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Motto: AUDACITER ("Boldly")
Badge: A demi-lion rampant holding in its dexter paw a star or mullet
Names: Ewing, Euing, Ewin, Ewen etc.; Crum-Ewing, Orr-Ewing; descendants of Walter MacEwen of Luss are also considered a part of this clan.
Historical forms of the name include: Ewyng, Ewynge, Ewyn, Ewynne, Ewene, Euyng, Euynge, Euyn, Euin, Euinn, Eogan, Eogann, Eoghan, Eoghann, Eoghain, Eoghainn, Eugenius, Eugenii, Eujenii, Eugene, McEwyn
Clan Ewing is descended from the medieval Clan Ewen of Otter. As such the clan claims descent from the Irish prince Anrothan O'Neill; curiously, recent studies have shown that a significant percentage of Ewing DNA is consistent with this legendary origin. According to tradition, the clan relocated to Dumbartonshire and western Stirlingshire in the 1400's (when the barony of Otter passed into Campbell hands) although links with Cowal remained strong.
In 1566, 'William Ewin' was summoned to the court of Mary Queen of Scots, and in the same year the Ewing coat of arms is recorded in the Workman Armorial. The Ewing shield is ensigned with the Red Ensign of Scotland, and may mark William's appointment as Bearer of the Ensign; it is said that at the Battle of Langside, one of Queen Mary's banners was carried by William Ewing. Another tradition relating to this battle describes a new clan banner reflecting William Ewing's recent grant of arms. A gravestone in Bonhill churchyard once marked the grave of William Ewing and was emblazoned with the Ewing arms.
Later records of the clan suggest the clan supported the causes of Covenanters, Williamites and Whigs. In 1685, Ewings supported the Earl of Argyll's abortive rebellion against King James VII, and Ewing property in Cowal was forfeited. Many Ewings followed paths of exile which led them to Ulster and beyond.
The Ewing chiefship seems to have been assumed by a younger son who purchased property at Keppoch in Dumbartonshire, and then passed through his daughter to the Ewings of Craigtoun who became extinct in the 1700's. At a joint Derbhfine of Clan Ewing and Clan MacEwen in June 2014, John Thor Ewing was appointed as Commander of Clan Ewing.
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