Hollywood Meets the Highlands: Irish Roots of Scottish Clan Linked to Marilyn Monroe

In a fascinating twist of history and genealogy, the renowned Scottish Clan Munro—famed for its Highland heritage—has traced its origins back over a millennium to Ireland. Even more intriguingly, the same ancient bloodline connects the clan to none other than Hollywood icon Marilyn Monroe.

For generations, it was believed that the Munros derived their name from mercenary soldiers hailing from near the River Roe in Derry, Northern Ireland. This theory, based on the Gaelic Mac an Rothaich, suggested a direct link to Ulster’s rugged landscapes. However, new research conducted by the Munro DNA Project has rewritten that narrative, revealing that the clan’s roots lie instead in southwest Ireland—far from their previously assumed northern birthplace.

From Ireland to the Scottish Highlands

The Munro DNA Project, a vast genealogical effort encompassing hundreds of samples from Munros across the globe, has meticulously mapped the clan’s genetic heritage. Their findings identified an Irish ancestor who lived approximately 1,750 years ago, whose distinct male lineage branches into four separate lines—all traceable back to southwest Ireland.

Clan Munro chief Hector Munro of Foulis remarked on the significance of these discoveries, saying, “The origins of the name Munro have puzzled historians for generations… Tradition held that we were mercenary soldiers from near the River Roe in Derry, but it had proved impossible to verify. Now, DNA evidence points clearly to southwest Ireland.”

Foulis Castle near Evanton in Easter Ross remains the historic seat of the clan, serving as a symbolic anchor for these revelations that bridge ancient Irish roots and Scottish Highland identity.

Marilyn Monroe’s Scottish Connection

Adding a touch of Hollywood glamour to this historic tale is the discovery of Marilyn Monroe’s ancestral links to the Munro clan. Born Norma Jeane Mortenson, the legendary actress—famed for Some Like It Hot and The Seven Year Itch—has long been the subject of genealogical curiosity.

The DNA project has traced Monroe’s forefathers to a Munro family from Edinkillie, near Forres in Moray, Scotland. Her mother, Gladys Pearl Monroe, had Scottish ancestry, firmly planting the Hollywood star’s roots in the Highlands.

This connection has fascinated researchers involved in the project for more than two years, highlighting the unexpected ways history and heritage intertwine across continents and centuries.

A Legacy Beyond Borders

The Munro DNA Project’s findings also link the clan to notable historical figures, including James Monroe, the fifth president of the United States, and Scots soldiers exiled to America’s colonies after the English Civil Wars in the 17th century.

By combining cutting-edge DNA analysis with traditional genealogical research, the project sheds light not only on the origins of a storied Scottish clan but also on the far-reaching impact of its descendants—from battlefields and castles to the bright lights of Hollywood.

As the search for connections continues, the Munro story reminds us that history is often more intertwined than it seems—bridging nations, cultures, and even the worlds of cinema and clan lore.