We are an ancient clan thought to have been founded by Paul Cattanach in the 13th century. The surname MacPhail comes from the Scottish Gaelic Mac Phàil, which translates to “son of Paul.” The MacPhails are a part of the Clan Chattan confederation of clans, which banded together for mutual security from the earliest times.

Today, MacPhails (with their many different surname spellings) are spread throughout the world, but mainly in the original places they were transported to or settled in after the removals from the Highlands in the 17th and 18th centuries. We live in Canada, New Zealand, Australia, the United States, England and Scotland. We are currently represented by the Clan Phail Society International, which operates in the UK. In place of a chief, the Society elects a President, which for many years has been John E. Mackfall.

We invite you to join us and help to keep alive the traditions and the spirits of the Highlanders from who we descend!