Clark Tartans & Clan Information

Scottish Clans

Clark Tartans & Clan

The Clark clan tartan represents Scotland's distinguished clerical families whose legacy spans from medieval church scribes to modern Scottish descendants worldwide, particularly thriving in North American communities from Nova Scotia to California.

Clan Motto

Sure and Steadfast

Heritage & Identity

Who Wears Clark Tartan?

Worn by Clark descendants globally, sept families including Clarke and Clerk bearers, Scottish heritage societies, and Highland enthusiasts across the United States, Canada, and the British Isles.

Associated Names

Clarke

Clerk

Clerke

Clarkson

Clerkson

MacClerk

MacClark

O'Clery

Clery

Cleary

Clerigh

Cleirigh

Cleireach

MacClerigh

MacAn Chlerich

Military Heritage

Associated Regiments

Clark warriors served in Highland regiments, colonial militias, and British Army units, particularly excelling in North American frontier campaigns and Scottish infantry regiments throughout the Empire's expansion.

Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders

Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment)

Cameron Highlanders

Seaforth Highlanders

Canadian Scottish Regiment (Canada)

Nova Scotia Highlanders (Canada)

42nd Royal Highland Regiment

Shop Clark Tartan Products

Explore authentic Clark clan merchandise including traditional Highland kilts, tartan accessories, clan badges, Scottish scarves, ceremonial ties, and heritage items crafted for descendants across North America.

Clark Tartans

0 Variations

Each tartan can feature several variations, with the most common being Ancient, Modern, Weathered, Hunting and Dress.

Loading tartans…

Ancient Tartan

Before 1860, all fabric dyes came from nature — plants, berries, bark, and insects. The colours they produced were softer and more muted than what we're used to today: think mossy greens, dusty sky blues, and reds with a warm, orangey tone. A lot of people actually prefer Ancient tartans for this reason — the gentler contrasts let the pattern breathe and stand out in a way that bolder colours sometimes don't. Worth knowing: the pattern itself, called the sett, is exactly the same across all variations of a tartan. It's only the colours that change.

The Clark Story

Four centuries of history woven into every thread

Scholarly Origins

The Clark clan originated from medieval Scotland's scholarly class, where clerks served as essential scribes and record-keepers for monasteries, courts, and noble households. First documented in 12th-century church records, early Clarks held positions of trust and learning throughout Scottish communities. The family name spread from the Borders through the Highlands as literacy became increasingly valuable. Medieval Clark families established themselves as hereditary clerks to major Scottish clans, maintaining genealogies, land grants, and legal documents. Their scholarly reputation earned them respect and protection from Highland chiefs who relied on their administrative skills for clan governance and correspondence with royal courts.

Growing Influence

During the 14th and 15th centuries, Clark families expanded their influence beyond clerical duties into merchant trading and land ownership. Notable Clarks served as burgesses in Scottish towns, particularly in Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Aberdeen. The clan adapted to Scotland's political upheavals, with members supporting both Bruce and Stewart causes while maintaining their essential administrative roles. Clark scribes preserved crucial Highland genealogies during the Wars of Scottish Independence, ensuring clan histories survived political turmoil. By the 16th century, cadet branches had established themselves throughout Scotland, with some Clarks receiving land grants for their loyal service to Scottish nobility.

Where does the name Clark come from?

Clark derives from the Latin 'clericus' meaning 'clerk' or 'scholar,' referring to medieval church scribes and learned men. The name entered Scotland through Norman influence, where clerks served as essential record-keepers for monasteries, courts, and noble households. This occupational surname reflects the high status of literacy in medieval Scotland, with Clark families often serving as trusted administrators and scribes throughout Scottish Highland communities.

Colonial Migration

The 17th and 18th centuries saw massive Clark emigration to North America, particularly following Highland Clearances and religious persecution. Clark families settled extensively in Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and the American colonies, establishing communities that maintained Scottish traditions. Many Clarks served in colonial militias during the French and Indian Wars, contributing to frontier defense and westward expansion. The clan produced notable educators, establishing schools and churches across pioneer settlements. During the American Revolution, Clarks fought on both sides, with loyalist families relocating to Canada while patriots remained to build the new republic.

Empire Expansion

Throughout the 19th century, Clarks embraced opportunities in the expanding British Empire while strengthening North American communities. Clan members served as educators, merchants, and government officials across Canada and the United States. The California Gold Rush attracted numerous Clark fortune-seekers, while others established successful businesses in growing American cities. In Scotland, remaining Clark families weathered Highland Clearances through adaptation and emigration assistance to overseas relatives. The clan produced distinguished military officers, serving in Highland regiments during Napoleonic Wars and later colonial conflicts throughout the Empire.

The Clark tartan embodies centuries of scholarly tradition and Highland heritage, from medieval clerks to global diaspora communities across America, Canada, and Britain.

Featured Collections