The etymology is variously debated as "Great Steward" (incorporating Gaelic and Picto-Latin), or "Sea Lord" (perhaps defenders against Vikings).
mormaer |
Harald Maddadsson, Earl of Orkney and Mormaer of Caithness (1139–1206)
The specific mormaer who patronized him is often thought to have been Ailín II (died 1217), but as the mormaer is called "Mac Muireadhach", son of Muireadhach, it was almost certainly in fact his predecessor and father, Ailín I (died c. 1200).
Uilleam of Mar, or Uilleam mac Dhonnchaidh (Anglicized: William, Duncan's son), was perhaps the greatest of the mormaers of Mar ruling from 1244 to 1276, also known as Earl of Mar.