The geographical origin of this ancient
clan is the lands of Brodie near Forres, in Morayshire. The exact
details of the clan's origin were denied to history through a malicious
attack on Brodie Castle by Lord Lewis Gordon, 3rd Marquis of Huntly,
in 1645. All archive material such as charters were burnt and,
as a consequence, the origins are mysterious. The gaelic origin
of the Brodie name is clearer, though - it derives from the Gaelic
word 'brothaig' meaning 'ditch'.