First found in Berwickshire, where they held a family seat from early times. There are several recorded instances of payments to a John Tayt, clerk of the hospital of Montrose, between 1362-70. Alexander Tayt was burgess of Edinburgh in 1381.

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More about the Tait History...

Please remember that this page is only a small extract of our complete history that includes:

• Ancient origin of the name (usually pre-1100)
• Known spelling variations
• Early movement of the family name during the Middle Ages
• Noteworthy bearers from the 1500-1600s
• First settlers to North America
• Notable contemporary bearers of the name
• A description and/or full color picture of the Coat of Arms, Crest, and Motto (where available)

Some of the Boernician-Scottish clan families who came to North America were Loyalists who went north to Canada after the American War of Independence. Families on both sides of the border went on to found two of the world's great nations. This century, families with Scottish roots have rediscovered their heritage through highland games and clan societies. An inquiry into the early roots of North American families reveals a number of immigrants bearing the name Tait or a variant listed above: Edward Tate, who settled in Salem, Massachusetts in 1630; James and Mary Tate, who came to Barbados in 1635; Thomas Tate, who settled in Virginia in 1635.

For more information on the last name Tait, the PDF Surname History is available for purchase as well as other products.