This clan were members of the Clan Chattan confederation. Their originator was Farquhar, the fourth son of Alexander Cier (Shaw) of Rothiemurchus, owner of the Braes of Mar in Aberdeenshire, near which the River Dee has its source.

Farquhar had a son, Donald, who married the heiress of Invercauld, Isobel Stewart, and had a son, Finla Mór. Finla Mor could be considered the first Farquharson. At the Battle of Pinkie in 1547 he was the standard bearer and died in the battle. He left nine sons, as keen to father as himself, and the clan soon became numerous and influential.