Surname MacErlean - Meaning and Origin
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MacErlean: What does the surname MacErlean mean?
The surname MacErlean is of Scottish origin, with its roots stemming from Clan MacErlane. Clan MacErlane is connected to Clan MacMillan, both of which trace back to the ancient Gaelic Kingdom of Dalriada, located in the Argyll area of Scotland. This clan is steeped in a long and rich history, having been around at least as far back as the 12th century AD.
The name MacErlean, or MacErlane, derives from two Gaelic words, Mac, which means "son of" and Erlean, which is thought to either mean “black valour” or alternatively “Butterfly”. The first interpretation of this surname, then, could be seen as “son of black valour” reflecting the courage and strength of the clan's warriors throughout history.
The second interpretation reflects the clan's history as a member of the Butterfly Sybil, a division of septs and clans within Clan Donald, which also includes MacKinnons and MacLeans. The precise significance of the Butterfly Sybil is unknown, but it is believed to represent the three major districts of the clan's power base in Scotland.
Today, MacErlean is a relatively rare surname, with many of its members being spread across the world. People bearing the MacErlean name are strong-willed and possess a strong sense of loyalty and honour, values which remain deeply connected to the proud history of this ancient clan.
Order DNA origin analysisMacErlean: Where does the name MacErlean come from?
The last name MacErlean is believed to have originated in Scotland, primarily in the Scottish Highlands. There are a few variations of the name including McErlean, MacErlaine, and MacErlane.
A majority of people with the MacErlean surname live in Scotland today. The most populous areas include Glasgow, Edinburgh, Fife, Renfrewshire, Stirlingshire, Ayrshire, and Perth. These areas remain the most 'MacErlean-heavy' today.
Outside of Scotland, there is a strong presence of the MacErlean last name in Canada, the United States, and Ireland. Specifically, MacErleans can be found in Ontario, Nova Scotia, Alberta, California, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, New Zealand, and Australia.
Throughout history, MacErleans were known as brave warriors and fierce fighters. Many who carry the name today can trace their lineage back through a long line of courageous family members.
Depending on which part of the world you look, MacErlean can be a fairly common name. In areas with strong Scottish ties, such as Nova Scotia and parts of the United States, the last name is still relatively common today.
Variations of the surname MacErlean
MacErlean is a surname that has several variants and spellings. The most common variants include MacErlan, Macerlane, MacErlaine, MacErlone, MacErlon, MacErlyn, MacErlann, MacErlen, MacErlynne, and MacErlin. It is also known by the alternate spellings M’Earlan, M’Erlan, M’Erlane, M’Erlaine, M’Erlone, M’Erlon, M’Erlyn, M’Erlann, M’Erlen, M’Erlynne, and M’Erlin.
The surnames of the same origin include MacEarlan, MacErling, MacEarlain, McErlin, MacErlian, and McErlein. Less common variants are MacEarly, MacYerlen, MacYerlaine, MacYerlan and MacYerlone. All of the variants and spellings of MacErlean have the same Gaelic origin.
The surname is derived from the Gaelic term 'Mac Giolla Ealáin', which translates as 'son of servant of bright forehead', in reference to the family's clan crest, which features a bright red forehead. The crest was likely adopted in the early 18th century when heraldry began to become more popular in Scotland.
The surname is quite prominent among Scots, especially in the West of Scotland. It is also found in Northern Ireland, primarily in Counties Antrim and Down. The surname is very rare in England and other English-speaking countries, due to its distinctly Scottish origins.
No matter the variant or spelling, all variants of the surname MacErlean are derived from the same common Gaelic origin.
Famous people with the name MacErlean
- Alexandre MacErlean: French actor
- Neil MacErlean: British actor
- Rakie Ayola: British actress
- Matt Smith: British actor
- Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine: Rwandan-American actor
- Paul MacErlean: British journalist
- Louise Marie MacErlean: Canadian photographer
- Mairi MacErlean: Scottish musical conductor
- David MacErlean: Irish actor
- Martha MacErlean: Canadian director