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How to name a Tartan
Ever wondered how a tartan gets it's name?
Or why there are so many variations, and what these differences actually mean? Wonder no longer—here’s a straightforward guide to the fascinating world of tartan naming.
clan Tartans
The most common tartans are named after Scottish clans or families. These tartans are often associated with specific clans and were historically worn by members of those clans. For example, the “MacGregor” tartan is associated with the MacGregor clan.
Modern
Using the tartan sett, “Modern” variants use bolder yarn colours, made possible by modern dyeing techniques, that enhance the vibrancy of the tartan.
Old Colours
In contrast, Old Colours offer a glimpse into the past, presenting a version of the tartan that resembles what it might have looked like originally, using the natural dyes available at the time. For example, where a modern tartan might have a striking red, the Old Colours variant would likely feature an orange hue.
See below MacLean Duart Modern and Maclean Duart Old Colours.
Modern
Old Colours
Hunting
A common variation is, Hunting. Historically designed for clans of high status who would engage in hunting activities, this tartan can be thought of as ‘Tartan camouflage’, as yarn shades were chosen to reflect the colours of the Scottish landscape—greens, blues, and browns—whilst still adhering to the clan’s traditional sett.
Dress
Another common tartan variant is ‘Dress’. This tartan variant was historically mostly worn by women and features a white, yellow, or paler colour background.
See below Stewart Hunting Modern and Stewart Dress.
Hunting
Dress
clan Tartans By Colour
Beyond the above noted common variations, tartans may have many other modern interpretations such as muted, reproduction, antique and so forth. These tartan versions refer to yarn colours, offering yet another way to celebrate the clan’s heritage. Other variations might focus on a specific dominant colour, such as “Red.” In this case, the tartan’s primary colour is red, even if the original design featured a different hue, like green.
See below Buchanan Antique and Blue MacKay
Buchanan Antique
Blue MacKay
Clan Tartans By Place
A Clan tartan may also bear the name of a place, particularly when associated with large clans that occupied multiple regions. In these cases, specific tartans were created for branches of the clan in different areas. For example, the Campbell clan has both the “Campbell Argyll” and “Campbell Cawdor” tartans, each representing a different region.
Campbell Argyll
Campbell Cawdor
District Tartan
There are also tartans that are dedicated to regions. These are called district Tartans. Typically dedicated to a place and less involved with clan and family affiliations. For example, “Forfar” and “Angus”.
Forfar
Angus
Universal and Fashion Tartans
Some tartans are designed without any specific clan affiliation, making them accessible to anyone while still maintaining a strong Scottish connection. A prime example is the Scottish National tartan, which embodies the spirit of Scotland and can be worn by anyone, regardless of lineage.
In recent years, there has been a surge in ‘Fashion’ tartans, which are largely based on aesthetics alone. These tartans may have restrictions placed on them so that only certain people can weave or sell the tartan, allowing the brand to safeguard their brand exclusivity. For example, Strathmore Woollen Co designed and wove a tartan for Clark Shoes, which was designed exclusively for the brand, and only they may buy and use the cloth.
Scottish National
Clark’s Shoes
Designing a New tartan and not sure what to name it?
If you’re designing a new tartan and feeling uncertain about what to name it, don’t be intimidated! The name can be as simple as a surname, a company name, or the inspiration behind the tartan. For instance, our in-house designed ‘Strath’ tartan collection features names that reflect the places that inspired them: Strathdon, Strathmore, Strathtay, Strathtummel, and Strathisla.
You can explore the entire collection below:
Strathdon
Strathtummel
Strathmore
Strathisla
Strathtay
