why?

[DWFII]

I think you are maybe making too much distinction between MacSween and MacQueen. You seem to view "MacSween" as the older, or original spelling, and "MacQueen" as a modern Anglicized form.

In truth, both "MacQueen" and "MacSween" are Anglicized names. The Gaelic is Mac Shuibhne. (And even the Gaelic spelling will be different depending upon the era). So far as I am aware they are both considered perfectly acceptible ways to Anglicize the Gaelic name.

Matt,

That's a really good point. And even though I knew the Gaelic spelling I hadn't considered it from quite that angle till now.

That said, I wonder about usage. Why it is Castle Sween and not Castle Queen? Why is it Loch Sween and not Loch Queen? And given that it is indeed Loch Sween, etc., why is it MacQueen for the clan name and tartan...especially when there seem to be so many MacSweens around?

I guess I'm curious more than anything. Running around the High Desert Games yesterday I ran across the Mackenzie tent and they had a big sign that said one of the Mackenzie septs, or allied clans, was MacQueenie. First time I'd heard that. But it raised a question.

I also have encountered the assertion that after Bannockburn some the MacSweens who remained in Scotland, became MacEwens (?!?)--presumably another anglicization of the name.

It would have been simpler if they had all gotten together and decided on a common pronunciation.