Beaton

Beaton is a Scottish surname that originated as a patronymic, meaning 'son of Beaton'. The personal name Beaton itself is thought to be a diminutive of the name Bartholomew. The surname has a long history in Scotland, particularly associated with the Clan MacLeod, where it was often used by a family of hereditary physicians to the chiefs of the clan. The name has also been anglicized from MacBeth, though this is less common.

The Beaton family of physicians, known as 'Clann Mhic-Bheatha' or 'Macbeths', were prominent in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland from the 14th to the 18th centuries. They were renowned for their medical knowledge and served various clans, including the MacLeods of Dunvegan and the MacDonalds of Sleat. Their medical texts and practices were highly regarded, and their legacy contributed significantly to Scottish medical history.