So I was wondering about something, and though I could probably just go reasearching, I thought I'd just ask here because I imagine more than me will have wondered about this.

When looking at tartans, a beginner will soon find that there is more than just one per 'clan'. There are usually many. What I want to know is where do these come from, and perhaps more importantly, what significance do their names have?

That is - I'm the owner of a lovely kilt in the Fraser tartan (thanks again Matt!) - except it's not just 'Fraser' it's 'Fraser Ancient' or 'Fraser of Lovat'. Why would a tartan be called 'ancient'? Is it really older or is ther a rule governing colour use which dictates that it should be called such?

Ancient, Hunting, Muted whatever - where does these come from, what do they mean?

Anyone?