Surname MacFarran - Meaning and Origin
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MacFarran: What does the surname MacFarran mean?
The last name MacFarran is an anglicized version of the Irish name MacPháraon, which dates back centuries. It is an anglicized version of the Gaelic word MacPháráin, which roughly translates to “son of the farren” or “son of the nobleman”. The MacPháraon family were a powerful and respected family who had settled in Ulster, Ireland in the late 11th century.
The family was part of the same clan as the O’Neill family and eventually rose to become the Kings of Ulster under the title “The MacPháraons of Ulster”. The family held sway over various parts of modern-day Northern Ireland for centuries, and their name was eventually anglicised to MacFarran. The family eventually lost most of its power in the 1600s, but the name MacFarran is still found in Ulster today.
The surname is generally found in areas heavily populated by Irish people and is a reminder of the family’s once-important place in Irish history. It is a testament to the strength and resilience of the people of Ulster, who have managed to hold on to their traditions and culture despite centuries of conflict and strife. The name MacFarran continues to be held in reverence by its Irish ancestry and is a proud part of the family’s past.
Order DNA origin analysisMacFarran: Where does the name MacFarran come from?
The last name MacFarran is mostly associated with the Scottish Highlands which is where it is most common today. The Scottish clans Campbell, Gordon, and MacFarran were prominent in the Highlands region for centuries. MacFarran is a common name among Scottish clans who trace their ancestry to the old Gaelic families. The MacFarrans were an ancient clan that held an important role in the Highlands as wardens and custodians of the ancient law of the land.
Since the 1700s, the MacFarrans spread from the Highlands to other parts of Scotland, such as the Lowlands, and eventually into other countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Today, the name MacFarran is still fairly common in Scotland, especially in the Highlands. Throughout the centuries, MacFarrans have distinguished themselves in a variety of fields like politics, science, arts, and athletics. Famous MacFarrans throughout history include the politician William MacFarran (1763-1837), the scientist John MacFarran (1861-1941), and the artist Charles MacFarran (1899-1969).
In the US, the MacFarran name is most strongly associated with Pennsylvania, where the MacFarrans primarily settled in the late 1800s when they emigrated from Scotland. The last name can also be found in many other states including California, Illinois, and Texas.
Variations of the surname MacFarran
MacFarran is a surname thought to have originated in Scotland, and can come from a number of sources. Variants of the surname include MacFarlane, McFarland, McFarren, and McFarlane among others. The most common spellings are MacFarran and MacFarlane, although variations such as McFarland and McFarlane are also seen.
The origins of the MacFarran surname may have come from the clan of the same name, a lowland family affiliated with the MacDonalds. The MacFarlanes are believed to have descended from an Irish sept and were granted lands in the Mull region. The McFarlands are likely of the Scottish-Irish ancestry, coming from the clans of the Scottish lowlands.
MacFarran is generally thought to be a patronymic name derived from the Gaelic form Mac Phárlain, or son of Parlan. The Parlan root originates from the place-name Parlan, which is thought to come from a Gaelic phrase meaning “the little pilgrim” or “the little foreigner”.
In the United States, the surname can be found in records as early as the 17th century, with one Alexander McFarlane becoming a business partner of John Pemberton, a German brewer who helped to create the world-famous concept of Coca-Cola.
Variations of MacFarran have also been used as given names, especially among the Irish, Scots, and English. Other names based on the MacFarran root include Farrand, Faulken, Farran, Fitzfarlane, McPhillips, and Parlan.
Famous people with the name MacFarran
- Ryland MacFarran: British Olympic silver medalist in cycling
- Tom MacFarran: Professional hockey player with the Washington Capitals
- Mary MacFarran: Scientist and pioneer in the field of oceanography
- Bella MacFarran: Singer and songwriter, known for her work in folk music
- Alexander MacFarran: Writer and editor, best known for his book “The Pennine Journey”
- Colin MacFarran: Footballer who represented Scotland in the 1990s
- Talia MacFarran: Actress who has appeared in a number of television, film and stage productions
- Leo MacFarran: Professional golfer who has won numerous titles
- Samantha MacFarran: Australian hurdler who won gold in the 2004 Olympics
- Leslie MacFarran: Neurologist and author of “The Neurology of Human Behavior”