We and our advertising partners use cookies on this site and around the web to
improve your website experience and provide you with personalised advertising
from this site and other advertisers. By clicking "allow", you accept the
placement and use of these cookies for these purposes.
Learn More
The term Marr comes from the Norse 'marr' meaning sea or marsh. The Mars were not seen as a clan, but an older grouping referred to as a tribe. The family name extends back to the ancient tribe called the Picts and were known as ‘mormaer’ an ancient Pictish form of Earl. The Earldom of Mar are thought to have resided in Aberdeenshire. In 1014, Donald Mormaer of Mar fought alongside the great Irish King Brian Boru against Norse invaders. The Earldom of Mar, formally belonged to the Skenes and later passed to the Erskines, who were known as Earls of Mar and Kellie.