Surname MacClelland - Meaning and Origin
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MacClelland: What does the surname MacClelland mean?
The last name MacClelland is a Scottish and Irish surname, likely derived from the Gaelic Mac Ghille Fhleintinn, which translates to "son of the servant of St. Fillan". This surname is most commonly found in Scotland and Ireland, and the English spelling of the surname can vary depending on the location.
The original MacClelland family likely came from Ireland to Scotland during the Anglo-Norman Invasion in the 12th century. The earliest record of this surname in Scotland dates to 1296, when Simon Mac Flelin and John, son of Mac Fleleland, were witness to a charter regarding the church of St. Fillan. The MacClellands remained in Scotland for many generations, becoming well known for their contribution to several battles, including the Wars of Scottish Independence.
The MacClelland name can also be found in other parts of the world, such as the United States and Australia. The family is thought to have left Scotland in the 1600s and sailed to America, settling in New Hampshire. The MacClellands are believed to have immigrated to Australia in the 1800s, settling in Victoria.
Today, MacClelland is a rather uncommon surname, but it continues to endure among both Scottish and Irish descendants. Many members of this family can still trace their ancestry back to the original settlers of Scotland and Ireland.
Order DNA origin analysisMacClelland: Where does the name MacClelland come from?
The last name MacClelland is most common in Scotland and Northern Ireland, although it has spread to other parts of the world like North America. The name is derived from the Scottish Gaelic Mac Ghille Fhaolain which translates to “son of the servant of (St.) Fillan”, a 6th century saint in Scotland.
In terms of its current distribution, MacClelland is most currently found in Scotland and Northern Ireland. However, there are numerous MacClellands in North America, Australia, New Zealand, and other parts of the world due to emigration from Scotland in the 18th and 19th centuries.
In the United States, MacClelland is most commonly found in Pennsylvania, where it is scattered throughout small towns and villages. It can also be found in some states further south like Virginia and North Carolina, especially around places with large concentrations of Scottish immigrants.
In Canada, the name is mainly found in the larger cities like Toronto and Vancouver, as well as smaller towns like Halifax. Meanwhile, in Australia and New Zealand, MacClelland is located mainly on the east coast in cities like Sydney, Brisbane, and Wellington.
As the name continues to spread around the world, its current distribution means that it is usually concentrated in places where there is a large Scottish diaspora. Therefore, MacClelland remains a relatively common last name in certain parts of the world.
Variations of the surname MacClelland
The MacClelland surname has several variants, spellings, and related surnames.
The most common spelling of the surname is MacClelland, though sometimes it is spelled as McClelland, MacLelland or MacLellent. The surname is particularly common in Scotland, where it is derived from the Gaelic given name Mac Gille Fhaolain (meaning "son of the servant of St. Fillan").
Variants of the name also include Maclelland, Maclellan, and McLellan. In some cases, it is also spelled as McLelland, McLellent or MacLellam.
The variants MacPhallain, McPhallen, and MacPhaun are also related. These are derived from a Pictish form of the MacGilleFhaolain name, with the meaning "son of the servant of Paul".
Other related surnames include MacLellon and Maclellen. The former is derived from a Gaelic patronymic, meaning "son of the servant of the bare one", and the latter can come from the Gaelic given name Mac Gille Fhinding, meaning "son of the servant of the miraculous one".
In addition, there are a few surname variants which are not derived from the Gaelic MacGilleFhaolain name; including McClellen, McClellan, and McClelen. These might have been taken on by descendants of the Irish people, Mac Giolla Fhaolain, meaning "son of the servant of the wolf".
In all, there are many variants, spellings, and related surnames for the MacClelland surname. All variants are derived from the original Gaelic root, yet vary in spelling and derivation according to regional linguistic differences.
Famous people with the name MacClelland
- William MacClelland: a Scottish sculptor and medal engraver active in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
- Jim MacClelland: a British diplomat and international civil servant; played a pivotal role in helping Britain to join the European Economic Community.
- Keith MacClelland: a former professional ice hockey player with the New York Rangers and Boston Bruins.
- Andrew MacClelland: an American politician who represented Missouri's fifth district in the United States House of Representatives from 1895 until 1897.
- Caitlin MacClelland: a British stage and screen actress, best known for her roles in "Patrick" and "The Strike".
- Malcolm MacClelland: a Scottish footballer who played in the early 1900's for the Scotland national team.
- Donald MacClelland: a former professional American football player with the Washington Redskins.
- Gordon MacClelland: a Canadian former National Hockey League player for the Chicago Blackhawks and Los Angeles Kings.
- Peter MacClelland: an American actor and writer who has appeared in numerous TV and movie roles.
- Amanda MacClelland: an actress and filmmaker best known for her roles in "The Happiness of the Katakuris", "A Lot Like Love" and "Honeybunch".