Thanks to ancetry.com and autosomal DNA

**dawhoo** · 2nd March 15, 02:04 PM

Hello everyone! First off, I did order my Sportkilt, some generic pattern that I like and plan to wear around in place of shorts.

From what I've read here, I will probably go with a USAK Casual in the not too distant future, but herein lies the question. Talk of tartan, clans, families, etc. is very overwhelming and I may have a fairly odd and unique situation. I am adopted.

However, I did find out, in the last months, some very interesting, at least to me, Scottish heritage. Turns out, I am the 44th grandson of Gabran macDomangart 'The Treacherous' King of DALRIADA - that's as far back as I could get in Scottish born heritage but was able to go as far back as Giallachaidh MacOlioll 37th High King of Ireland circa 1022BC, my 84th great grandfather.

To me, this is pretty cool, being that I am adopted and knew nothing of my heritage until the last few years: Scottish, Swedish, Irish, Dane, and Jerusalem - I'm blown away.

Now there's a LOT of names between MacDonald, MacKenzie, Ragnaldsson, MacGillebride, Somerledson, MacNiallghusa, MacGodfrey, MacAeden, MacAeold, MacLeod, and a lot of other names but I'm not even sure what are names, which are titles and what are locations, but which to choose? And I couldn't seem to find any tartan for macDomangart or any variation I could find or if it's even an name. Can I just pick one I like from any of those names? Should I follow a matriarchal lineage? I'm the only person with Scottish heritage in my family, so I don't know where to go from here. Thought someone might point me in a good direction.

For over 40 years, I had no idea where I was from, so for me, this is a pretty big deal.

Thanks for even taking the time to read this and if you have any information, I am most grateful.

**cck** · 2nd March 15, 03:06 PM

You can probably do whatever you like. If I were in that position, I would look at the closest family name and pick that one.

**ASinclair** · 2nd March 15, 03:47 PM

Hello dawhoo!

**Mikilt** · 2nd March 15, 03:48 PM

Hello, Dawhoo,

About which tartan to choose. It's a frequent topic of discussion. Many, as @cck said above, would choose the closest family name and wear it proudly. Though of the names you mentioned, to my knowledge the only ones likely to be available as a stock tartan are MacLeod, MacDonald and perhaps MacKenzie.

At the end of the day, there are no "Kilt Kops". Choose one that you like and that you are comfortable wearing. If none meet that criteria, there are many beautiful universal tartans.

**Richrail** · 2nd March 15, 04:10 PM

from the "Biggest Little City in the World" Reno, NV.

**Stitchwiz** · 2nd March 15, 04:43 PM

Hi dahoo!

You have a wonderful journey ahead of you. Having watched first-hand, while various family members traced their lineage, I was struck by one feeling every time. We are the product of our genes and our upbringing - both nature and nurture play a big part in who we choose to become.

It is up to you who you choose to honour when you wear a tartan. And that can include yourself! You are free to choose any tartan that touches your heart, and then wear it with pride!

You will find a different family here, a family who will help you in any way we can to help you in your journey into kilting.

from Owen Sound, ON

**Hawk** · 2nd March 15, 04:58 PM

Ah, well you are well researched so far it appears.....

Welcome to the XMTS Community.....

Hawk

**Dughlas mor** · 2nd March 15, 04:58 PM

Welcome to Xmarks, Dawhoo. That is some pretty impressive ancestry you`ve got there. As has been said, I would pick your most recent Scottish connection and go with that.