Surname Mac Lochlain - Meaning and Origin
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Mac Lochlain: What does the surname Mac Lochlain mean?
The last name Mac Lochlainn is of Irish origin and is derived from the Gaelic name "Mac Lochlainn," which translates to "Son of Lochlann." The component "Lochlann" refers to a place known as "Land of the Lakes," which is believed to be Norway. Therefore, the name could denote a person who is a descendant of Norwegian settlers in Ireland. Historically, the Mac Lochlainns were a powerful family in Ireland, particularly in the regions of Donegal and Clare. Given that names during the times were generally linked to family lineage, heritage, or occupation, it's evident that the Mac Lochlainns held a significant place in Irish history. The surname can have various spellings including MacLoughlin, McLoughlin, and MacLaughlin.
Order DNA origin analysisMac Lochlain: Where does the name Mac Lochlain come from?
The last name Mac Lochlainn is of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic Mac Lochlainn, meaning 'son of Lochlann'. The term 'Lochlann' was typically used by the Gaels to refer to people from Scandinavia, more specifically Norway, thus the name may have originated from Viking settlers in Ireland.
The name was especially associated with counties in the northwest of Ireland, such as Donegal and Tyrconnel, and became well-known through early Irish nobility; notably the High Kings of Ireland from the Cenél nEógain sept of the Uí Néill dynasty. Variations of the name include MacLoughlin, McLaughlin, and McLoughlin due to anglicization.
Today, it remains common in Ireland, particularly in Ulster. However, due to the Irish diaspora, the name has spread across the world, particularly in countries like the United States, Canada, and Australia. Nonetheless, the highest concentration of people with the surname Mac Lochlainn is still likely to be found in Ireland.
Variations of the surname Mac Lochlain
The surname Mac Lochlainn has a number of variations and spellings due to regional differences, translations, and Anglicization. Common variations and spellings include McLaughlin, MacLachlan, McLachlan, MacLoughlin, and McLoughlin.
MacLochlainn can also appear as Mcloughlan, Laughlin, Loughlin, MacLauchlan, MacLauchlin, and MacLauchlane. Its Anglicized form includes Locklain, Lochlain, and Lochlin.
This surname is derived from the pre 10th century Old Gaelic name "MacLochlainn". The name translates as "the son of the Viking", from the elements "Mac", meaning son of; "Lochlann", a compound of the Celtic, "loch", meaning lake, and "lann", land.
Remember that the conversion of names from their native forms to English resulted in many spelling variations and thus the multitude of forms for this name. Additionally, in many historical documents, names were recorded as they were spelled, so the same individual may be recorded with different spellings of their surname in the historical record.
Famous people with the name Mac Lochlain
- Leon Mac Lochlain: Irish fiddler
- Niall Mac Lochlainn: Irish folk singer and songwriter
- Oisín Mac Lochlainn: Irish historian
- Finan Mac Lochlain: Irish barrister and politician
- Róisín Mac Lochlain: Irish journalist and media executive
- Damhán Mac Lochlain: Irish actor
- Diarmuid Mac Lochlain: Irish astronomer
- Eoghan Mac Lochlain: Irish poet
- Maura Mac Lochlain: Irish politician
- Oran Mac Lochlain:Irish pipe maker