Surname MacElwain - Meaning and Origin
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MacElwain: What does the surname MacElwain mean?
The last name MacElwain is a Scottish or Irish clan name with ancient origins. It is derived from two Gaelic words: Mac meaning “son of” and Elwy or Elwein meaning “noble friend”. This was likely a hereditary surname of nobility as the term Mac denoted a “son of the chief”, thus making it a distinct mark of rank.
The term Elwy or Elwein is of greater antiquity than most other surnames, as it was used in the old Welsh language to describe a benevolent and kind leader of the people. This was likely why this name was given to the principal family of the MacElwain clan, most likely as a mark of respect or recognition for their great leadership.
The MacElwain clan was well known throughout Scotland and Ireland in centuries past. Their fame was largely due to their military prowess and active participation in local feuds and clan wars. This clan is believed to have been the descendants of the prominent Celts who migrated from Ireland to Scotland during the 5th century.
Today, the MacElwain name is most commonly seen throughout North America, particularly the United States and Canada. While it is still not as common as other more damning surnames, there are still many families who proudly bear this name and proudly embrace their Scottish and Irish heritage.
Order DNA origin analysisMacElwain: Where does the name MacElwain come from?
The last name MacElwain is primarily found throughout Scotland and Ireland, though there are some examples of its use in other countries as well. In Scotland, the name is most commonly found in the northern and western regions of the country with some scattered instances further south. In Ireland, the name is found mostly throughout the southern and southeastern regions.
Outside of these two countries, Macelwain appears to be used primarily in English-speaking countries such as Canada, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand. It appears that the highest concentration of the last name is to be found in the United States, with the states of Pennsylvania, New York and Ohio having the largest numbers of MacElwains.
The name MacElwain is derived from the Gaelic "Mac GiollaChomhghaill," which translates to "son of the servant of St. Comgall." The name is linked to a monastery founded by an individual known as "St. Comgal."
The surname MacElwain is quite uncommon today and appears to be primarily in use among those of Irish and Scottish heritage. It appears to have originated in the British Isles, though the scattering of the surname among other countries suggests that at least some of the modern day MacElwains may have their origins among emigrants of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Variations of the surname MacElwain
MacElwain is a Scottish surname of Gaelic origin, the Gaelic form being Mac Eil�n, which literally means “son of Elliott”. Other spellings and variants of this surname which are derived from the Gaelic form include MacElvan, MacElaine, MacElven, MacElvin, and Mac Elwaine.
The spelling used often varies depending on which part of Scotland or Ireland the family originated from. In some instances, the surname is derived from other given names, like MacAlpine, MacAlvain, MacAlvin, and MacAlvey. In addition, the surname may be found in various spellings, such as MacAlwain, Macalwein, Macawein, MacElvain, and MacElwane.
Surnames with the same origin as MacElwain also include MacAlister, MacAllister, MacCoulter, MacCalvie, and MacGlashan. These surnames are derived from the Scots-Gaelic “Mac Alastair”, which means “son of Alexander”.
The MacElwain surname is found in numerous places across Scotland and Ireland, as well as in America, Canada, and Australia. In the United States, the surname is most commonly found in Pennsylvania, Virginia, New York, and Illinois. In Canada, the most prevalent locations for the MacElwain surname are Ontario and British Columbia.
In most cases, the spelling of the surname is MacElwain, however variations and spellings may still exist. Some of the more common variations may include MacElaine, MacElvan, and MacElven, while other more rarely seen spellings may include MacElvin and MacElwane. It is important to note that the surname might also be found in the form of MacAlwain, Macalwein, MacElvain, and Macawein in some cases.
Famous people with the name MacElwain
- Ryan MacElwain: Canadian actress known for roles in The Expanse, My Teacher's Secret Life, and To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You
- Craig MacElwain: American-born Canadian actor known for roles in The Twilight Zone, The Firm, and Eureka
- Steven MacElwain: Australian actor known for roles in The Good Body, Vacation, and granting wishes for Make-A-Wish Foundation
- Jason MacElwain: American high school basketball team manager with autism who went on to become one of ESPN’s local heroes
- Robin MacElwain: Scottish artist and illustrator who has produced illustrations and concept art for over 35 feature films
- Anna MacElwain: Canadian sprinter who represented her country at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London
- David MacElwain: Australian rugby player who represented his country at the 1987 Rugby World Cup
- Colin MacElwain: professional British curler who competed in the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy
- George MacElwain: former actor who had roles in The Body Snatcher, Way Out West, and Stagecoach
- Fran MacElwain: American singer who has released a dozen albums and is known for her distinctive folk-rock sound