The Scottish Logan name is documented in Ayrshire and other Lowland records. Clan Logan Society research distinguishes the Logans of that Ilk in Ayrshire from the Logans of Restalrig and records a commander appointed in 2025 while research into the hereditary chiefly line continues.
Browse the Logan Scottish Gifts collection for family crest designs inspired by the heart-and-nail device, Hoc Majorum Virtus, and the surname’s Lowland history.
Where do Scottish Logan records begin?
Clan Logan Society identifies Walter Logan’s seal on the Ragman Roll of 1296 as early armorial evidence and records Alexander Logan “of that Ilk” near Old Cumnock, Ayrshire, in 1516. These named figures give the Scottish Logan story firm medieval and early-modern anchors, with “of that Ilk” identifying a laird whose surname matched his estate.
The Logans of Restalrig and the Ayrshire Logans of that Ilk form two important lines in the surname’s Scottish history. A known ancestor and parish can help a modern Logan family identify which regional story appears in its records.
What do the Logan crest and motto record?
According to Clan Logan Society's account of the Lord Lyon registration, George Logan of that Ilk recorded arms in 1672 with a heart pierced by passion nails. His crest used a heart pierced by a nail, alongside the motto Hoc majorum virtus. Our Scottish crest designs show a heart-and-nail device and that motto; the precise spelling on each item follows its artwork.
The heart in Logan heraldic tradition recalls the knights who accompanied the expedition carrying Robert the Bruce’s heart. This stirring story has become one of the surname’s best-known links with Scotland’s age of independence.
Clan Logan’s commander and chiefship today
Clan Logan Society reports that an April 2025 family convention selected J. Kevin Logan as its preferred commander candidate, and that the Lord Lyon commissioned him commander of the Logan name in December 2025 for five years. The appointment gives today’s Logan community a recognized organizing figure while research into the hereditary chiefly line continues.
How can a Logan family trace its own Scottish line?
Start with the most recent documented Logan ancestor, then work back through civil records, parish registers, and recurring place names. Ayrshire records can lead toward the Logans of that Ilk, while Edinburgh and East Lothian sources may reveal Restalrig connections. Variant spellings and original record images can help confirm each step.
Sources
- Clan Logan Society, “A Brief History of the Logan Clan Chiefs” (updated 2026), on the 1296 seal, Ayrshire line, 1672 arms and 2025 commander.
- Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs, “The search for clan chiefs”, on recognition and chiefly succession.
- ScotlandsPeople, Surnames guide, on spelling and surname research.