First off, let me state that I'm a Clarke. I've got my Clarke tartan kilt on order from USA Kilts, and jonesing harder every day

Clarks were never a clan unto themselves, but were Septs of various clans. From what I have been able to find out, the surname of Clark originally came into use for those who were clerks and scribes to the priests. Hence why the Clark tartan is almost identical to the Clergy tartan. I've seen some labeled with both names actually.

From what I understand, the various groups of Clarks in the different districts became septs of the clan in whose district they resided for consolidation, protection, etc... My family genealogy is a little murky a few generations back, so I can't make a definitive determination as to which clan our particular branch of the family was originally associated with. When I started doing some research on the matter, I keep finding different clans noted as "the" clan the sept was associated with. I'm not sure if it's just the opinions of the various authors, but they all seem to think that the Clarks were only ever a sept of a single clan, but they all have different opinions as to which clan.

So far I've seen them designated as a sept of Clan MacPherson, which makes a little sense to me as the original translation of MacPherson meant 'Son of the Parson', thereby tying into the link with the Church. However, I've also seen those stating, just as authoritatively, that the Clarks were only a sept of, Clan Cameron, Clan Cameron of Erracht, Clan Campbell, Clan Stewart, and Clan Robertson. Each one standing alone of course, and not sharing their Clarks with any other clan, if that makes any sense.

So I'm wondering, how do I find out what clan we should be associated with? I'll be perfectly happy to wear my Clark tartan, and what variations I might be able to find, but thought it would be nice to have a Clan tartan for occasional use, I just can't figure which would be appropriate.

If someone could point me in the right direction, I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks,

Casey