Scottish Clan and Tartan Tales

Many people of Scottish descent are curious about whether their surname has a tartan or a Scottish clan associated with it. Some surnames are associated with various clans, and usually, a clan has its own tartan. A tartan is a woolen cloth woven in one of several plaid patterns, especially of a design associated with a particular Scottish clan.

The history of the tartan dates back to the Scottish Highlands in the 16th century, when tartans were used to distinguish between different clans and regions. The clan system was based on medieval tribes. Each tartan had its own unique pattern and colors representing the identity of the clan or region. During the 18th and 19th centuries, tartans became more popular among the Scottish population.

After the Battle of Culloden in 1746, the British Crown outlawed Highland dress to crush the clan system. While this law was repealed in 1782, patterns for specific Scottish clans were not created until the early 19th century. Many of the old patterns were forgotten and had to be redone. 

Today, tartans are used as a symbol of Scottish heritage and identity. The word “tartan” originally referred to a type of woven cloth, not a specific pattern. The most common colors used in clan tartans are red (representing strength or bravery), green (land), blue (sea/sky), yellow (sun/harvest), and black (a background color).

The clan chief began naming and registering official clan tartans in 1815. Modern-day tartans are created by anyone and registered with the Scottish Register of Tartans. Some tartans are trademarked, and some clans have multiple patterns for different uses (dress, military, etc). The Midwest Genealogy Center has many reference books on clans and tartans, including The Tartans of the Scottish Clans by James Scarlett, Scottish Clans and Tartans by Neil Grant, Scottish Clans & Tartans by Ian Grimble, and many more. Looking for your Scottish ancestors? FindMyPast and Ancestry are good Library resources to start with and are available online.

Sheri V.
Midwest Genealogy Center