Paterson

Scottish Clans

Paterson Tartans & Clan

The Paterson clan tartan represents one of Scotland's most distinguished Lowland families, whose legacy spans from medieval stewards to renowned leaders across North America, Australia, and the British Isles, maintaining strong Highland connections.

Clan Motto

Per Mare Per Terras
(By sea and by land)

Heritage & Identity

Who Wears Paterson Tartan?

Worn by Paterson descendants globally, sept families including Patterson, Pattison, and MacPhaidein bearers, military regiment members, and Scottish heritage enthusiasts across America, Canada, and Britain.

Associated Names

Patterson

Pattison

Patinson

Patersone

Paterston

MacPhaidein

MacPhadden

MacFadden

MacPatrick

Patrick

Paton

Patton

Patt

Pate

Pattie

Paddy

Paterick

Patrason

Petersone

Pettersone

Military Heritage

Associated Regiments

Paterson warriors served with distinction in Highland and Lowland regiments, colonial forces, and elite British Army units, particularly excelling in Canadian frontier service and military campaigns across the Empire.

Gordon Highlanders (Scotland)

Black Watch (Scotland)

Royal Scots (Scotland)

King's Own Scottish Borderers (Scotland)

Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry (Canada)

Royal Canadian Regiment (Canada)

Governor General's Foot Guards (Canada)

Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (Australia)

Shop Paterson Tartan Products

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

Paterson 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 Paterson Story

Four centuries of history woven into every thread

Origins & Loyalty

The Paterson clan traces its origins to medieval Scotland, first documented in the 12th century when early bearers of the name served as stewards and administrators in the Scottish Lowlands. The family established themselves as significant landholders in Dumfriesshire and the Border regions, with their influence extending into Lanarkshire and Ayrshire. Early clan members served Scottish kings as royal stewards, demonstrating their administrative skills and loyalty to the Crown. The Patersons developed strong connections with both Highland and Lowland traditions, participating in Border warfare and maintaining extensive cattle-raising operations across southern Scotland throughout the medieval period.

Expansion & Influence

During the 16th and 17th centuries, the Paterson clan expanded their influence through strategic alliances and commercial ventures. Notable clan members included merchant traders who established lucrative business connections with continental Europe and emerging American colonies. The family weathered the religious conflicts of the Reformation while maintaining their Presbyterian faith and Scottish traditions. Patersons distinguished themselves during the Covenanting Wars, supporting Scottish independence from English religious interference. The clan produced successful merchants, scholars, and religious leaders who shaped Scotland's intellectual and spiritual development during this transformative period.

Where does the name Paterson come from?

Paterson derives from 'son of Patrick' (Gaelic: Mac Phàidein), meaning 'son of the nobleman' or 'patrician's son.' The name originates from the personal name Patrick, brought to Scotland through Irish missionary influence. This patronymic surname developed across Scotland's Lowlands and Borders, with early families establishing themselves in Dumfriesshire, Lanarkshire, and the Scottish Borders, reflecting medieval Scotland's adoption of Norman naming conventions.

Growth & Legacy

The 18th century marked a significant period of Paterson expansion, with clan members emigrating to North America, particularly settling in Nova Scotia, Pennsylvania, and the Carolinas. William Paterson, founder of the Bank of England, brought international prominence to the clan name through his financial innovations and economic theories. Meanwhile, other clan members established successful plantations and trading enterprises throughout the American colonies. The Patersons adapted to Highland Clearances and economic changes in Scotland while maintaining their cultural heritage. Many clan members served in Highland regiments during the Seven Years' War and American Revolutionary conflicts.

Development & Legacy

Throughout the 19th century, Patersons embraced opportunities across the expanding British Empire while contributing to Scottish industrial development. Clan members served as colonial administrators in Canada, Australia, and India, while others became prominent industrialists in Scotland's textile and engineering sectors. The family produced distinguished educators, including university professors and Presbyterian ministers who shaped intellectual life across the Scottish diaspora. Patersons established successful businesses in major cities including Glasgow, Edinburgh, Montreal, and Sydney, maintaining strong cultural connections with their Scottish heritage through clan societies and Highland games participation.

The Paterson tartan weaves together centuries of Scottish heritage, from ancient stewardship to global achievements, in distinctive patterns worn with pride worldwide.

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