto: Timor Omnis Abesto (Let fear be far from all)
Plant badge: Stone bramble or common heath
Historic seat: MacNab Castle
Clan Location: West of Loch Tay
Chief: James William Archibald Macnab of Macnab (Jamie Macnab)
Let’s start with a symbol that defines the clan’s spirit.
The Clan MacNab crest features the head of a savage affrontée, depicted in full strength and dignity. It's not just decoration—it’s a visual reminder of the boldness and resilience this clan has embodied for centuries.
Beneath the crest lies the fierce Clan MacNab motto: “Timor Omnis Abesto” – Let fear be far from all.
Powerful, isn’t it? It speaks not only to martial courage but to a deeper kind of bravery—the bravery to survive exile, rebuild legacy, and carry forward ancestral pride in modern times.
And for those with a love for detail, the clan’s plant badge, the stone bramble or common heath, is another connection to the land and spirit of the Highlands.
Origins of Clan MacNab
Where do we begin a story that stretches back nearly a thousand years? According to tradition, the clan descends from Abraruadh, a younger son of King Kenneth MacAlpin, the first King of Scots. Abraruadh was the Abbot of Glen Dochart—a man of both spiritual and political power in a time when abbots often held significant sway over land and people.
This religious link is reflected in the clan’s very name. “MacNab,” or Mac an Aba, marks the family as “children of the abbot”.
One of the earliest written records of the clan dates back to 1124, confirming their long-standing role within the Scottish Clan system. And though early MacNabs lived quietly in the monastic glens of Glendochart, they would not remain so for long...
Clan MacNab in Scottish History
The story of Clan MacNab is not just a tale of Highland resilience—it's a journey through centuries of spiritual roots, brutal feuds, political upheaval, and cultural revival. Let’s walk through their timeline, century by century.
11th–13th Century: Sacred Origins in Glen Dochart
The name MacNab likely stems from the Gaelic "Mac an Aba," meaning “son of the abbot”. This hints at their early role as descendants of clergy, possibly tied to the Abbey of Glendochart, a spiritual hub nestled in Perthshire. While the clan’s origin was sacred, they were no strangers to the sword. By the 13th century, the MacNabs had transitioned from monastic guardians to Highland lairds, establishing their presence along the banks of Loch Tay and Breadalbane.
14th–16th Century: Feuds, Fortresses, and Fierce Pride
As the centuries rolled on, the MacNabs became deeply entwined in the violent rhythms of Highland clan rivalries—most notoriously with Clan Neish. The feud spanned generations, culminating in a blood-soaked night in the late 1500s. Led by Finlay MacNab, a band of warriors crossed Loch Earn under the cover of darkness, stormed the Neishes’ island stronghold, and wiped out nearly the entire clan.
The MacNabs returned victorious, bearing the severed head of the Neish chieftain as a grisly trophy. To this day, the Neish head remains emblazoned on the MacNab clan crest—a chilling but proud reminder of their triumph. During this time, Kinnell House near Killin became the clan's fortified seat, a granite symbol of their rising influence in Breadalbane.
Beyond clan feuds, the MacNabs maintained a reputation for fierce independence, often resisting the expanding power of the Campbells and asserting their sovereignty in their native glens.
17th–18th Century: Loyalty to the Jacobite Cause
The 1600s ushered in an age of religious upheaval and civil war. Like many Highland clans, the MacNabs stood as staunch Royalists, defending the House of Stuart in Scotland’s shifting political tides. When the Jacobite cause ignited, they pledged loyalty once again.
Francis MacNab, the clan chief during the 1745 Rising, led his men to support Bonnie Prince Charlie, risking all at the Battle of Culloden —the last pitched battle fought on British soil. The result was catastrophic. The MacNabs, like so many Highland clans, were defeated and punished.
In the aftermath, the British government launched brutal crackdowns: lands were confiscated, tartan was banned, and the Gaelic language and clan structures were suppressed. Kinnell House was left to decay, and the once-mighty Clan MacNab faced the slow erosion of identity.
19th Century: Exodus and a New World
By the early 1800s, life in the Highlands had grown harsh. Economic hardship, rising rents, and political marginalization pushed many Highlanders to emigrate. One of the most iconic—and controversial—figures of this time was Archibald MacNab, the 17th Chief.
Plagued by debt and pursued by creditors, Archibald fled Scotland for Canada. But he didn't go quietly. Landing in Ontario, he established MacNab Township, recreating a feudal-style barony in the wilds of North America. His leadership was bold, autocratic, and often divisive. Archibald ruled like a laird, expecting fealty and rent from the Scottish emigrants who followed him.
Still, his vision endured. He ensured the MacNab name took root in North America, and his actions sparked a transatlantic revival of clan identity.
Though scattered across oceans and centuries, the spirit of the MacNabs never truly faded. And in time, it would rise again..
