Ged Clan

Scottish Clans

Ged Tartans & Clan

The Ged clan tartan represents one of Scotland's most ancient Nairnshire families, whose lineage traces from medieval Norman origins to distinguished service across the British Empire and flourishing communities in North America.

Clan Motto

Major virtus quam splendor
(Virtue is greater than splendor)

Heritage & Identity

Who Wears Ged Tartan?

Worn by Geddes descendants worldwide, sept families including Geddis and Geddie bearers, Highland regiment veterans, and Scottish heritage enthusiasts across America, Canada, and Britain.

Associated Names

Geddis

Geddie

Geddies

Giddes

Geedes

Gedes

Geddess

MacGeddes

Giddies

Giddis

Geddys

Gedds

Military Heritage

Associated Regiments

Geddes warriors served with honor in Highland regiments, Scottish colonial forces, and British Army units, particularly distinguished in North American frontier campaigns and imperial service throughout the Empire.

Seaforth Highlanders

Gordon Highlanders

Cameron Highlanders

Black Watch

Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders (Canada)

Nova Scotia Highlanders (Canada)

78th Highlanders

Shop Ged Tartan Products

Explore authentic Geddes clan merchandise including traditional Highland kilts, tartan accessories, clan badges, ceremonial dress items, and heritage gifts crafted for descendants across North America and Scotland.

Ged 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 Ged Story

Four centuries of history woven into every thread

Norman Origins

The Geddes clan originated from Norman settlers who arrived in Scotland during the 12th century, establishing themselves in Nairnshire where they received lands from Scottish kings. The family built their stronghold at Geddes Castle, commanding strategic territory along the Moray Firth. Early clan records show John de Geddes holding lands in 1296, swearing allegiance during the Wars of Scottish Independence. The Geddes family demonstrated fierce loyalty to Scottish sovereignty while expanding their influence throughout the northern Highlands, serving as sheriffs and royal officials.

Clan Consolidation

During the medieval period, the Geddes clan consolidated power through strategic alliances with neighboring Highland families and service to Scottish monarchs. Notable members included Sir William Geddes, who served as Sheriff of Nairn in the 14th century. The family weathered clan warfare and border conflicts while maintaining their Presbyterian faith during religious upheavals. Geddes Castle became a center of Highland culture, hosting gatherings that preserved Gaelic traditions and strengthened clan bonds throughout Nairnshire and beyond.

Where does the name Ged come from?

Geddes derives from the ancient estate of Geddes in Nairnshire, Scotland, meaning 'place of the pike fish' from Gaelic origins. The name reflects the clan's association with their ancestral lands along Scotland's northern coast, where the family held territories from the 12th century. This territorial surname demonstrates the Highland tradition of families taking names from their hereditary domains in the Scottish Highlands.

Jacobite Divisions

The 16th and 17th centuries saw Geddes clan members expanding beyond Scotland through military service and emigration. During the Jacobite period, clan loyalties divided between government forces and Highland uprising supporters. Many Geddes warriors served in Highland regiments, distinguishing themselves in European campaigns and colonial warfare. The family adapted to changing Highland society while preserving their ancestral heritage, with younger sons seeking fortunes in North America, establishing Geddes settlements in Nova Scotia and the American colonies.

Empire & Scholarship

Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, Geddes descendants embraced opportunities across the expanding British Empire while maintaining Scottish roots. Clan members served as military officers in Highland regiments, colonial administrators in Canada and India, and pioneers in Australia. The family produced distinguished educators, including Dr. Alexander Geddes, a renowned biblical scholar. During Highland emigrations, Geddes families established thriving communities in North America, preserving clan traditions through Highland societies and cultural organizations.

The Geddes tartan embodies centuries of Highland heritage, from ancient Nairnshire castles to global achievements, woven in distinctive patterns worn with ancestral pride.

Featured Collections