Copyright © 2000, Thomas Pinkney Davis
The concept of sept names is itself one of some contention. Indeed, depending upon the source consulted, the surnames associated with the various clans tend to vary. Those names most commonly linked with Clan Davidson are in some form derived from David, Dhai, or Kay. Nonetheless, Sir Thomas Innes of Learney, then Lord Lyon King of Arms, in his revision of Frank Adams's The Clans, Septs & Regiments of the Scottish Highlands characterized the concept of sept names as " a rather wonderful effort of imagination".
These name lists grew largely from the Victorian rediscovery and romanticization of the Scottish highlands (spurred largely by the Waverley Novels of Sir Walter Scott.) Lists of names were compiled by which one could discover with what Highland clan one's family was associated and thereby discover as well what tartan one was "entitled" to wear.
Clan Davidson is itself one of the clans comprising the great confederation of clans, Clan Chattan. (Other clans within the confederation include Farquharson, Macintosh, Macgillivrays, Macpherson, MacThomas, and Shaw.) With the death of Duncan Davidson, the sixth of Tulloch, in 1917 the clan became an orphan clan, one without a chief. Eight decades later the Lord Lyon recognized Duncan Hector Davidson of Davidston as chief of Clan Davidson. His tenure as chief, however, was short-lived. Following Duncan's untimely death the chiefship passed to his cousin, the current chief, Alister Guthrie Davidson of Davidston, in 1998.
Scots Heraldic Style Davis Tartans Davis Crest Badge