Clan Douglas

One of the most powerful houses in medieval Scotland.

Motto

Jamais arrière

— Never behind

What does the Douglas name mean?

From Gaelic 'dubh ghlais' — 'black water'. The first documented Douglas appears in 12th-century Morayshire.

The history of Clan Douglas

The first documented Douglas was William de Douglas in 12th-century Morayshire, though the name itself appears to derive from the Gaelic 'dubh ghlais', 'black water'.

In 1330 'Good Sir James Douglas' was killed in Spain attempting to carry Robert the Bruce's heart on crusade to the Holy Land. The earldom of Douglas was created in the 14th century, and from the first earl's son descended the Earls of Angus and the Queensberry branch.

James Douglas, 4th Earl of Morton, succeeded to the title in 1553. Prominent in the assassination of Rizzio and a leader against Mary Queen of Scots, he was elected Regent of Scotland in 1572 and beheaded in 1581 for his alleged part in the Darnley conspiracy.

Notable bearers of the Douglas name

'Good Sir James' Douglas
James Douglas, 4th Earl of Morton

Frequently asked

What does the surname Douglas mean?

From Gaelic 'dubh ghlais' — 'black water'. The first documented Douglas appears in 12th-century Morayshire.

Where does the Douglas family come from?

Clan Douglas was historically based in the Glasgow & Strathclyde and Moray of Scotland, in particular Lanarkshire and Moray.

What is the Clan Douglas motto?

The motto of Clan Douglas is "Jamais arrière", which translates as "Never behind".

Who are some famous Douglases?

Notable bearers of the Douglas name include 'Good Sir James' Douglas and James Douglas, 4th Earl of Morton.