Namesakes

[Bugbear]

I have read of people writing to the chief of a clan and asking permission to wear the tartan, and I think even asking to be a member of the clan complete with the swearing of loilty etc...

I don't understand this clan tatoo thing, though. You would think wearing the cap badge would be good enough.

[ziggy]

This clearly can get very complicated....

[Stratherrick]

If you want to check out the distribution of surnames, here's a good site:

http://www.nationaltrustnames.org.uk/Surnames.aspx

Sure enough, Andrews is as English as they come!

Slainte

Bruce

[Am Bàrd]

Hey, good topic. I myself have an English name - Lethbridge, but I have more Scottish ancestry than anything else! My mother's tree is almost completely Scot, and my father's has a share as well.

It does occasionally vex me when someone says 'Oh, you're Scottish?' (meaning family-wise) and I reply 'Yes, but stuck with an English name' - because I always get 'that' look.

I try not to let it bother me though - both my parents are pipers, I grew up sporting a kilt and marching with a pipe band. I learned side snare and am learning the pipes. I have a very basic grasp of Gaelic (and getting better all the time), practice Scottish swordsmanship and enjoy the foods (and drinks!) of my ancestral homeland. Am I Scottish? Maybe I wasn't born there, and maybe I try too hard at times, but yes, I like to think I am.

So anyone who wants to deny me because of a name isn't worth my time, nor should they be worth yours. You are who you are.

[BoldHighlander]

Well said sir!

Hey, good topic. I myself have an English name - Lethbridge, but I have more Scottish ancestry than anything else! My mother's tree is almost completely Scot, and my father's has a share as well.

It does occasionally vex me when someone says 'Oh, you're Scottish?' (meaning family-wise) and I reply 'Yes, but stuck with an English name' - because I always get 'that' look.

I try not to let it bother me though - both my parents are pipers, I grew up sporting a kilt and marching with a pipe band. I learned side snare and am learning the pipes. I have a very basic grasp of Gaelic (and getting better all the time), practice Scottish swordsmanship and enjoy the foods (and drinks!) of my ancestral homeland. Am I Scottish? Maybe I wasn't born there, and maybe I try too hard at times, but yes, I like to think I am.

So anyone who wants to deny me because of a name isn't worth my time, nor should they be worth yours. You are who you are.