The Cummings or Cumyns trace Norman descent from Charlemagne through Robert de Comyn, appointed governor of Northumberland in 1068 by his kinsman William the Conqueror. Under David l, William de Comyn became Chancellor of Scotland in 1133. Settled first in Roxburghshire, the family later gained through marriages the earldoms of Buchan and Badenoch; and Altyre in Moray has long been the seat of their chief. From 1309 the Comyns` power was broken through their having contested Bruce`s succession to the throne. Sir John (`the Red`) Comyn`s mother was the sister of ex-king John Baliol. He was slain by Bruce`s party at Dumfries, and the Buchan Comyns were defeated in battle at Inverurie, in 1308. Septs: BUCHAN CHEYNE CHIENE COMMON COMMONS CUMMIN CUMMINGS CUMYN FARQUHARSON MACNIVEN NIVEN RUSSELL -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Scottish Surnames some showing Clan or Sept connection and approximate District or Century earliest known in Scotland. Information from the Revised Second Edition "Scots Kith and Kin". Sept: A Division of a Family, especially a Division of a Clan.