The MAINS, a sept of the GUNN clan

[jimmain]

My surname is MAIN, a sept of the Gunn clan. I have been researching my MAIN ancestors for 15 years. I initially suspected that since the Gunn clan was from northern Scotland, I might possibly have Norse ancestry. A Y-DNA test was surprising in that my haplogroup turned out to be J2, not I (which it would have been if I had Norse ancestors). J2 is found in only 6-7% of Scots, and these people came from the Fertile Crescent originally, so possibly my ancestors came to Scotland with the Romans (or might have been Jewish). The question I have is how would the MAIN family become associated with the GUNN clan?
Thanks for your reply. Jim Main

[mwaddell]

Hello Jim- My name is Mike Waddell and I live in Emmaus, PA, USA.  I've researched my Waddell ancestry off and on for several years to the point that I'm reasonably confident that my family line runs from John The Martyr, William b. 1660 and on the Crown of London, William b.c.1715 in America, etc.  I have a few questions about the Waddell line within this family branch...are you knowledgeable about this family line or is there anyone else you might suggest that I contact?

This is also my first use of Rootschat.com so suggestions would also be welcome there as well.
Regards,
Mike Waddell

[curiousgeorge1]

Another Main here 

Always knew some Mains were part of the Gunn clan......wasn't particularly fond of the tartan.

My Mains ended up in the north east of Scotland, Hopeman, Lossiemouth, Burghead but I haven't been able to trace them before that. Too many of them with the same surname and given the Scottish naming pattern it gets very confusing.

[dowdstree]

Hi,

Just been looking at your post and your question about clan septs.

I believe this usually came about through marriage or small families seeking the protection of a much larger, more powerful neighbour and thus becoming part of this "clan." There are lots of sites which explain this more fully if you search "What is a clan sept" (maybe you have already tried this).

Also a warm welcome to Mike from rootschat. The same may be helpful to you as there are many clan associations around and you might be lucky and find someone who can help you further. Just put the surname of " Waddell Scottish Surname" into your search engine.

Good luck with your future research.

Best wishes

Dorrie (Edinburgh)