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What is the Smith Tartan?

Author

Mia Kelly

Published Jan 22, 2026

The Smith tartan was designed by Sir William Smith, founder of the Boys Brigade, who was granted that honor by the crown. The Smith tartan is the only one specifically associated with the name "Smith" and as such, it is the same (Ancient Smith) tartan that all Smiths should wear.

Is there a tartan for Smith?

There are two Smith tartans, one was originally the Gow Hunting which became adopted as a Smith tartan and the second was designed for Sir William Smith who was the founder of the Boys' Brigade. There is no chief of this name so it is appropriate to adopt the Crest and Motto of Clan Chattan.

What Scottish clan does Smith belong to?

Clan Smith was also associated with Clan Macpherson and in the old days was one of of the allied clans under Clan Chattan. Although the Gaelic name for Smith is Gow, Gowan, or MacGowan, the anglicized form of the name has been used in Scotland since the twelfth century. Today Smith is the most common name in Scotland.

What Colour is the Smith tartan?

The Smith tartan colours are dark green, navy blue, royal blue, red and yellow.

Is Smith a Scottish name?

The surname Smith is particularly prevalent among those of English, Scottish, and Irish descent, but is also a common surname among African Americans, which can be attributed either to black slaves having been given the surname of their masters, or to being an occupational name, as some southern American black people ...

21 related questions found

Is Smith a Viking name?

Smith is an Anglo-Saxon name. The name was originally given to a metalworker (the blacksmith).

What is the Smith clan motto?

Smith Clan Motto is "Luceo non Uro", translated as "I Shine not Burn".

Is Smith Irish or Scottish?

The Smith surname derives from the Irish Gaelic name Mac an Ghabhain, which means "son of the blacksmith." As such, the name was probably originally occupational. It has often appeared in its Anglicized form Smith.

Why do so many Smiths wear kilts?

The kilts worn by smiths have straps and pockets to store tools and keep them on hand for ease of use. The garment protects smiths from sparks, bits of hot metal, and heat while also allowing for necessary air circulation and comfort.

What is the Smith Crest?

The Smith family crest (or coat of arms) came into existence many centuries ago. The process of creating these coats of arms began as early as the eleventh century although a form of Proto-Heraldry may have existed in some countries prior to this, including Ireland.

What does touch not the cat but a glove mean?

The clan motto is 'Touch not the cat bot a glove'. 'Bot' means without. The 'glove' of a wildcat is the pad. If the cat is 'ungloved', its claws are unsheathed. The motto serves as a warning that one should beware when the wildcat's claws are 'without a glove'.

What part of Scotland are the Mackenzies from?

Clan Mackenzie (Scottish Gaelic: Clann Choinnich [ˈkʰl̪ˠãũn̪ˠ ˈxɤɲɪç]) is a Scottish clan, traditionally associated with Kintail and lands in Ross-shire in the Scottish Highlands.

Where did the Smith name originate from?

Smith dates back to the Anglo-Saxon era and derives from the occupation of 'smith', from the Old English 'Smid', which means to hit or to strike, and was used to describe someone who worked with metal (a blacksmith for example).

What clan is Black Watch tartan?

What colour is Black Watch tartan? The Companies wore a black, dark blue and green tartan, woven by over sixty weavers in Strathspey, the county of Clan Grant.

What is the Graham tartan?

The Graham tartan colours are forest green, navy blue, black and white. The Modern Graham of Montrose tartan shown here is the main design for the Clan. We also sell the popular ancient variation of the design and the weathered which is available in a kilt weight cloth.

Is it still illegal to wear a kilt in Scotland?

The Dress Act 1746 was part of the Act of Proscription which came into force on 1 August 1746 and made wearing "the Highland Dress" — including the kilt — illegal in Scotland as well as reiterating the Disarming Act.

Do Scots wear kilts in winter?

Please remember that the Scottish Highland, the birthplace of the kilt, is a pretty cold place in winter! Bear in mind that a lot of Scotland is on the same bearing as a lot of Alaska... I wear a kilt in winter and I'm just fine. With a good pair of hose it keeps out the rain, snow and the VERY cold winds.

Is it illegal to wear a kilt in Scotland?

In the true sense of the meaning yes, but as long as it isn't worn as a joke or to make fun of Scottish culture, it's more cultural appreciation than cultural appropriation. Anyone can wear a kilt if they choose to, there are no rules.

What is the full meaning of Smith?

1 : a worker in metals : blacksmith. 2 : maker —often used in combination gunsmithtunesmith.

Why is Smith such a popular last name?

People started to use the name purely for its popularity and prevalence in the English-speaking world. During the periods of slavery in the United States and United Kingdom, many slaves adopted the name of their masters, which is why the name 'Smith' is still common among some African Americans today.

What does Smith surname mean?

Derived from the Anglo-Saxon smitan, meaning "to smite or strike," Smith and its derivations are an occupational name for a man who works with metal (smith or blacksmith), one of the earliest jobs for which specialist skills were required.

What tartan is Anderson?

Anderson Modern Lightweight Tartan is a bright blue and green based tartan with yellow and red overchecks.

Is there a Shaw tartan?

There are also two Clan Shaw tartans, Shaw of Tordarroch and the green Shaw.

What is the MacLeod tartan?

The MacLeod tartan colours are dark green, navy blue, black, red and yellow. The modern MacLeod of Harris, displayed here, is the main MacLeod Clan tartan. We also sell the ancient and weathered versions which have toned down hues and subdued muted tones.

Who was the first Smith?

America. One of the first Smiths in America was the explorer and writer John Smith of Jamestown fame. Born in Lincolnshire, he arrived there with the first Virginia colonists in 1607.