The Variations of Clan MacNab Tartan
Want to wear your history? There’s no better way than through the Clan MacNab tartan.
The classic MacNab clan tartan features deep reds, forest greens, and dark blues—colors that reflect the Highlands' wild and beautiful landscape. There are three primary variants recognized today:
Ancient MacNab Tartan – softer, earthier tones that mimic natural vegetable dyes.
Modern MacNab Tartan – bolder, deeper hues used in contemporary weaving.
Hunting Tartan – more subdued colors for traditional hunting attire.
Whether you wear it in a kilt, scarf, or hoodie, this pattern connects you to centuries of resilience and style. It’s not just fashion—it’s heritage.
Clan MacNab Septs and Surnames
Even if you don’t bear the MacNab name directly, you might still be a part of this proud clan. Like many ancient Scottish families, the clan system encompassed extended families and allied surnames, collectively referred to as septs.
The septs of Clan MacNab include: Abbot, Abbott, Abbotson, Cleland, Dewar, Gilfillan, Gillan, MacLellan, MacNair, Macandeoir, McLelland, and others.
Other associated surnames tied to the MacNab family Scotland include: Abbot, Dewar, Macandeoir, Abbotson, Gilfillan, Hendrie, Hendry, Kendrick, Maceol, MacHendrie, MacHendry, MacKendrick, MacKenrick, MacKnight, MacNair, MacNayer, MacNiven, MacNuir, MacNuyer, MacVicar, Porter, and more.
If you’ve ever wondered about the Scottish surname origin of your family, discovering a link to Clan MacNab might open the door to an ancestral connection you never knew existed.
The Revival of Clan MacNab Today
Despite hardships and diaspora, the story of Clan MacNab is far from over. In fact, in many ways, it’s just beginning again.
Under the leadership of the current chief, James William Archibald Macnab of Macnab, the clan continues to honor its past while embracing the future.
One key force in this revival is the Clan MacNab Society, which helps preserve clan traditions, organize reunions, and support genealogy efforts. Whether you’re in Scotland, Canada, Australia, or the United States, the Clan Macnab society is your gateway to reconnecting with your roots.
Events like Highland Games, cultural festivals, and clan gatherings breathe new life into MacNab pride. And with the help of modern technology, tracing your MacNab family genealogy has never been easier.
Honoring the MacNab Legacy in Every Stitch
Let’s be real—wearing your MacNab tartan isn’t just fashion. It’s heritage made visible.
Every thread honors centuries of courage, clan loyalty, and Highland pride—from the coat of arms to the songs echoing through Glen Dochart. Whether it’s a classic kilt or a modern tartan polo, what you wear keeps your roots alive.
At Tartan Vibes Clothing, we don’t just design clothes—we carry stories. Ready to wear yours?
Conclusion
The story of Clan MacNab is more than ink on parchment or stone on graveyard isles. It's alive in every heartbeat of a descendant, in every plaid woven with care, in every toast raised in memory of the old Highland blood.
From abbots and warriors to outlaws and immigrants, the MacNabs have seen it all. They’ve lost lands and rebuilt them, fought kings and served them, and scattered to every corner of the world—yet never lost the spark of identity.
So if you're a MacNab—or connected to one—know this: you're part of something bigger than yourself. A lineage that fought with courage, lived with spirit, and continues to rise, generation after generation.
You carry more than a name. You bring a legacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the MacNab clan from?
The MacNab clan originates from Glen Dochart in the Scottish Highlands. The name comes from the Gaelic Mac an Aba, meaning "son of the abbot," referring to their ancestor Abraruadh, who served as abbot of Glen Dochart and Strathearn.
Did Clan MacNab fight at Culloden?
Yes, members of Clan MacNab fought on both sides of the Battle of Culloden in 1746. While Chief John MacNab served with the Government’s Black Watch, other clan members supported Bonnie Prince Charlie and joined the Jacobite forces.
What is the MacNab clan motto?
The motto of Clan MacNab is "Timor Omnis Abesto", which translates to "Let fear be far from all". It reflects the clan's fearless spirit and Highland warrior heritage.
What color is the MacNab tartan?
The MacNab tartan features rich shades of red, burgundy, and forest green. The modern version is most common, while the ancient tartan offers a softer, earth-toned variation.
Where is MacNab Castle located?
MacNab Castle, the historic seat of the clan, was located on Eilean Ran, a small island on the River Lochay near Killin in Perthshire, Scotland. The island also serves as the clan’s traditional burial ground.
Teresa Finn
As someone with a deep passion for clan heritage, especially the intriguing world of tartans and their rich traditions, I'm here to be your companion on this exciting journey. Together, we'll delve into the depths of clan history, uncovering the stories behind these vibrant tartans and making every connection to your heritage more meaningful.
