Surname MacClean - Meaning and Origin
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MacClean: What does the surname MacClean mean?
The last name MacClean is an old Scottish clan name derived from the Gaelic MacGille Eain. The surname translates literally to “son of the servant of Saint John” in reference to a saint of the same name.
The Clan MacClean originated in Scotland and traced their roots back to the 7th century. It is believed that the Clan MacClean is descended from the ancient druid warriors of the Isle of Mull in the Inner Hebrides.
The Clan MacClean rose to prominence in the 1600s when they produced the Jacobite leader, Sir Hector MacClean, who was renowned for his valour during the War of the Spanish Succession. The clan also produced the famous poet, Alexander MacClean.
In the 18th century, the MacClean clan scattered across the globe due to the Highland Clearances. Families bearing the surname now live in Scotland, Canada, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand.
Today, the last name MacClean remains a popular Scottish name that symbolizes a fierce sense of loyalty and courage. The claimant of the name is a proud member of a distinguished line of Gaelic families that have a remarkable history stretching back to ancient times.
Order DNA origin analysisMacClean: Where does the name MacClean come from?
The MacClean surname is particularly common in Scotland and Ireland. In Scotland, it is most prevalent in the Highland Region, which is the northernmost and most mountainous part of the country. In Ireland, it is most commonly found in the counties of Donegal, Sligo, and Mayo.
The surname is believed to be of Scottish Gaelic origin and is derived from the Gaelic MacGilleEoin, which means “son of the servant of St. John.” It has been suggested that the name could also be of non-Gaelic origin, and its roots could be found in eastern Europe.
Today, the MacClean name is popular not only in Scotland and Ireland, but also in North America, Australia, New Zealand, and other English-speaking countries with populations of Scots-Irish and Scottish descendants, such as Canada, the United States, and South Africa. In the United States, the MacClean name is most frequently found in the Southern states such as Georgia, Tennessee, and Mississippi, which have long had a strong Scots-Irish heritage.
The name has also been anglicized to MacClain, MacClane, and MacLain for those living in non-Gaelic speaking countries. Many who bear the name are descended from a long line of proud Scots-Irish immigrants who played an essential role in the development of the United States.
Variations of the surname MacClean
The McLean surname has various variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin including MacClean, MacClain, McClean, MacLean, MacLain, McLain, McLane, MacLane, Maclaine, MacLaine, Maclayne, MacLayne, and McLeane.
The origin of the McLean surname is Scottish and can trace its roots back to the 12th century. Clan Maclean is among the oldest of the Highland clans with roots in Ireland and generations of ancestors who rule of the lands of Duart on the Isle of Mull. The clan’s patronymic lineage including McLean, MacClean, and MacLain traces back to Gilleoin of the Saxon race.
In the 1600’s, some of the McDonald branch of the Clan Maclean arrived in America, settling in Virginia, bringing their clansmen. The clan’s new American spelling evolved to MacClean, MacClain, McClean, MacLean, MacLain, McClean, McLaine, MacLane, Maclaine, MacLaine, Maclayne, MacLayne, and McLeane. The popularity of the McLean name spread throughout America as some emigrated, migrated and settled in other places including Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Georgia, South Carolina, Kentucky, and other states.
Most McLeans are still Scottish, as their name still is associated with the Isle of Mull in Scotland. While many bearing the MacClean variations of the name reside in the United States, others can be found throughout the world.
Famous people with the name MacClean
- Alan MacClean: Scottish actor from the 1950s and 1960s who starred in both stage and film, best known for his role in the 1964 musical comedy, The Boys in the Band.
- B.B MacClean: an American Pop/R&B artist of the 1970s and 80s who rose to prominence for her hit single, “Fantasy Man”.
- Jennifer MacClean: Scottish actress best known for her roles in several BBC television shows, including The Vicar of Dibley and The Catherine Tate Show.
- Kelechi MacClean: Nigerian actor best known for his roles in Nigerian films such as The Power of an African Young Man and The Curse of the Star Wars Fans.
- John MacClean: Australian music producer and DJ, behind several hit dance singles, including “Let The Music Play”.
- Steve MacClean: English former footballer who represented the Hull City, Scarborough, Southport and Boston United clubs during his career.
- Don MacClean: Canadian actor best known for roles in films such as The Killing Fields and The Piano.
- Clare MacClean: British singer-songwriter who released her debut album in 2020.
- Mary MacClean: American actress best known for her roles in the soap operas Clueless and General Hospital.
- Robert MacClean: Scottish mathematician best known for developing the MacClean formula, used to calculate the speed of light through a series of lenses.