Hood Clan

Scottish Clans

Hood Tartans & Clan

The Hood clan tartan represents one of Scotland's distinguished Lowland families, whose legacy spans from medieval Border territories to distinguished naval service across the British Empire and North America.

Clan Motto

Zealous
(Devoted and earnest)

Heritage & Identity

Who Wears Hood Tartan?

Worn by Hood descendants worldwide, sept families including Hude and Hoode bearers, Royal Navy personnel, and Scottish heritage enthusiasts across America, Canada, and Britain.

Associated Names

Hude

Hoode

Hood

Hudde

Hhood

De Hude

Hudd

Military Heritage

Associated Regiments

Hood warriors served with distinction in Border regiments, Royal Navy ships, and colonial forces, particularly excelling in maritime campaigns and naval service throughout the British Empire.

Royal Navy

King's Own Scottish Borderers

Border Regiment

Royal Scots Fusiliers

Canadian Naval Service

Royal Australian Navy

Shop Hood Tartan Products

Discover authentic Hood clan products including traditional kilts, Highland dress accessories, clan crests, tartan scarves, ties, and naval ceremonial items for descendants across North America.

Hood 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 Hood Story

Four centuries of history woven into every thread

Border Origins

The Hood clan originated in the Scottish Border regions during the medieval period, first documented in the 12th century when the family held lands in Roxburghshire and Berwickshire. Early clan records show the Hoods as substantial landowners and Border reivers, defending their territories against English incursions. The family established themselves as loyal supporters of Scottish independence, with clan members serving as sheriffs and local administrators. Their strategic Border location made them key players in Anglo-Scottish conflicts, developing the martial traditions that would define Hood heritage for centuries to come.

Clan Expansion

During the 15th and 16th centuries, the Hood clan expanded their influence throughout the Scottish Borders while maintaining their traditional strongholds. Notable clan members included Sir Robert Hood of Ratho, who served as Sheriff of Edinburgh, and his descendants who established cadet branches across Lothian and the Borders. The family weathered the turbulent Border wars while maintaining their Presbyterian faith and Scottish loyalties. Hoods distinguished themselves during the Wars of Scottish Independence, with clan warriors fighting alongside other Border families.

Where does the name Hood come from?

Hood derives from Old English 'hod' meaning 'hood' or 'covering,' likely referring to someone who made or wore distinctive headwear. The name also connects to geographical features, meaning 'hill' or 'promontory.' Established in the Scottish Borders, the Hood family held lands from medieval times, with the surname reflecting both occupational and topographical Highland naming traditions rooted in Border country.

Naval Legacy

The 18th and 19th centuries marked the Hood clan's golden age of naval distinction, producing some of Britain's most celebrated maritime commanders. Admiral Samuel Hood, 1st Viscount Hood, became one of the Royal Navy's greatest leaders during the American Revolutionary War and Napoleonic conflicts. His tactical brilliance in the West Indies and Mediterranean earned him legendary status. Meanwhile, clan members emigrated to North America, establishing Hood settlements in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and the American colonies, carrying their maritime traditions across the Atlantic.

Empire Expansion

Throughout the Victorian era, Hoods continued their naval excellence while embracing new opportunities across the expanding British Empire. Clan members served as Royal Navy officers, colonial administrators in Canada and Australia, and maritime pioneers worldwide. The family produced distinguished explorers, including Arctic expedition members and merchant marine captains. In Scotland, the clan adapted to industrial changes while maintaining their Border heritage, with many Hoods becoming successful shipbuilders, engineers, and maritime merchants in Glasgow, Edinburgh, and coastal communities.

The Hood tartan weaves together centuries of Border heritage, from Scottish baronies to legendary naval command, in distinctive patterns worn with maritime pride.

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