Clan Elliot

also Eliott, Elliott

One of the great riding clans of the Borders.

Motto

Fortiter et recte

— With strength and right

What does the Elliot name mean?

Disputed — possibly from a Border place-name or from the Gaelic 'Eilidh'. A reiving, riding clan of the Scottish Borders.

The history of Clan Elliot

The Elliots are one of the great riding clans of the Scottish Borders, their arrival in Teviotdale traceable to the reign of Robert the Bruce. James, the 15th chief, was killed alongside James IV at Flodden in 1513.

From 1565 a bloody feud raged between the Elliots and the Scotts after Scott of Buccleuch executed four Elliots for cattle theft. The family held the lands of Reheugh, Larriston, Arkleton and Stobs.

From the Stobs branch descended Lord Heathfield (George Augustus Eliott), Governor of Gibraltar, whose four-year defence of the Rock from 1779 to 1783 stands among the most celebrated feats in British military history. Created Lord Heathfield and Baron Gibraltar in 1787.

Notable bearers of the Elliot name

George Augustus Eliott, Lord Heathfield, defender of Gibraltar

Frequently asked

What does the surname Elliot mean?

Disputed — possibly from a Border place-name or from the Gaelic 'Eilidh'. A reiving, riding clan of the Scottish Borders.

Where does the Elliot family come from?

Clan Elliot was historically based in the The Borders of Scotland, in particular The Borders.

What is the Clan Elliot motto?

The motto of Clan Elliot is "Fortiter et recte", which translates as "With strength and right".

Who are some famous Elliots?

Notable bearers of the Elliot name include George Augustus Eliott, Lord Heathfield, defender of Gibraltar.

Is Eliott the same family as Elliot?

Yes. Eliott and Elliott are historical spelling variants of the Elliot name. They share the same lineage and clan affiliation.