Scottish clans are family groups. This Clan claims descent from Leod. Leod was a son of Olaf, King of Man and Northern Isles. Leod was the first chief and gave the patronymic McLeod or MacLeod meaning "sons of Leod".

Leod held Uist, Harris, Lewis and much of Skye due to his marriage, his father, grandfather and stepfather's connections. He died around 1280 and was buried on the holy island of Iona.

Leod had two sons, Norman and Torquil. Norman was the MacLeod of MacLeod and Harris and Dunvegan while Torquil was the progenitor of the MacLeods of Lewis.

Norman is believed to have fought with Bruce at the battle of Bannockburn.

The clan holds the legendary Fairy Flag at Dunvegan Castle.

The protagonists of the Highlander films and series are both MacLeods.