The name Matheson has been attributed
to the gaelic “Mic Mhathghamhuin” meaning “son
of the bear” or alternatively “son of the heroes”.
Traditionally, the clan descends from a twelfth century Gilleoin,
who is thought to have been a scion of the ancient royal house
of Lorne. The Mathesons settled around Lochalsh, Lochcarron and
Kintail and gave their allegiance to the MacDonalds as the Lords
of the Isles.