Clan Campbell
From Argyll, the great political clan of the west.
Draft entry · awaiting community review
Motto
Ne obliviscaris
— Forget not
What does the Campbell name mean?
From the Gaelic 'cam beul' — 'crooked mouth'. The clan rose from Argyll to dominate much of the western Highlands.
The history of Clan Campbell
Clan Campbell rose from origins in Argyll to become one of the most powerful clans in Scotland, with their chiefs holding the title Earl, then Marquess, and finally Duke of Argyll. The Campbells of Lochawe established the line that would dominate the western Highlands.
The Campbells were generally loyal to the crown — and to the winning side. They supported the Bruce against the Comyns and MacDougalls, the Stewart kings against the Lordship of the Isles, and the British government against the Jacobites. This stance won them lands and made them many enemies.
The Campbells' role in the 1692 Massacre of Glencoe — when soldiers commanded by a Campbell officer slaughtered their MacDonald hosts — remains one of the most infamous episodes in Highland history. The Dukes of Argyll seat is at Inveraray Castle.
Notable bearers of the Campbell name
- Archibald Campbell, 1st Marquess of Argyll
- John Campbell, 2nd Duke of Argyll
Frequently asked
What does the surname Campbell mean?
Where does the Campbell family come from?
What is the Clan Campbell motto?
Who are some famous Campbells?
Editor notes
- · Verify motto and earldom dates against an authoritative Campbell source before publishing publicly.