Scottish names

[andy hughes]

Our middle daughter is getting married next year. Her faince's surname is Marsh, and he wants to wear a kilt for the ceremony. We quereied this, and our daughter advises us that Marsh is a traditional old Scotish name, and there is a Marsh tartan, from which the said kilt will be made.

I've never heard the name Marsh in this context - can anyone enlighten me as to its Scottish status - if any?

[RevShirls]

I have never hear of a Marsh tartan or a Marsh clan. I have always been under the impression that Marsh has English roots. We do have close family friends in Scotland whose surname is Marsh. If you're stuck for info my Mum can ask them where there surname comes from and if they have a tartan. She sees them regularly. I chat to my Mum on the phone for a wee while most days.

[natalie_1982]

http://www.last-names.net/origincat.asp?origincat=German

The above site says that the name Marsh has German origins, and the site below lists the Clan tartans and there is no mention of Marsh.

http://www.infokey.com/hon/tartans.htm#M

[Quizmonster]

Andy, Names such as Hill, Wood, Lee...and Marsh...are generally derived from the dwelling-place of the original bearers of that name. That is, they lived on a hill or by a wood or meadow...or marsh. If you put "Scottish tartans" into the Google search-slot, you'll get lots of relevant websites. The very first - which seems to be almost an 'official' one does not offer 'Marsh' as a recognised tartan.

There is some suggestion that the Viking word for 'marsh-dweller' was 'kjrr' and that may have given rise to the Scottish surname 'Kerr', as in Deborah - the actress - or Graham - the Galloping Gourmet!

Maybe the potential bridegroom can make use of the Kerr tartan instead? Whatever is decided, I hope you and all your family - especially your daughter - have a wonderful day. Men in tartan are so much more photogenic than those in top-hat and tails in my opinion. Cheers

[natalie_1982]

http://www.houseofnames.com/coatofarms_details.asp?sId=&s=Marsh

This one seems to explain the most though and says it's English - Kent specifically.

[Quizmonster]

Ah...a bit of synchrography there, Natalie!

[madjack]

If no clan tartan can be found, then I do believe it would depend on his job, I am English but my surname has a clan, I was best man at a traditional scottish wedding a few years back.  If he is an officer of the crown, IE police, army etc, then he is entitled to wear "Hunting Stewart or Royal Stewart".  Hope it helps

[heatherglen]

I think the Clan would be Marshall. Try the following link - you can have a look at the Marshall tartans.

[heatherglen]

Link is www.house-of-tartan.scotland.net