Clan (Earth-5875)

Clans are groups of people united by actual or perceived kinship and descent. Even if actual lineage patterns are unknown, clan members may nonetheless recognize a founding member or apical ancestor. The kinship-based bonds may be merely symbolic in nature, whereby the clan shares a stipulated common ancestor that is a symbol of the clan's unity. Species that live or lived in clan lifestyles at some point in their histories include humans, sangheili, kig-yar and jiralhanae.

Sangheili
Sangheili clans operate as single families, much like those of the human Highland Scots. The clan name originates from its founder, such as Clan Vadam, formed by the sangheili Ther 'Vadam. Each clan lives within its own state, which bears the family's name, and are governed by tribal leaders known as kaidons, supported by councils of Elders.

Kig-Yar
Kig-Yar clans used to govern Eayn and its colonies during the species' ancient past, and before their induction into the Covenant. They battled for resources and fought against one another, raiding and pillaging cities and holding inter-clan gladiatorial games in their major cities. During and after the fall of the Covenant, small groups of kig-yar clans remain, but hold no influence like before.

Jiralhanae
Jiralhanae clans are known as packs, ruled by a Chieftain. Chieftains can only be succeeded upon the death by match of their predecessors. Packs are the primary division within jiralhanae societies, and some of them unite upon similar goals.

Source

 * Clan on Wikipedia.