Clan Fraser in Canada

42 SCOTTISH DERIVATION OF THE NAME.
Duke de Chatillon and the Prince de Tingrie, the three
worthy and illustrious children of the late Marshal de Lux-
embourg Montmorenci, whose heroic exploits are not less
glorious and celebrated than his descent is ancient and august.
Several other lords of the house of Montmorenci, the Marquis
de Rieux, and many noblemen related by blood and marriage
to M. de la Frezeliere, joined with the Marquis in affixing
their signatures to this act of recognition. On the other part
it was executed by Simon Lord Lovat, Mr. John Fraser, his
brother, and Mr. George Henry Fraser, Major of the Irish
regiment of Bourke in the French service, for themselves, in
the name of their whole family in Scotland.
" By this deed the kindred of the two houses of the
Frezels or Frasers is placed out of all possible doubt.
Accordingly from the moment in which it was executed the
Marquis de la Frezeliere regarded Lord Lovat rather as his
brother and his child than as his remote relation ; and had
his re-establishment in Scotland nearer his heart than his own
elevation in France."
The Scottish Origin of the Name. — Logan, author of
the " Scottish Gael," agrees with those who claim a Scottish
origin for the name. He derives it from Frith, ' a forest,' and
siol — 'seed,' 'offspring.' His theory has at least the merit of
great probability, and is certainly to be preferred to the Nor-
man-French, unless the latter can be supported by better
evidence than has yet been brought forward. In a most
interesting volume on surnames by Mr. B. Homer Dixon,
K.N.L., published in 1857, there are very suggestive notes
on the surname " Fraser." He agrees with Logan, and he
combats the Norman origin. His interest in the Clan Fraser