The first recorded member of Clan Fleming was Richard Fleming, who was granted lands in the barony of Biggar in Lanarkshire by King David I. Richard's son, Malcolm Fleming, was a prominent supporter of King Alexander II (1214-1249) and was rewarded with further lands in Lanarkshire and Stirlingshire.
The Flemings continued to play an important role in Scottish history throughout the Middle Ages. Sir Robert Fleming was one of the signatories of the Declaration of Arbroath in 1320, which asserted Scotland's independence from England. Sir Malcolm Fleming was a companion of King James IV (1488-1513) and fought at the Battle of Flodden in 1513.
During the 16th century, the Flemings were involved in several feuds with neighboring clans, most notably the Clan Hamilton. The Flemings were also supporters of the Protestant Reformation, and many of them were persecuted by the Catholic Church.
In the 17th century, the Flemings began to disperse from their traditional lands in Lanarkshire and Stirlingshire. Many Flemings emigrated to Ireland, North America, and the West Indies. The Fleming tartan was first recorded in the 19th century.
Today, Clan Fleming is one of the largest and most widespread clans in Scotland. There are Fleming societies and associations all over the world, and the clan continues to play an active role in Scottish culture and society.