The Clan

Clan MacBean is one of the historic clans of the Scottish Highlands and a member of the Clan Chattan Confederation. The clan traces its roots to the families who came with Eva of Clan Chattan when she married Angus Mackintosh in 1291. From those beginnings, the MacBeans established themselves as a distinct clan and became closely associated with the lands of Kinchyle on the south side of Loch Ness.

Today, Clan MacBean, Inc. works to preserve and share the history, genealogy, culture, and traditions of the clan and of the wider Clan Chattan Confederation. Through education, research, genealogy, gatherings, publications, and cultural events, the organization helps descendants and friends of the clan connect with their Highland heritage.

Clan MacBean welcomes people from around the world who carry MacBean, McBain, Bean, Bain, and many related names, as well as anyone with an interest in the clan’s history and Scottish culture.

Clan Names

Alvin, Bain, Baine, Baines, Bane, Bayn, Bayne, Beain, Bean, Beane, Beattie, Bee, Beean, Been, Beene, Beth, Bheath, Binnie, Binning, Cabean, Cabeane, Cabeen, Cobain, Cobean, Elvain, Elvaine, Elvane, Elvayne, Elveen, Elwain, Elwane, Elwee, Ilvain, Ilvaine, Ilvayne, Ilvean, Ilveen, Ilveene, Ilwain, Ilwaine, Ilwane, Ilwee, MacAlbea, MacBain, MacBeath, MacBeth, MacBheath, MacIlvain, MacIlveen, Macilvian, MacVane, MacVean, McBain, McBeath, McElveen, Vain, Vaine, Vane, Vayn, Vaynes, Vean, Veane, Vee, Veen, Veene, Vian, Wain, Waine, Wane.

History of Clan MacBean

Clan MacBean traces its traditional beginnings to the late thirteenth century, when Eva, daughter of Dougal Dall, 7th Chief of Clan Chattan, married Angus Mackintosh, 6th Chief of Clan Mackintosh, in 1291. According to Clan MacBean tradition, one of the clan’s ancestors came with Eva as part of the family group that accompanied her to her new home. When land was later granted by the Mackintoshes, the MacBeans emerged as a distinct clan within the Clan Chattan Confederation.

The clan became established on the south side of Loch Ness, with important family branches including the MacBeans of Faillie, Tomatin, Pittanie, and Kinchyle. The chiefly line descended through the MacBeans of Kinchyle. Kinchyle became so closely identified with the clan that “Kinchyle!” became its traditional war cry.

The lands of Kinchyle were lost in the late eighteenth century, and members of the chiefly family and wider clan increasingly dispersed to North America and elsewhere. In the twentieth century, Hughston McBain researched the dormant chiefly line and was recognized as the 21st Chief of Clan MacBean. He later acquired a portion of the old Kinchyle lands and established what is now the Clan MacBain Memorial Park near Loch Ness. The current chief is James McBain of McBain, 22nd Chief of Clan MacBean.

Today, Clan MacBean continues its heritage through genealogy, education, cultural preservation, clan gatherings, and participation in Scottish festivals around the world.