surname ??

**figheadair** · 14th February 14, 04:47 AM

Originally Posted by mookien

According to the "Expanded Ninth Edition" of "Tartan For Me" by Philip D. Smith the name(s) Profet(t) are associated with the Aberdeen District tartan.

'Tartan For Everyone' is pretty useless as any kind of authority for a great many surnames that are found in Scotland but that are not Scottish. One swallow does not make a summer and TFM should be read with a large dose of scepticism. By all means wear the Aberdeen tartan, or any other that takes your fancy but without tracing you own family's roots it would be wrong to assume that they came from Abdrdeenshire.

**mookien** · 14th February 14, 09:46 AM

Originally Posted by figheadair

'Tartan For Everyone' is pretty useless as any kind of authority for a great many surnames that are found in Scotland but that are not Scottish. One swallow does not make a summer and TFM should be read with a large dose of scepticism. ...

I disagree, and stand by my reference. For those less biased in their opinion and who may not know anything about the background and qualifications of Dr. Smith, please see (among others) ...

http://www.tartansauthority.com/rese...ip-d-smith-jnr

While "Tartan for Me" is likely not perfect (no reference is), it is a great starting place for folks who are trying to connect their name with Scotland. Good luck in your search.

**neloon** · 14th February 14, 11:42 AM

Originally Posted by mookien

I disagree, and stand by my reference. For those less biased in their opinion and who may not know anything about the background and qualifications of Dr. Smith, ....

And what of the background and qualifications of figheadair ?
Alan

**mookien** · 14th February 14, 12:28 PM

Originally Posted by neloon

And what of the background and qualifications of figheadair ?
Alan

Alan: You're asking that question to the wrong person.

John

**David Thorpe** · 15th February 14, 12:21 AM

The first part of Tartan for Me contains instructions for using the book. It is virtually useless unless one reads and understands these instructions. The author clearly points out the pitfalls in using the book as a sole reference. Further, the book is no substitute for solid genealogy. Many surnames have multiple origins - some Scottish, some not.
My decidedly English surname is (newly) listed in the latest edition of the book because there are now several Thorpe families in and around Aberdeen. I am not related to them. My direct male line surname was originally MacTavish. I know when, where and why it was changed to Thorp and later to Thorpe. It took several years of diligent research to verify the line.
To tell someone that he/she is of a certain clan or should wear a certain tartan based on nothing more than finding a surname listed in this book is irresponsible at best.

**mookien** · 15th February 14, 10:29 AM

Yes, one does have to read a book and understand it before it can be useful - except perhaps for throwing at the dog.

"Tartan for Me" doesn't claim that if your name is XYZ, you are descended from Clan XYZ or that your ancestors hail from a district containing lots of XYZ folks. It merely states that there are folks named XYZ who are associated with that Clan or a particular district. But, for a beginner who may only buy one kilt in his lifetime that is as good a place to start, and choose a tartan, as any.

**David Thorpe** · 15th February 14, 10:50 AM

Originally Posted by mookien

...for a beginner who may only buy one kilt in his lifetime that is as good a place to start, and choose a tartan, as any.

If a person is going to buy only one kilt, especially a quality kilt with the inherent expense, the time and research required to find the right tartan is a wise investment.

**mookien** · 15th February 14, 11:05 AM

Originally Posted by David Thorpe

If a person is going to buy only one kilt, especially a quality kilt with the inherent expense, the time and research required to find the right tartan is a wise investment.

I agree with you completely, but a lot of folks don't want to go to the trouble. If their name is MacDoodle, they'll buy a MacDoodle kilt and be happy. They'll have their "connection" with Scotland and the past.

Take me for example, ... well don't, but ... I own a beautiful Strathtummel kilt made by Kathy Lare. I commissioned it because I liked the sett and the colors. My only connection to Strathtummel is that I can find it on Google Earth. It looks pretty nice from 25,000 ft., especially if I click on the pictures - Queen's View, et al.

**unixken** · 15th February 14, 11:37 AM

Originally Posted by David Thorpe

If a person is going to buy only one kilt, especially a quality kilt with the inherent expense, the time and research required to find the right tartan is a wise investment.

Originally Posted by mookien

I agree with you completely, but a lot of folks don't want to go to the trouble. If their name is MacDoodle, they'll buy a MacDoodle kilt and be happy. They'll have their "connection" with Scotland and the past.

I would have to agree with David here. The research makes the correct tartan that much more meaningful to the wearer. But for those who would prefer just to have a kilt "right away", I would recommend one of the generic tartans... the ubiquitous Black Watch, or one of the many fashion tartans such as Freedom of Scotland, and so on.

**mookien** · 15th February 14, 12:02 PM

Originally Posted by unixken

I would have to agree with David here. The research makes the correct tartan that much more meaningful to the wearer. But for those who would prefer just to have a kilt "right away", I would recommend one of the generic tartans... the ubiquitous Black Watch, or one of the many fashion tartans such as Freedom of Scotland, and so on.

Ken: I agree with David, too. But, why should anyone have to settle for a generic tartan, unless they really like it? Furthermore, if their name is MacDonald and they choose to wear a MacLeod kilt, because they prefer the color/sett, then we have the right to criticize, but it is their choice, not ours.

John