The title Earl of Lauderdale was created in the Peerage of Scotland in 1624 for John 2nd Lord Maitland of Thirlestane, Berwickshire, and Lethington, East Lothian. The second Earl was created Duke of Lauderdale, but d.s.p.m., and the dukedom became extinct, while the earldom passed to his brother Charles. Charles had married (1652) Elizabeth, daughter of Richard Lauder, Laird of Haltoun [vulgar: Hatton], &c., and by this marriage came into that family's great estates.
Other titles associated with the earldom are: Viscount of Lauderdale (created 1616), Viscount of Maitland (1624), Lord Maitland of Thirlestane (1590) and Lord Thirlestane and Boulton (1624). All of these titles are in the Peerage of Scotland. The title Viscount of Maitland is used as a courtesy title for the Earl's eldest son and heir.
