Surname MacElheran - Meaning and Origin
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MacElheran: What does the surname MacElheran mean?
The surname MacElheran is an Anglicized form of the Irish Gaelic name Mac Giolla Padraig. The word "Mac" is a prefix synonymous with the word "son" in Irish Gaelic, and can be translated as "son of". The second portion of the name, Giolla Padraig, translates as “devotee of St Patrick”. This indicates that the original ancestors of the MacElheran surname were followers of St Patrick, or members of a community that were particularly close with Saint Patrick himself.
The surname is also derived from the old Gaelic name Mac Giolla Phádraig, which has the same meaning as Mac Giolla Padraig. This can be seen in the original form of the name, which is Mac Giolla Phádraig MacElheran.
The MacElheran surname is most commonly found in the province of Ulster in Northern Ireland. It is believed to have first originated in the western part of County Tyrone, where the clan was believed to be descendants of the ancient Irish Uí Fiachrach, who occupied the area up to the year 1700.
The most commonly accepted etymology of the MacElheran surname points to its origin as a nickname for a follower of St Patrick. This variation of the name is believed to be the result of attempts to Anglicize the name over the years.
Overall, MacElheran is an Anglicized version of the Irish Gaelic name Mac Giolla Padraig, which translates to "son of the devotee of St Patrick". This surname was most commonly found in the province of Ulster in Northern Ireland, where it is believed to have first originated in the ancient Irish Uí Fiachrach clan in western County Tyrone.
Order DNA origin analysisMacElheran: Where does the name MacElheran come from?
The last name MacElheran is most commonly found in Scotland, Ireland, Canada and the United States. In Scotland, the name is most often associated with southwest Scotland, primarily in the counties of Dumfries and Galloway, Ayrshire, and Argyll. In Ireland, it is most often associated with County Antrim and County Donegal. It is also sometimes seen in Quebec, in particular within the Eastern Townships.
In the United States, the last name MacElheran is most common on the West Coast. In states such as Oregon, Washington, and California, many descendants of the original family have settled and created their own legacy. The Pacific Northwest, in particular, is rich with people carrying the last name.
Outside of North America, the last name can be found in some parts of Australia, adding to the growing numbers of MacElheran families living in that continent.
Additionally, the name is not unheard of in other places around the world, including New Zealand and parts of Europe. The MacElheran family name continues to exist in many parts of the world, in various forms, and each time it is carried by a new generation, its legacy continues to live on.
Variations of the surname MacElheran
MacElheran is a surname of Irish origin, thought to have first been used in the county of Derry in Ulster. The original Irish spelling of the surname is Mac Giolla éireann which translates as "the son of the follower of St. Patrick". Variations of the name MacElheran include MacGillaheron, MacGilvary, Mac Elheran, Elheran, and Gilvary.
MacElheran has two phonetic variants of the same origin, which are Mac Gilvary and Magillory.
The surname has numerous spelling variants, including MacGhille Eireann, MacGille Eireann, MacGhillehirvan, Machirran, Makirrin and MacGilloury. These variations are generally only seen in the most ancient of records.
The variants of the surname MacElheran are also found in many different spellings in both Irish and English. Examples of some of the English variants include MacGilvray, MacGilvery, MacGilderane, MacGilvary, MacGillvary, MacGillveray, MacGillvery and MacGilderane. Examples of some Irish variants include Mac Gilreann, Mac Giolla Riabhaigh, Mac Giolla Riabhach, Mag Ualghairg and Mac Gillirron.
Related surnames of MacElheran are Magilvary, MacGillivray, MacGilroy, Magee, MacKeown and McLarnon.
Overall, MacElheran is a common surname among the Irish diaspora, especially those of Ulster and Scotland. The name can also be seen in different forms in many countries around the world, from the United Kingdom to the United States, Canada and Australia.
Famous people with the name MacElheran
- Daniel MacEachern: Canadian singer-songwriter, member and former leader of the popular folk-roots band Great Big Sea
- Neil MacEachern: Canadian actor, most known for his roles in several theatres, films, and television series
- Grant MacEachern: Canadian ice hockey player who played professional hockey for various teams from 1983 to 1989
- David MacEachern: Canadian businessman with eight years of experience in the advertising and public relations industries
- Michael MacEachern: Canadian Film and Theatre actor who has appeared in Mumblegore Miracle
- Colleen MacEachern: Canadian actress best remembered for playing supporting roles in television series such as North of 60 and Traders
- Gary MacEachern: Canadian actor and film producer most known for the films, Chasing the Curse and Blood Relative
- Michael MacEachern: Canadian film and television actor best known for his roles in the show Lexx and the movies, Naked Lunch and The Big White
- Donald MacEachern: Canadian actor, writer, and director who is best known for his work on the television series The Dead Zone
- David MacEachern: Scottish athlete who competed in various athletics events and won gold medals in both the 1956 Summer Olympics and 1960 Summer Olympics