MacMaken, MacMakan or MacMhatain and probably other spellings, all of similar sounding, are thought to be some of the names attributed to the Highlanders who gave their allegiance to the MacMathan Chief in and around Lochalsh, Wester Ross in the early days of the Clan.  In the course of time the names gave way to the anglicised version of Matheson which we know today.  Due to difficulties of translation and spelling by Gaelic speakers when keeping their records, other similar sounding variations crept in.

Eligibility

Today, The Clan is composed of all those bearing the following surnames, and those giving allegiance to the Chief of the Mathesons:

Matheson, Mathieson, Matheison, Mathison, Mathewson, MacMakan, MacMaken, MacMath (sept), Mathie (sept), or MacPhun (sept).


Membership of The Clan Society is open to:
 

(1)  All members of the Clan as listed above.

(2)  Any others, subject to approval,

(i) Who had a parent with one of these accepted or similar sounding surnames.

(ii) If they can convince the Chief, Chief’s Lieutenants or their Deputies of their enthusiasm for the Clan and are prepared to give their allegiance to the Chief.

The Tartan may only be worn by members of the Clan.
The Clansman's/Clanswoman's Badge may be worn by all members of the Clan Society.

How To Apply For Membership

If you would like to apply for membership of the Society, please refer to our Online Application Form page. There you will be presented with a "Main Menu", which enables you to select which branch of the Society you wish to join. Having selected your branch, you are then re-directed to the relevant page, containing the appropriate application form. This is by far the quickest way to submit an application, to join a branch of the Society. However we do offer the following alternative.

If you prefer, you can download our PDF application form, which you can complete and print out at your leisure. Once completed, you will need to send it to the appropriate address below, depending on which branch of the Society, you are applying to join.

Branches

United Kingdom

Australia

Canada

New Zealand

USA