The MacGillivrays were a principal clan even before King Somerled drove the Norsemen from the western Isles. The Clann Mhic Gillebràth were dispersed after Alexander II subdued Argyll in 1222.

The clan's progenitor, Gillivray placed himself under the protection of the MacKintosh chiefs and also joined the clan Chattan conference. As Episcopalians they were persecuted by Calvinist and Presbyterian neighbours yet fought both in the '15 and '45.