The name Anderson is common throughout Scotland, being strongly represented around Aberdeenshire and the Lowlands (hence my a.k.a. of "Lowlandz"). This name, meaning Son of Andrew, appears as MacAndrew in the Highlands and in Gaelic form as Mac Ghille Aindrais or Gilleaindrais - St. Andrew's servant - suggesting a strong connection with St. Andrew, the patron Saint of Scotland.
There are records of the name 'fiz Andreu' in Peebles and Dumfries during the 13th century which could indicate Anglo-Norman links to the name, but the origins are possibly more diverse. Certainly, Anderson, Andrew and Gilanders are regarded as septs of Clan Ross; the Gaelic name being Siol Aindrea - Race of Andrew - but the MacAndrews are claimed to have come from the west Highlands to Badenoch, taking the protection of Clan Mackintosh abt. 1400. These MacAndrews are associated with the Clan Chattan Confederation from early in the 15th century and settled in lands around Dalcross in Iverness-shire.
Another source speculates that although there is no exact place of origin, the Kinrara manuscript contains a claim that the MacAndrews came to Badenoch from Moidart c.1400. The tales are of the vengeance wrought by Iain beg MacAindrea on the cattle lifters who raided Badenoch.
Who Knows? Personally, I came from right here, in Fredericton, NB!
The 'MacAndrews' were renowned for their fighting qualities and were part of the Confederation of Highland clans, the 'Clan Chattan'.
The Lowland Andersons achieved fame in different quarters. Alexander Anderson's early 17th century treaties on geometry and algebra gained recognition throughout Europe. James Gregory, who was the inventor of the reflecting telescope, was an Anderson. In 1773, James Anderson from Midlothian, wrote the entry on monsoons for the first edition of the Encyclopedia Britannica, and in doing so, predicted the discoveries yet to be made by Captain Cook. John Anderson (1726-1796), a Professor of Natural Philosophy at Glasgow University, invented a way to reduce the recoil that takes place after a gun is fired, and also helped establish one of Scotland's eight universities - namely, the Strathclyde University.
As for me, I once played volleyball for 36 hours straight...and then slept for 18 hours straight. (but that somehow pales by comparison!)
Clan Branches:
Candacraig (Strathdon), Dowhill, Wester Ardbreck.
Clan Surnames:
ANDRESEN, ANDERS , ENDERS, ANDERSSON, ANDERSSEN, ANDRE, ANDREWS, McANDREW, D'ANDREA, ANDRZEJEWSKI, ANDRIJJENKO, ONDRUS
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