Hogg Clan

Scottish Clans

Hogg Tartans & Clan

The Hogg clan tartan represents one of Scotland's ancient Border families, whose legacy spans from medieval Roxburghshire settlements to distinguished service across Britain, America, and Canada throughout the centuries.

Clan Motto

Dat Gloria Vires
(Glory gives strength)

Heritage & Identity

Who Wears Hogg Tartan?

Worn by Hogg descendants worldwide, sept families including Hog and Houge bearers, Border regiment veterans, and Scottish heritage enthusiasts across America, Canada, and Britain.

Associated Names

Hog

Houge

Hogge

de Hoga

Hoig

Hogue

Hoag

Military Heritage

Associated Regiments

Hogg clansmen served with valor in Border regiments, Lowland forces, and British Army units, particularly distinguishing themselves in North American campaigns and colonial frontier service throughout the Empire.

King's Own Scottish Borderers

Royal Scots Fusiliers

Cameronians (Scottish Rifles)

Shop Hogg Tartan Products

Discover authentic Hogg clan products including traditional kilts, Border dress accessories, clan crests, tartan scarves, ties, and ceremonial items crafted for descendants across North America and Britain.

Hogg Tartans

0 Variations

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

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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 Hogg Story

Four centuries of history woven into every thread

Border Origins

The Hogg clan originated in the Scottish Borders during the 12th century, first documented in Roxburghshire when William de Hoga held lands near Selkirk. The family established themselves as substantial landholders along the Yarrow Valley, with their principal seat at Fauldshope. Early clan members served as foresters and bailiffs to the Douglas earls, wielding considerable influence in Border politics. The Hoggs demonstrated unwavering loyalty to Scottish independence, supporting William Wallace and Robert the Bruce during the Wars of Independence, earning recognition for their fierce resistance against English occupation forces.

Border Reiving

During the tumultuous Border reiving period of the 15th and 16th centuries, the Hogg clan adapted to the lawless frontier lifestyle while maintaining their landed status. Notable clan members included Thomas Hogg of Fauldshope, who served as Sheriff-Depute of Selkirkshire, and his kinsmen who established cadet branches throughout the Borders. The family weathered the religious upheavals of the Reformation while embracing Presbyterian faith and Border traditions. Hoggs participated in numerous Border raids and feuds, particularly allying with the powerful Scott and Douglas families against English incursions and rival Border clans seeking territorial expansion.

Where does the name Hogg come from?

Hogg derives from the Old Norse 'hoggr' meaning 'to cut' or 'hew,' likely referring to a woodcutter or warrior. The name also connects to Middle English 'hog,' possibly indicating swine herders. First recorded in Roxburghshire during the 12th century, the Hogg family established themselves along the Anglo-Scottish Border, where occupational surnames reflected practical skills essential for Border survival and prosperity.

Cultural Legacy

The 17th and 18th centuries marked significant Hogg clan achievements in scholarship and literature, with James Hogg emerging as Scotland's celebrated 'Ettrick Shepherd,' whose poetry and prose immortalized Border ballad traditions. Clan members emigrated to North America, establishing Hogg settlements in Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Nova Scotia, where they became prominent farmers, merchants, and community leaders. The family produced distinguished ministers, teachers, and local officials throughout the Scottish diaspora. In Scotland, Hoggs continued their Border heritage while adapting to agricultural improvements and industrial changes sweeping the Lowlands.

Scholarly Legacy

Throughout the 19th century, Hoggs embraced new opportunities across the expanding British Empire while maintaining their Border roots. Clan members served as colonial administrators in Canada and Australia, military officers in Highland and Lowland regiments, and successful entrepreneurs in America's growing cities. The family produced notable scholars, including several university professors and published authors who preserved Border history and traditions. In Scotland, Hoggs adapted to social changes while maintaining their connection to the Yarrow Valley and Ettrick Forest, where clan gatherings celebrated their ancient heritage and literary achievements.

The Hogg tartan embodies centuries of Border heritage, from Roxburghshire strongholds to global achievements, in distinctive patterns worn with ancestral pride.

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