The Menzies

Last updated 3/21/2003

The Means are a sept of the Clan Menzies, of Scotland. Some Menzies history:
The name Menzies is of Norman origin, coming from Mesnieres in Normandy to England where it was transformed into Manners, the surname of the Dukes of Rutland, although other early spellings in Scotland include Meyers, Mingies and Mengues. As ormanisation progressed into Scotland under the descendants of Malcolm Canmore and Queen Margaret, a family apparantly settled in Lothian and from there moved into the Highlands.

The name occurs in charters of the 12th and 13th centuries and in 1249 Sir Robert de Meyeris became Lord Chamberlain of Scotland to Alexander II. His son Alexander held Weem, Aberfeldy and Fortingall in Atholl. He supported Bruce at Bannockburn and was rewarded further territories, in Glendochart and Durisdeer in Nithsdale, thus by the King's death the Menzies possessions extended west from Aberfeldy almost as far as Loch Lomond. In 1688 when the Stuarts were driven from the throne the chief of the clan favoured the new government, but in 1715 the Menzies were out for James Edward and although during the 45 Clan Menzies took no part some of them were raised by Menzies of Shian. The Menzies were also involved in various feuds; even with the Campbells, with whom they had various bonds and marriage alliances. Sir Alexander Menzies of Castle Menzies was created Baronet of Nova Scotia in 1665 from whom descended Sir Neil who died in 1910 without issue. His sister became chieftainess till her death.

Electric Scotland offers a large number of links to Menzies-related sites.

Menzies is the official Menzies web site.