Origine et histoire

Topographic surname derived from the Scottish Gaelic 'ros', meaning 'promontory', 'headland', or 'peninsula' — the same root as the district of Ross-shire in the north-west Highlands. Clan Ross traces descent from Fearchar Mac an t-Sagairt ('son of the priest'), Earl of Ross, who assisted the Scottish Crown in the thirteenth century and received the earldom in return. The name may also derive in some cases from the Norse 'hross' (horse), reflecting Scandinavian settlement along the same coastlines. Ross is now widespread across Scotland, particularly in Easter Ross and the northern counties.