The Gordons had their origin in the Border, deriving their name from Gordon in Berwickshire. They acquired power in the North from their exploits in the Scottish War of Independence. They rose to power in the person of Sir Adam Gordon, the friend of Wallace, and to whom Bruce granted the lands of Huntly or Strathbogie. He fell at Halidon Hill in 1333.
Alexander, 3rd Earl of Huntly, fought at Flodden. George, 6th Earl, was created a Marquis in 1599. George, 4th Marquis, was made Duke of Gordon in 1684. The Dukedom lapsed in 1836, and the Marquisate went to the Earl of Aboyne. The Earls of Aberdeen are descended from Patrick Gordon of Methlie, who fell in battle at Arbroath in 1445.
Ten Baronetcies pertain to this clan Gordonstoun, Cluny, Lismore, Lochinvar, Park, Dalpholly, Earlstoun, Embo, Halkin, Niton. Two regiments have been raised from it. The 92nd, or Gordon Highlanders, raised in 1794, and the old 75th and 92nd linked together, are now the Gordon Highlanders. The Marquis of Huntly is chief of the Gordon clan.

Chief: Marquis of Huntly.
Patronymic: The Gordon.
Clan Seats: Huntly Castle, Huntly; Aboyne Castle, Aboyne, Aberdeenshire.
Tryst: Standing Stone of Strathbogie (Huntly).
Slogan: An Gordonach.
Plant: Rock Ivy.
Memorials: Elgin Cathedral.
Pipe Music: (1) The Cock o' the North. (2) Marquis of Huntly's Farewell.