Scottish Tartans. Agnew.

The origin of the name Agnew is disputed, although it is likely to have been Norman, from the Agneaux or Aygnell family in the Barony d’Agneaux. It was said that the Agnews first settled in England and then moved to Ireland c. 1365 becoming the Lords of Larne before coming over to Lochnaw in the mid 14th century. The first record of the Norman name in Scotland is William des Aigneus who is witness to a charter signed in Liddesdale between Randulf de Soules and Jedburgh Abbey c. 1200.

A separate and less likely origin has also been suggested through the Celtic natives of Ulster, the O’Gnimh, who were the hereditary poets or bards of the O’Neills of Clanaboy, and who acquired the anglicized name of Agnew. This origin supports Sir George Mackenzie of Rosehaugh (1631/1691) lawyer and heraldic writer who wrote “Agnew – The Chief is Agnew of Lochnaw, whose predecessors came from Ireland, Rego 2do, being a son of ye Lord Agnews, alias Lord of Larne. There he gott the keeping of the King’s castell of Lochnaw, and was made Heritable Constable yrof”. Hector McDonnellsuggests that the O’Gnimhs and the Agnews descend from Alastair (d.1299), second son of Domhnall (d. 1249), son of Raghnall (d. 1207), son of Somerled, Lord of the Isles (d. 1164). This would give the Agnews a shared origin with the Clan Donald.

Andrew Agnew of Lochnaw was granted the lands and constableship of Lochnaw Castle by Charter dated 10 November 1426 from William Douglas of Leswalt. In 1451 he was appointed Sheriff of Wigtown, an honour still held by his direct descendants.

Patrick Agnew 4th of Lochnaw died shortly after the Battle of Flodden, possibly from wounds. Andrew Agnew 5th of Lochnaw was killed at the Battle of Pinkie in 1547, fighting against the English.