Surname MacFarlan - Meaning and Origin
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MacFarlan: What does the surname MacFarlan mean?
The surname MacFarlan is a regional or habitational name originating in Scotland, and is derived from the Gaelic Mac Pharlain, meaning "son of Parlan." The ancient Gaelic form of the name was Mac Pharlain which was the surname of the ancestral clan of the MacFarlan's of Arrochar. The MacFarlan family is believed to be descended from a person named Padeen, who came to Scotland from Ireland in the ninth century. He and his descendants prospered in Scotland, eventually establishing properties around the beautiful Loch Lomond in the area that is known today as Argyll.
The MacFarlan's were a strong, powerful family and they were also renowned for their skills in warfare. As a testament to this, they had many notable members who were highly celebrated for their military successes. MacFarlans have served as soldiers, politicians, and even royalty in past centuries.
The MacFarlan's are very proud of their heritage and have created several tartans, crests, and badges that commemorate their ancestors. These items represent the rich history, loyalty, and strength associated with the family’s name. Even today, the people bearing the MacFarlan name still strive to be excellent examples of their clan. MacFarlan's can be found in Scotland, Ireland, the United States, and many other locations throughout the world.
As a tribute to their preferred home, Arrochar, and the honor of their ancestors, the MacFarlan's of today continue to carry on the MacFarlan name with dignity and pride.
Order DNA origin analysisMacFarlan: Where does the name MacFarlan come from?
The MacFarlan surname is most commonly found in Scotland today. It is one of the most common surnames in the country with thousands of individuals being registered under the name. The surname is believed to have originated from MacFarlane, a Clan which held lands close to Loch Lomond in the 12th century.
The MacFarlan surname is also found in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand where it was brought over by settlers beginning in the 19th century. Most of these immigrants were seeking religious freedom and a better life abroad. It is estimated that at least 30,000 MacFarlane’s immigrated during this time.
Today, individuals with the MacFarlan surname are found across the world in countries such as Scotland, USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. There are several organizations dedicated to researching and protecting the family’s name and heritage such as the Clan Macfarlane Society.
A famous MacFarlan is Dr. Robert MacFarlane, a Scottish physician who was responsible for founding the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh in 1729. He is considered a notable pioneer in medicine and helped to improve the health and well being of the citizens of Edinburgh during his lifetime.
All in all, the MacFarlan surname is still quite common in Scotland and other parts of the world among individuals of Scottish descent. With organizations like the Clan Macfarlane Society protecting the MacFarlan name and promoting its heritage, it is likely that the surname will continue to be passed on for generations to come.
Variations of the surname MacFarlan
The surname MacFarlan is an anglicized version of the Gaelic "MacPharlain" or "Mac Pharlin". It is most commonly seen in Scotland and Ireland, but it has many variants.
In Ireland, the MacFarlan surname is often seen in its Irish spelling of MacPharláin or MacPharlin, while the Scottish version can be seen as MacFarlane, MacFarlaine, MacFarlan, MacFarlene, or MacFarlin. These variants are also seen in various other spellings such as MacFarlain, MacPharlane, MacParland, and MacPharland.
In Scotland, the traditional MacFarlan spelling is found mainly in the north and in the Scottish Lowlands, while the variations are more common in the Highlands.
Some variants, such as McFarlane, McFarland, and McPharland have become more popular in North America, where the original form is sometimes considered outdated.
In addition to the variations on the spelling of the name, there are also some variants of the surname that are derived from other spellings. The most prominent of these are MacFarlane, which comes from MacPharlane, and McFarlan, which is derived from MacFarlan.
Overall, the surname MacFarlan is commonly seen in its original Scottish form in Scotland, Ireland, and America, while its derivatives and variants are seen in long-established regions of the English-speaking world.
Famous people with the name MacFarlan
- William Macfarlan: actor
- Terence Macfarlan: first Australian naval aviator
- Ellen Macfarlane: singer-songwriter
- René Macfarlane: Canadian politician
- D. A. MacFarlan: anthropologist
- Russell MacFarlan: Canadian politician
- Malcolm Macfarlan: Scottish soldier
- Alastair Macfarlan: Marquess of Bute
- Eleanor Macfarlane: art historian
- John Macfarlane: philosopher