Kilgour Clan — History, Crest, Motto, Septs, Tartans

Celebrate your Kilgour heritage with authentic details drawn from Scottish tradition.

History & Origins
The name Kilgour is a habitational surname from the old parish of Kilgour (the medieval name of Falkland) in Fife. Records of the surname appear in the 1500s around Fife and Aberdeen. The Kilgour name is traditionally affiliated as a sept of Clan MacDuff, one of Scotland’s oldest dynastic clans. Clan MacDuff is currently armigerous (without a recognized chief).

Crest & Motto (as a MacDuff Sept)
• Crest: A demi-lion rampant holding a broadsword
• Motto: Deus juvat — “God assists”
Note: Some individual Kilgour arms feature a crescent with the motto Gradatim (“By degrees”), but the shared sept badge follows the MacDuff chief’s crest and motto.

Septs & Spellings
Common spellings include Kilgour, Kilgoure, Kilgore. As MacDuff sept members, Kilgours are traditionally associated alongside names such as Duff, Fife/Fyfe, Spens/Spence, Wemyss, and Meek.

Tartans
• Kilgour Family Tartans: “Kilgour” and “Kilgour (Symmetrical)” are recorded family tartans.
• MacDuff Tartans: As a MacDuff sept, Kilgours also customarily wear MacDuff tartans.
Color palettes are available in Modern, Ancient, and Weathered tones depending on mill and weave.

How to Wear
• Pair the MacDuff crest badge with a Kilgour or MacDuff tartan for formal occasions.
• Ideal for kilts, scarves, ties, sashes, and accessories that showcase Kilgour lineage.