Surname MacEachran - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'M'
MacEachran: What does the surname MacEachran mean?
The surname MacEachran is of Scottish Gaelic origin. The prefix 'Mac' means 'son of', commonly used in Scottish and Irish naming conventions to indicate patrilineal descent. The latter part 'Eachran' is derived from the Gaelic personal name 'Eachdonn' which means 'horse-lord' or 'horse-master'. So, the surname MacEachran can be interpreted as 'son of the horse-lord'. It is most common in Scotland, particularly in the Western Isles and the Highlands. Despite its Gaelic roots, variations of the name can be found in many countries due to the Scottish diaspora in the 18th and 19th centuries. Like many Gaelic names, there are several different spellings including McEachran, MacEachern, and MacEachren.
Order DNA origin analysisMacEachran: Where does the name MacEachran come from?
The surname MacEachran is of Scottish origin. The name specifically derives from the Gaelic Mac Eachairn, which means 'son of Eacharn'. Eacharn is a personal name composed of the elements each, meaning horse, and carn, meaning cairn or mound, implying a connotation of "horse-rider".
The MacEachran family originated from the western part of Scotland, specifically in the region of Knapdale. Over time, the MacEachrans spread throughout Scotland and beyond. Various spelling versions of the name, such as McEachern, MacEachern, and others, reflected the region and dialect of the bearers.
Today, descendants of this family bearing the surname MacEachran or its variations can still be found primarily in Scotland, although they are also present in other English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, due to historical emigration. However, it isn't considered a common name. The largest concentration of people with this surname is still likely to be in Scotland, particularly in regions with historical links to the MacEachran family.
Variations of the surname MacEachran
The surname MacEachran originates from the Gaelic name Mac Eachthigheirna, which means the son of the horse lord. Spelling variants of MacEachran can stem from phonetic translations as well as anglicization over time. Variations of this surname can include MacEachern, McEachran, McEachern, McEachin, McEachrane, and McEachren.
Other possible variants might include MakEachern, Macechern, Mac Hechern, or MacKechran due to regional accents and interpretations. Eachran, Echern, or Kechran could also be used in some cases due to the omission of either the Mac/Mc prefix which is common in some regions.
However, it should be noted that surnames can be highly variable due to various historical factors, such as geographic location, intermarriage, adoption, and literacy levels. There could, thus, be more variations of the name MacEachearn than listed here. Please bear in mind that it is always best to look at primary source material when researching family history, as surname spelling can change over generations.
In terms of surnames of the same origin, other Gaelic names with the 'Mac' prefix may also trace back to similar historical roots, but won't necessarily imply a familial connection.
Famous people with the name MacEachran
- Glenn MacEachran: Award-winning Canadian playwright and actor.
- Gabriella MacEachran: International model and fashion blogger.
- John MacEachran: Former British intelligence officer and successful business executive.
- Aaron MacEachran: Soccer player currently playing for FC Edmonton in the Canadian Premier League.
- Gavin MacEachran: Professional ice hockey goaltender for the Vancouver Canucks.
- Charity MacEachran: Award-winning Canadian country music singer-songwriter.
- Duncan MacEachran: Canadian actor best-known for his role in the television series, ‘Gunslinger’.
- Dexter MacEachran: High-ranking Royal Canadian Air Force officer who served in the first and Second World Wars.
- Pat MacEachran: Noted Scottish film director and producer responsible for the popular children’s movie, ‘The Little Wizard’.
- Jimmy MacEachran: Modern Folk and Acoustic guitar player and songwriter.