Taking their name from a barony in Renfrewshire, the Erskines are of Celtic origin. Sir Robert Erskine of that ilk, High Chamberlain of Scotland, helped to secure the release of David II and was rewarded with a grant of lands in Alloa. Another Sir Robert, the first Lord Erskine, claimed the ancient Earldom of Mar, although this soon reverted to the Crown. The earldom was restored to John Erskine in 1565 and he later became Regent. Another John, the 6th Earl, was a noted Jacobite. This allegiance cost the family their estates once again.

Branches of the family also acquired the Estates of Dun in Angus, Pittodrie in Aberdeenshire, Cambo in East Fife and Torry in West Fife.