Clan Ogilvy: History, Coat of Arms, and Notable Tartans

Clan Ogilvy, also spelled Ogilvie, is a distinguished Scottish clan originating from Angus in the eastern Lowlands of Scotland. The Ogilvy clan of Scotland is one of the oldest noble families tied to the region’s early feudal history. 

Over the centuries, several branches of Clan Ogilvy have emerged:

• Clan Ogilvy of Airlie: The chief line of the clan, holding the titles of Lord Ogilvy and Earl of Airlie. Their ancestral seat is Cortachy Castle in Angus.

• Clan Ogilvy of Inverquharity: This branch held the baronetcy of Nova Scotia and resided at Inverquharity Castle. The title continues today with the Ogilvys of Winton House in East Lothian.

• Clan Ogilvy of Findlater: The Ogilvys of Findlater were elevated to the peerage in 1638, when James Ogilvy was created the 1st Earl of Findlater.

• Clan Ogilvy of Seafield: The Seafield branch emerged when James Ogilvy, the 4th Earl of Findlater, was granted the separate title of Earl of Seafield in 1701.

• Ogilvy of Boyne: This branch of Clan Ogilvy was a prominent one, established in the late 15th century when Sir Walter Ogilvy received the thanage of Boyne. The family built Boyne Castle and was closely connected to the Scottish royal court. They remained influential in Banffshire through the 17th century before merging with the Seafield line in the early 1700s.

The clan also has several septs, including Airlie, Findlater, Gilchrist, MacGilchrist, Milne, Richardson, and Storie.

This well-known Scottish family name has a long history. The Ogilvy surname origin can be traced to a geographic location—specifically, the Ogilvie barony near Glamis in what was once part of Angus. This region holds deep ancestral significance for the Ogilvie clan , one of the oldest and most prominent Highland families. Contemporary variations of the surname encompass forms like Ogilvie, Ogilvy, Ogelsby, and Ogilby.

The name's origin likely traces back to the Old English or Welsh words "ugl," signifying high, along with "ma," which denotes a place, dating back to before the 7th century.

• 1172 : Gilbert, Gillebride’s son and the initial Earl of Angus, adopted the surname after being granted the Ogilvy manor.

• 1267 : Early instance of the name appeared as de Oggiluill.

• 1316 : Recorded as de Ogelvey.

• 1425 : Walter de Ogilby held the post of High Treasurer of Scotland, while David of Ogilby was held by England as a royal hostage.

• 1232 : The oldest recorded variation of this surname, Alexander de Oggoluin, appeared in the charters of the Scottish Historical Society, found in Edinburgh, during the reign of Alexander II of Scotland (1214–1249).

• 1531 : Spelling appeared as Ogelbe.

• 1661 : Spelling appeared as Oglevie.

• 1665 : Spelling appeared as Ogglebie.

Surnames became essential once governments started implementing individual taxes. The passage of time has seen the continuous “evolution” of surnames in all nations, frequently resulting in surprising deviations from their initial spellings.

The historical roots of Clan Ogilvy can be traced back to the fertile lands of Angus, a region once governed by powerful Celtic nobles known as mormaers—early figures who later became Scotland’s first earls. Central to Clan Ogilvy's history is the strategic importance of Angus, where the family rose to prominence as landholders and loyal supporters of the Scottish crown. In 1163, Gillebride, the Earl of Angus, was granted a prestigious barony by King William the Lion. He passed this inheritance to his son Gilbert, gifting him the lands of Wester Powrie, Ogilvy, and Kyneithin, thus laying the foundation of Clan Ogilvy’s legacy.

The history of Clan Ogilvy is a captivating journey through centuries of loyalty, warfare, and noble service in Scotland. As one of the most enduring names in Highland heritage, the Ogilvy Scottish family has played a significant role in shaping the nation’s cultural and political landscape.

Patrick de Ogilvy pledged allegiance to Edward I of England, and his name appears in the 1296 Ragman Rolls. In contrast, his descendants, Sir Patrick Ogilvy and Sir Robert de Ogilvy, were loyal supporters of Robert the Bruce. Sir Patrick was rewarded with a charter for the Kettins estates, while Sir Robert was regarded as one of Bruce’s most devoted companions.

• 1365: The Clan Ogilvys were granted the title of hereditary Sheriffs of Angus

• 1369: Walter Ogilvy succeeded his uncle, Sir Malcolm Ramsay, as Sheriff of Forfar. He was later awarded the barony of Cortachy.

• 1391, as Sheriff of Angus, Sir Walter led the clan in defense against Alexander Stewart, Earl of Buchan—famously known as the Wolf of Badenoch—during the Raid of Angus.

In 1547, James Ogilvy—the eldest son of the fourth Lord Ogilvy—was killed at the Battle of Pinkie Cleugh, a significant defeat for the Scots during the Anglo-Scottish conflict.

Key battles:

• Battle of Kilsyth: The Earl of Airlie fought valiantly in this Royalist victory.

• Battle of Inverlochy (1645): Sir Thomas Ogilvy, the Earl’s second son, led a regiment but died in combat.

• Battle of Philiphaugh (Feb 1645): Lord Ogilvy was captured after Montrose's defeat. He escaped from St Andrews Castle disguised as his sister and eventually lived to witness the Restoration of the monarchy.

The Ogilvy clan crest is a powerful emblem rich in symbolism, reflecting the clan’s noble heritage and enduring spirit. It visually represents the identity of the Ogilvy Scottish family, telling a story of strength, resilience, and honor.

At the heart of the design is a striking figure: a lady affrontée, shown from the waist up, dressed in azure blue vestments and richly adorned, holding a bold red portcullis (Gules). This portcullis—a fortified gate often associated with castles—signifies protection, strength, and steadfast guardianship, echoing the Clan Ogilvy's historical role as defenders of their lands and people. The lady’s forward-facing stance conveys openness, dignity, and resolve.

So, what does the Ogilvy clan crest mean to modern descendants and clan admirers? It stands as a timeless symbol of their ancestral duty and honor. Above the crest, the motto of Clan Ogilvy: “A Fin” (To the End) proudly reinforces this legacy, expressing a commitment to loyalty and perseverance across generations. Often worn on the Ogilvy clan badge, the crest and motto together serve as a declaration of identity and pride for anyone connected to this storied Highland clan.

For instance, the Earls of Airlie bear the aforementioned lion, emphasizing their prominence within the clan. In contrast, the Earls of Seafield incorporate additional elements into their arms, such as the Sinclair cross and the Grant crowns, which highlight their alliances and lineage.

The tartan of Clan Ogilvy is a proud visual symbol of the family’s identity, woven with history, color, and heritage. Known for its vibrant contrasts and rich patterning, the Ogilvy tartan pattern has evolved over the centuries into several beautiful variations, each associated with different branches of the clan or specific historical contexts.

Over time, several variations of the Ogilvy Scottish tartan colors have emerged, each with its own significance and stylistic appeal. Here are some of the most prominent variations of the Clan Ogilvy Tartan :

1. Ogilvie Ogilvy Tartan

2. Ogilvie Ogilvy of Strathallan Tartan

3. Ogilvie Ogilvy Hunting Tartan

4. Ogilvie Ogilvy Hunting Ancient Tartan

5. Ogilvie Ogilvy Hunting Modern Tartan

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