The Rutherford clan traces its origins to the ancient lands of Rutherford in Roxburghshire, first documented in 1116 when Robert de Ruderford witnessed a charter to Selkirk Abbey. The family established themselves as significant Border landholders, with their principal seat at Edgerston. Early clan members served as sheriffs and justiciars, wielding considerable influence in medieval Scottish Border politics. The Rutherfords demonstrated fierce loyalty during the Wars of Scottish Independence, supporting Robert the Bruce and defending Scotland's southern frontier against English incursions throughout the tumultuous Border conflicts.
Scottish Clans
Rutherford Tartans & Clan
The Rutherford clan tartan represents one of Scotland's most distinguished Border families, whose legacy spans from medieval Roxburghshire landholders to prominent leaders across Britain, America, and Canada in military, academic, and political spheres.
Clan Motto
Nec Sorte Nec Fato
(Neither by chance nor fate)
Heritage & Identity
Who Wears Rutherford Tartan?
Worn by Rutherford descendants globally, sept families including Rutherfurd and Rutherfoord bearers, Border regiment veterans, and Scottish heritage enthusiasts across America, Canada, and Britain.
Associated Names
Rutherfurd
Rutherfoord
Ruderford
Ruderfurd
Rotherford
Rotherfurd
Rutharford
Ruther
Ford
Rodderford
Roderford
Rotherfoord
MacRuther
MacRutherford
Military Heritage
Associated Regiments
Rutherford warriors served with distinction in Border regiments, Lowland forces, and elite British Army units, particularly excelling in American colonial campaigns and European conflicts throughout the Empire's history.
King's Own Scottish Borderers
Royal Scots Fusiliers
Cameronians (Scottish Rifles)
Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
Black Watch
Scots Guards
Gordon Highlanders
Royal Regiment of Canada (Canada)
Nova Scotia Highlanders (Canada)
Shop Rutherford Tartan Products
Discover authentic Rutherford clan products including traditional kilts, Border dress accessories, clan crests, tartan scarves, ties, and ceremonial items crafted for descendants across North America and Britain.
- All Categories
- Aprons
- Baby & Children's Outfits
- Baby & Toddler Bottoms
- Baby & Toddler Outfits
- Baby One-Pieces
- Backpacks
- Baseball Caps
- Beanies
- Belt Buckles
- Blankets
- Bolero Jackets
- Boots
- Brooches & Lapel Pins
- Chair & Sofa Cushion Covers
- Charms & Pendants
- Christmas Tree Skirts
- Cloth Napkins
- Clothing Tops
- Coats & Jackets
- Coin Purses
- Cowboy Hats
- Cross Body Bags
- Cufflinks
- Decor
- Dresses
- Earrings
- Fashion Face Masks
- Flags & Windsocks
- Flat Caps
- Garters
- Gift Bags
- Great Highland Bagpipes
- Hair Pins, Claws & Clips
- Handbags
- Handkerchiefs
- Hats
- Headbands
- Holiday Ornaments
- Holiday Stockings
- Lanyards
- Messenger Bags
- Neckties
- Pet Bandanas
- Pet Beds
- Pet Collars & Ties
- Puffer Jackets
- Ribbons & Trim
- Ring Pillows & Holders
- Sashes
- Scarves & Shawls
- School Bags
- Shirts
- Shoes
- Shorts
- Shoulder Bags
- Skirts
- Slipcovers
- Standard Collars
- Suits
- Suspenders
- Table Runners
- Tablecloths
- Tote Bags
- Traditional & Ceremonial Clothing
- Traditional Clothing Accessories
- Trousers
- Varsity Jackets
- Vests
- Wedding Ceremony Supplies
- Winter Hats
- All Styles
- 16 oz
- 3 Piece
- 5 Yards - Casual
- 8 Yards - Traditional
- 9 Yards - Traditional
- A Line
- All Round Pleated
- Argyll
- Bias Cut
- Bow
- Dinner
- Double Breasted
- Dresses
- Golf
- Great Kilt
- Horseshoe Neck
- Infinity Scarf
- Kate Coat
- Kilt Shoes
- Mini
- Narrow Heel
- Pencil
- Pet Accessories
- Prince Charlie
- Quilted
- Ring
- Rosette
- Shirt
- Single Breasted
- Sleeveless
- Slim Cut
- Straight Cut Bottom
- Striped
- Tie
- Wrap
- All Products
- 5 Yards Kilt - All Tartans
- 9 Yards Kilt - All Tartans
- Bowties
- Braces
- Clutches
- Coats & Jackets
- Cross Body Bags
- Denim Kilts
- Dog Apparel
- Dog Rug
- Face Masks
- Female Kilts
- Fly Plaid
- Ghillie Brogues
- Great Kilt - All Tartans
- H-Bar Set
- Hair Accessories
- Handbags
- Headbands
- Hybrid Kilts
- Kids Kilts
- Kids Outfit
- Kids Skirts
- Kilt Flashes
- Kilt Jackets & Vests
- Kilt Outfit
- Kilt Shirts
- Lanyards
- Leather Kilts
- Musical instruments
- Neckwear
- Ring Cushion
- Romper Suit
- Serape
- Shoulder Bags
- Sporrans
- Stoles
- Suits
- Tartan Accessories
- Tartan Aprons
- Tartan Beret
- Tartan Brooch
- Tartan Capes
- Tartan Decoration
- Tartan Dresses
- Tartan Hats & Caps
- Tartan Knickerbockers
- Tartan Leather Belts
- Tartan Pants
- Tartan Poncho
- Tartan Ribbon
- Tartan Sash
- Tartan Scarf
- Tartan Shawl
- Tartan Shirts
- Tartan Skirts
- Tartan Ties
- Tartan Vests
- Tartan/Cargo
- Trew
- Trew Outfit
- Vegan Kilt - All Tartans
- Waistcoat
- Wedding Garters
- Women Shoes
- All Prices
- Under $50
- $50 - $100
- $100 - $200
- $200 - $500
- $500+
Associated Tartans
Your Selected Tartan
Other Associated Tartans
Rutherford 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.
