Surname MacFarlane - Meaning and Origin
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MacFarlane: What does the surname MacFarlane mean?
The last name MacFarlane is a Scottish Gaelic patronymic surname meaning Son of Farlane. It is derived from the Gaelic personal name Fearghail, composed of the elements “fear”, meaning “man”, and “gal”, meaning “valor”.
The surname MacFarlane is primarily found in the Highlands, Borders, and Fife of Scotland and is believed to have originated from the ancient family of the Earls of Lennox, a powerful clan in the area since the 12th century.
The MacFarlane motto is “Per mare, per terras”, which translates as “By sea, by land”. This likely references the family’s role as seafaring merchants and warriors of Scotland.
MacFarlane is a fairly common surname in Scotland and is also found in Ireland, England, and Canada, largely due to Scottish immigration. Additionally, there are numerous variant spellings including MacFarlan, MacFarlane, McFarlane, and Farlane, among others.
Order DNA origin analysisMacFarlane: Where does the name MacFarlane come from?
The last name MacFarlane remains common throughout Scotland and Ireland today, but has also spread to other areas of the British Isles, including England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The surname can also be found in North America, with particularly high concentrations in Canada, the United States and Australia.
According to DNA analysis of Scottish people with this surname, the MacFarlanes were originally a genetically distinct sub-clan of the Clan Siol Alpin, located in the former Scottish kingdom of Strathclyde, which lasted until the 10th century. Over time, they migrated to other areas of the British Isles, likely caused by agricultural advances and population pressures.
MacFarlanes in North America are largely descended from Highlander Scots, particularly those of Clan MacFarlane. Most traces of the clan’s history in the United States and Canada can be found in the eastern seaboard, with especially high numbers in New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Illinois and Massachusetts. In Canada, large concentrations exist in Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia and Nova Scotia.
Today, the surname MacFarlane remains one of Scotland’s most common, and is a testament to the legacy of its late medieval ancestry. The ongoing spread of MacFarlane throughout the British Isles, North America and Australia highlights the family’s deep roots, and the far-reaching impact of its members.
Variations of the surname MacFarlane
The MacFarlane surname is of Scottish origin. The variants and spellings include MacFarlane, McFarlane, Macfarland, Macfarlan, Macfarlande, McFarlan, MacFarlan, McFarlane, MacFarlane, McFarland, MacFarling, MacFarlande, MacFarlane, McFarlan, MacFarlane, and MacFarlene, MacFarrelly, MacFarlaney.
The surname can also appear as 'Mac Pharlain', a combination of the Scots Gaelic and English components 'Mac', meaning 'son of', and 'Pharlain'. Sometimes the 'M' is dropped, and the surname becomes 'Farlan', 'Farlane', or 'Farlane'.
The MacFarlane motto, 'Ne oublie' (do not forget), is also used by some families.
MacFarlane is often linked to the MacLaren clan, due to their shared Pictish origin. The MacLarens were descended from the Clan of Pictish Wala, who lived in the area of Lorn in Argyll. Other related family names include Mactavish, MacArthur and Worthington.
MacFarlane is also a sept of the Clan Campbell and can be found in the Highlands, and was adopted by other clans, such as Clan Gordon. In some instances, the name is interchangeable with the Irish surname McLaughlin.
The most common non-MacFarlane surname derived from the original is Farless, with other variants including Farless, Farles, Farlessy and Fearley.
Famous people with the name MacFarlane
- Seth MacFarlane: Emmy-winning writer, actor, animator, producer and director best known for his animated shows Family Guy, American Dad!, and The Cleveland Show.
- Catriona MacFarlane: Scottish singer/songwriter and Highland fiddle player.
- Alex MacFarlane: Scottish jazz drummer.
- Standfast MacFarlane: American actor and professional wrestler.
- Cameron MacFarlane: Canadian actor and singer.
- Keegan MacFarlane: Canadian actor who appeared in films such as Die Another Day.
- William Alexander MacFarlane: Canadian politician and lawyer who served as Premier of Prince Edward Island.
- Donald MacFarlane: Scottish international footballer.
- Arthur MacFarlane: Scottish international football goalkeeper.
- William MacFarlane III: American entrepreneur and CEO of Gateway Motorsports Park.
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Comments or additions to the name "MacFarlane"
16.01.2024
No sources listed? The origin story runs counter to the info provided by International Clan MacFarlane Society. Yes they are Strathclyde britons, no they were never Siol Alpin, which has a Y-DNA signature of L1335, L1065, S744. See Rob Spencer's Macro Genealogy at his site scaledinnovation.com, outline of Siol Alpin genetic signature crzypopmac@aol.com