The Lineage Scroll
Through the Centuries
Eight centuries of Scottish history, from the medieval Kingdom of Scotland to a global family community.
"The Glen family name is derived from the ancient word 'glean' meaning a small valley."
Source: Glenn Name Meaning, Family History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
c. 1200s
13th Century
First Scottish Records
The earliest recorded mention of the Glen family appears in 13th-century Scottish records, where individuals bearing the name are listed among the landholders and tenants of the Kingdom of Scotland.
The name Glen likely developed independently in several regions, reflecting the geographical features of the land — a topographic surname meaning “small valley.”
Source: Clan Glen
Origins
Two Distinct Families
According to Thomas Allen Glenn, there were two distinct, unrelated, originating families of Glen. One from the parish of Traquair in Peebles-shire, the other from estates of Glen in Renfrewshire.
The publication Genealogical Notes Regarding the Family of Glen, of Glenn by Thomas Allen Glenn is considered the most informative source work for these early families.
Source: Clan Glen
Medieval
AD 1329
1329
Royal Confirmation
The Chief of the family, Colban, received his lands of Quilte in a legacy from the Queen, which was later confirmed by Robert the Bruce in 1329.
This royal confirmation placed the Glen family among the recognized landholding families of medieval Scotland, establishing their status in the kingdom.
Source: Glenn Name Meaning, Family History
Geography
Lands of the Name
The surname Glenn was first found in Peebles-shire where they held a family seat from early times. The name is associated with Perthshire, Stirlingshire, and Argyll.
These Highland and Lowland regions share a landscape dominated by glens — deep valleys carved by glaciers — making the name Glen a natural topographic surname for families throughout Scotland.
Source: The Glenn Family
Historical
AD 1715
1715
The Jacobite Rising
The Glen family is traditionally associated with the Jacobite rising of 1715, which sought to restore the Stuart monarchy to the thrones of Scotland and England.
Members of the Glen family are recorded as having supported the Jacobite cause, participating in the conflict alongside other Highland families. The rising ultimately failed at the Battle of Sheriffmuir.
Source: The Glenn Family
After 1715
Reprisals & Diaspora
Following the failure of the rising, many Glens faced reprisals and some sought new lives abroad, joining the great Scottish diaspora that spread the name across the world.
From North America to Australia, from South Africa to New Zealand — the Glenn name followed Scottish emigrants to every corner of the globe, carrying with it a legacy of Highland resilience.
Source: The Glenn Family
c. 1715–1750
Present Day
Worldwide
A Global Community
Today, Clan Glen and the Glenn families are found worldwide. The Glen and Glenn Heritage Society was founded in 2026 to unite them, research their history, and celebrate their shared heritage.
Our society brings together family members across every continent, from every spelling of the name, to honor the ancient Scottish valley that gave the family their identity.
Source: The Glen & Glenn Heritage Society
A Family Divided
The Jacobite Legacy
The Rising of 1715
The Jacobite rising of 1715, known as “The Fifteen,” sought to place James Francis Edward Stuart — the “Old Pretender” — on the British throne. Highland families including the Glens took up arms in support of the Stuart cause.
Aftermath & Exile
Following the failure of the rising, many Glen family members faced government reprisals. Some fled to Europe; others emigrated to the colonies of North America, carrying the name across the Atlantic where it would take root and flourish.
Primary Sources
Clan Glen
The official records and history of Clan Glen
The Glenn Family
Family history and genealogical records of the Glenn name
Glenn Name Meaning, Family History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
Historical records of the Glenn surname
Genealogical Notes Regarding the Family of Glen, of Glenn
By Thomas Allen Glenn — considered the major source work for early families
Memorials of the Scottish Family of Glen
A historical publication on the Glen family