Modern Tartan
Modern tartans came about after 1860, when chemical dyes replaced natural ones. The difference is pretty striking. Those soft, earthy greens became deep bottle green. Pale blues turned into rich navy. Reds went from warm and muted to full-on scarlet. If you're after something bold and vivid, Modern is usually the one to go for. It's the version most people picture when they think of a classic tartan.
Weathered Tartan
Weathered tartans take their inspiration from what happens to fabric left out in the elements — faded by sun, softened by rain, worn in by time. The colours shift towards olive greens, warm browns, and very pale blues, with reds that fade down to something close to a dusty pink. It's a more rustic, lived-in look, and honestly a really beautiful one. If you want something that feels a little more understated and natural, Weathered is worth a look.
Hunting Tartan
Hunting tartans are essentially the camouflage version of a clan's tartan — greens and browns brought forward so the wearer could move through the landscape without standing out. Not every clan has one, and that's by design. If a tartan is already mostly green or brown (like the Black Watch or Gunn), there's no need to adapt it. But a tartan like the Fraser, which is predominantly red, would make someone very easy to spot in the field — so a Hunting version makes a lot of sense for clans like that.
Dress Tartan
Dress tartans were made for the big occasions — Highland games, celebrations, and traditional dance. The pattern stays the same, but the main colour is swapped out for white, or extra white is woven in to give it a lighter, more formal feel. As you'd expect from the Scots, the rules get bent every now and then — yellow has been used instead of white in some cases, which is exactly how the famously bold MacLeod Dress Modern and Barclay Dress Modern came to be.
The Rutherford Story
Four centuries of history woven into every thread
During the 14th and 15th centuries, the Rutherford clan became prominent Border Reivers, defending their Roxburghshire territories through strategic alliances and martial prowess. Notable clan members included Nicholas Rutherford, who served as Sheriff of Roxburgh, and his descendants who established cadet branches throughout the Scottish Borders. The family survived the constant warfare between Scotland and England while maintaining their Presbyterian faith and Border traditions. Rutherfords distinguished themselves during the Anglo-Scottish conflicts, earning recognition for their military leadership and diplomatic skills in negotiating Border truces.
Where does the name Rutherford come from?
Rutherford derives from Old English 'hrother ford' meaning 'cattle ford' or 'crossing place for cattle.' The name originates from the ancient lands of Rutherford in Roxburghshire, Scotland, where the clan held territory from the 12th century. This geographical surname reflects the Border tradition of naming families after their ancestral lands along Scotland's river crossings and strategic routes.
The 16th and 17th centuries saw Rutherford expansion beyond the Borders through military service and scholarly pursuits. Samuel Rutherford emerged as one of Scotland's most influential theologians and Presbyterian leaders, serving as Principal of St. Andrews University and attending the Westminster Assembly. Meanwhile, clan members emigrated to Ulster during the Plantation period and later to North America, establishing Rutherford settlements in Pennsylvania, Virginia, and the Carolinas. The family weathered religious persecution and political upheaval while contributing significantly to Presbyterian church development.
Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, Rutherfords continued expanding globally while maintaining their scholarly traditions. Clan members served as officers in British regiments, colonial administrators in America and Canada, and pioneers in Australia and New Zealand. The family produced distinguished scientists, including Ernest Rutherford, the Nobel Prize-winning physicist known as the father of nuclear physics. In Scotland, the clan adapted to agricultural improvements and industrial changes while preserving their Border heritage through clan societies and Highland games participation across the growing Scottish diaspora.
The Rutherford tartan embodies centuries of Border heritage, from Roxburghshire strongholds to global leadership, woven in patterns worn with distinction worldwide.
Featured Collections
Craftsmanship defined by tradition, designed for the modern era.
Quick View
Featured Item
Men's Highland Wear
From $120.00
