Surname MacClern - Meaning and Origin
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MacClern: What does the surname MacClern mean?
The last name MacClern is an Anglicized version of the Irish surname Mac Giolla Chiaráin, meaning “son of the servant of St. Kieran”. The root of the name is the Mac prefix, which denotes son, and then Giolla Chiaráin, which is derived from the personal name Ciarán. Ciarán, or Kieran, was among the earliest of the Irish saints, and was renowned for the many miracles attributed to him.
The MacClern surname is found primarily in counties Tipperary and Galway in the midlands of the Irish Republic. It is among the 60 most common Irish surnames according to one source. Those with this name or its variants may be descended from Guaire Aidhne mac Colmáin (died 650 AD), High King of Connacht, whose territory included much of the land where the surname is still found today.
The name MacClern is prominent in the annals of Irish history. It was borne by several prominent figures of the 19th and early 20th centuries. Most notably, the line of the American statesman Daniel MacClern includes several members of the United States House of Representatives and Senate.
The MacClern surname is believed to be derived from the Church and democracy, as its root is the Gaelic term for “servant to God”. Today, those with this surname are part of a proud Irish-American tradition. Members of this family often have roots in the Midwest of the United States, along with many other Irish immigrants who left their homeland during political unrest of the 19th century. In America, the name MacClern is still strongly associated with good-natured family values, close ties to the Church, and hard work.
Order DNA origin analysisMacClern: Where does the name MacClern come from?
The surname MacClern does not appear to be common or recognized in various reputable ancestry databases, which suggests it may possibly be misspelled or very rare. Instead, similar surnames such as McClernon, McClearn, MacLaren, or McClaren, among others, can be found. These names have Celtic or Scottish origins. Mac or Mc generally signifies "son of" in Celtic usage. The name MacLaren, for example, derives from the Gaelic Mac Labhrainn meaning "son of Labhran" or "son of Lawrence". These types of surnames are more commonly found in regions including Scotland, Ireland, England, and Northern Ireland. Many individuals with these names can also be found in countries such as the United States, or Australia due to historical migration patterns.
Variations of the surname MacClern
The surname MacClern may have a few possible variants and alternative spellings depending on geographical location and phonetic translation. Possible variants that are phonetically similar include McClaren, MacLaren, McClarin, McLaren, and McLarin.
MacLaren and McLaren are particularly common, and can be found throughout Scotland and Northern Ireland, where the "Mac" prefix (meaning 'son of') is used in surnames.
It is also plausible that the surname could be a variant of "MacLernon", a surname originating from Northern Ireland, or McClernon in its anglicised form.
Surnames evolve over time, and spelling variations are common, often due to transcription errors, phonetic spelling and Anglicization. It's also important to remember that spelling wasn't standardized until the last few centuries, so historic documents may feature many variations of the same name.
Please note that these are possibilities, as the origins and transformations of surnames can be complex and multifaceted, often influenced by cultural, linguistic, and geographic factors. For exact determination of the origin and variants of a surname, a thorough genealogical research should be conducted.
Famous people with the name MacClern
- Eliza MackClern: American actress and comedienne known for her roles on Lizzie McGuire and Wizards of Waverly Place.
- Ross MacClern: English footballer for Norwich City.
- Keith MacClern: Canadian pianist and composer.
- William MacClern: Scottish photographer and artist.
- Max MacClern: Recording artist and producer from California.
- Robert MacClern: American businessman and banking executive.
- Jean MackClern: American artist notable for her abstract expressionism.
- Gillian MackClern: Canadian actress known for her roles in X-Men: Days of Future Past and the Exorcism of Molly Hartley.
- Sean MacClern: American film director known for his work in Stranger Things, The OA, and The Walking Dead.
- Shane MacClern: A New Zealand rugby player and Olympic athlete.