Where Do I Come From?

[slohairt]

Reavis is an Anglo-Saxon occupational surname derived from Gerefa, a lord's representative. This, incidentally is also the origin of the word Reeve.

Sutton (as in Sutton Hoo), is an Anglo-Saxon topographical name meaning South farmstead.

Yow: Who knows? Possibly an Anglo-Saxon etymology from yeo or yew?

[Mr. MacDougall]

And I think you're reading too much into this gentleman's post.

I freely acknowledge that possiblity.

[Packhound]

Thanks to all who have posted here.

My purpose in asking this question was to perhaps learn a little more about my family ties to the "Old Country". I am impressed by the contributions that my ancestors made to this country. (I can qualify for membership in the Sons of the Revolution and Sons of the Confederacy through several ancestors. A great grandfather was in the 3rd NC, fought at Gettysburg, was wounded, captured, paroled and served the remainder of the war until Appomattox when Grant surrender to Lee. ) I am eyeing the Carolina tartan and am making a kilt now in Black Stewart. (To honor my step-grandmother who was a Stewart.)

Frankly, I like solids and tweeds. However, it seems that in my part of the world people don't readily recognize a kilt unless it is a tartan and accompanied by bagpipes.

[Makeitstop]

Frankly, I like solids and tweeds. However, it seems that in my part of the world people don't readily recognize a kilt unless it is a tartan and accompanied by bagpipes.

I'm with you on that. And the way I see it, that's all the more reason for me to wear a solid kilt, in order to educate the masses.

[Makeitstop]

I've started to write a response to this three times, and each time, I've not posted it, and gone away from this thread.

I sympathise with your desire to know more about your ancestors. But I'm somewhat uncomfortable with a subtext that I'm reading, which may not be intended. The subtext is this: that being American is somehow inferior to being Celtic.

My family has been in America for a long time. My earliest ancestor arrived here somewhere in the neighborhood of ten thousand years ago, while the latest arrived more than a century ago. In other words, in the living memory of my family, the only nation we've known is America. For me, this is not a disconnection from my roots -- it is my roots! When I think of who I am, and where I came from, my answers tend to center around Tucson and Arizona.

And I don't think there's anything wrong with that.

I can see where you're coming from, but to me, it sounds more like Packhound is under the mistaken impression that the only tartans he will find to represent his roots are clan tartans.

I personally find this a bit odd, as I don't see why you would wear a tartan to represent a family history that you aren't aware of. I'd say find one that represents a part of your roots that you do know. But maybe that's just me.

I'm no expert on tartans, but I do know there are lots of options other than clan tartans. For example, if you have ancestors who fought in the American revolution, you could honor them with a tartan which represents the military or a specific branch, or a state or even the American tartan. It's not so much about what name is attached to the tartan, but what it means to you.

Hell, if you can't find a tartan to represent your roots, you could design one (after all, someone has to do it).

[sirdaniel1975]

Okay,

I desire to wear a tartan that represents my family roots. However, what I know of my family tree is sooo deeply rooted in American soil that I have to go back to the early and mid-seventeen century before it crosses back over the Atlantic.

My surname is Sutton, my mother is a Hicks. Grandmothers and great-grandmothers are Ring, Yow, Reavis (don't expect an answer on that one. Seems to be thoroughly researched and ends in Jamestown, VA.), and Price (could this be Welsh?). One grandmother had a step-father who was a McCormick.

Does anyone recognize any of these surnames as celtic (other than the obvious McCormick)?

Sutton Is in Black's "Surnames of Scotland" and is credited as being an English name that is found in Dumfriesshire.

Hicks is not in Black's book. I didn't expect to find it either.

Ring is not in Black's book either.

Yow not there as well.

Reavis not present.

Price nope. I thought I would find this name, but I was thinking of Pierce... sorry.

McCormick obviously is in Black's book. He lists several variant spellings and says it is a common name in the Highlands.

Pax,

Daniel

[Packhound]

Actually, I am trying to learn to play the bagpipes. What I was meaning to say was that it would be nice to wear a kilt - just because.

[macwilkin]

Actually, I am trying to learn to play the bagpipes. What I was meaning to say was that it would be nice to wear a kilt - just because.

Good on ya for learning the pipes; I'm not sure if taking them up would help or hurt my asthma.

Honestly, though...most folks admire pipers and especially their work -- think of the many police, firefighters, military, etc. who are laid to rest to the sound of the pipes -- at least they are thinking of your kilt in an overall positive light.

It sure beats "nice skirt".

T.

[Makeitstop]

And what I meant was that far too many people know kilts as those plaid things that Groundskeeper Willie wears, and therefore they can have trouble recognizing a solid color kilt as being a kilt.

[macwilkin]

And what I meant was that far too many people know kilts as those plaid things that Groundskeeper Willie wears, and therefore they can have trouble recognizing a solid color kilt as being a kilt.

Remember, sir, that to some of us, those "plaid things" you refer to symbolize our heritage & family, past and present.

I have no problem with solid colour kilts; I quite admire the Irish saffron and green kilts, as well as tweed ones. The more modern styles -- well, they're not for me, but if others want to wear them, then good on 'em. My mother always taught me that if you want respect, you must give it first.

Different horses for courses and all that.

T.