Kindreds

Kindreds are large groups of Wood Elves, somewhat akin to tribes or clans within Athel Loren.

The Elves were not always united of purpose; those that first settled the forest had been divided into several kindreds. To begin with, there was rivalry between these groups, for they were as defined as much by difference in ideology and tradition as they were by ties of blood. Eventually the influence of the forest saw the kindreds united in common cause.

Over time, smaller kindreds - known as kinbands - arose as bloodlines combined and recombined, and as new traditions evolved from those that had been brought from Ulthuan. By the Season of Revelation, there were not only the twelve great kindreds whose lords and ladies ruled Athel Loren alongside Ariel and Orion, but also hundreds of lesser kinbands, each dedicated to a unique way of life.

Source

 * Warhammer Armies: Wood Elves (8th Edition) -- pg. 23