Leod
![The coat of arms of the MacLeods of Harris, recorded in a mid 15th century armorial. [note 1]](/uploads/202501/23/Arms_of_Le_sire_de_bes_from_the_Armorial_de_Berry0800.jpg)

![The four relevant pedigrees concerning the ancestry of Leod[7] (click to enlarge).](/uploads/202501/23/Leod,_relevant_pedigrees.svg0800.png)
![A photo of the choir of Iona Abbey. The stone said to represent a MacLeod is visible on the floor in the middle.[19] The illustration on the right is a 19th-century depiction of the stone.](/uploads/202501/23/Iona_Abbey_-_altar0800.jpg)
Leod (Scottish Gaelic: Leòd; Old Norse: Ljótr) (c. 1200 – 1280) is considered the eponymous ancestor and founder of Clan MacLeod and Clan MacLeod of Lewis. Almost nothing is known about him and he does not appear in any contemporary records. Tradition dating to the late 18th century made him a son of Olaf the Black who was King of Man (r. 1225–1237). Heraldic evidence, dating to the late 17th century, is considered to be the earliest evidence of descent from Olaf the Black. However, in recent years, this traditional lineage has been challenged and is no longer considered fact by historians.