He was the third son of Hugh Munro, 1st of Assynt, and grandson of Robert Munro, 14th Baron of Foulis. His mother was Christina, a daughter of Robert Munro of Carbisdale.
Hugh Munro, who held the title of first Baron of Assynt, had three sons; he was the third son. He was also the grandson of Robert Munro, 14th Baron of Foulis. His mother, Christina, was a daughter of Robert Munro of Carbisdale.