Surname MacGeichan - Meaning and Origin
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MacGeichan: What does the surname MacGeichan mean?
The last name MacGeichan is believed to have originated in Scotland, and is an Anglicized form of the Gaelic Mac Gille chain, meaning "son of the servant of (St.) John." The clan can trace its ancestry to a Gillechain who was the progenitor of the clan in the 13th century. He was so named because he was a servant of St. John, a prominent figure in Scotland during the era.
The name MacGeichan became common in the Argyll district of Scotland and is thought to be a derivative of the Galloway region where earlier McLillichans were found. In Gaelic, the name McLillichan meant “son of the servant of John”, and variations of the name McLillichan, such as MacGeichan or McLillichan, have been attributed to the McLillichans as a means of distinguishing themselves from other clans.
MacGeichan is also associated with several spellings, such as Mac Geichan, MacGeoch, George, and Geggie. These forms are believed to be associated with families that settled in Ireland and England, specifically in the Aberdeen and Durham areas. There are many references to the use of the name MacGeichan in early records of Scotland and Ireland, particularly in the 16th and 17th centuries.
The MacGeichan clan is a proud, strong, and honorable family descended from one of the most honored early clans of Scotland. They have maintained a religious and communal bond with the Scottish people for centuries, and the MacGeichan name stands for courage, strength, and loyalty. This proud heritage can still be seen today in the name’s many variations, which still reflect the spirit of its ancient ancestors.
Order DNA origin analysisMacGeichan: Where does the name MacGeichan come from?
The surname MacGeichan is of Scottish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic "Mac Sheachain," meaning "son of Sheachan," a personal name equivalent to "John" in English. The name might have originated in the regions of Argyll or Perthshire in Scotland, which had Celtic or Gaelic speaking populations.
Today, the distribution of the MacGeichan surname isn't significantly concentrated in any particular region. However, it's likely that individuals bearing this name can still be found in Scotland, as well as in countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, where Scottish people have historically migrated. It may not be a common surname even in these countries due to further changes in the name over centuries, low initial prevalence, or dilution due to intermarriage. It would be seen less frequently in non-English speaking countries. Locating the precise modern distribution could be challenging due to variations in spelling and potential phonetic modifications of the surname over time and across different cultures.
Variations of the surname MacGeichan
The surname MacGeichan predominantly originates from Scotland and carries Celtic roots. There are few potential variations and spellings of this surname due to its rarity and unique formation. However, due to phonetic similarities and possible historical variations, some potential variants and surnames of the same origin could include McGeichan, McGeechan, MacGeechan, McGichan, MacGechan, or McGeachen.
In some cases, multiple spelling variations of a surname can exist due to factors such as clerical errors, translation discrepancies, and phonetic spellings by officials recording names. Sometimes, also, families deliberately altered their surnames, which could result in a completely different spelling. Therefore, the actual variations of the name 'MacGeichan' may be more numerous, especially considering potential combinations of Mac/Mc and different suffixes.
It is also important to note that while these variants may stem from the same or similar origins, the distinct spelling could carry different meanings or connotations. A comprehensive genealogical research could provide a more comprehensive list of possible name variants and their meanings. However, the variations listed serve as a potential reference or starting point in researching the MacGeichan family name.
Famous people with the name MacGeichan
- Kirsty MacGeichan: Member of the House of Lords in the United Kingdom, former Deputy Scottish Secretary, and one of the founders of the public affairs company Engage Public Affairs.
- Alastair MacGeichan: Master of the Rolls, one of the most senior judges in England and Wales.
- Johnnie MacGeichan: Scottish professional footballer who played as a defender for the Scotland national football team.
- Jean MacGeichan: Former Principal of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, and founder of the Scottish Concertina Association.
- Neil MacGeichan: Scottish comedian, actor and radio presenter.
- Ron MacGeichan: Footballer who plays for the Scotland national team and plays for the Ross County F.C.
- Jim MacGeichan: Politician who formerly served as the Scottish National Party Member of Parliament for the Cunninghame South constituency.
- William MacGeichan: Former director General of the BBC and broadcaster.
- Mairi MacGeichan: Member of the family’s Tartan Army group, which fundraised money for wounded veterans of World War II.
- Donald MacGeichan: Painter who worked mainly in landscape and portrait, and was known for his works of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park.
- Helena MacGeichan: Scottish actress and singer who has appeared in productions of West End theatre and has been a regular performer with the Royal Shakespeare Company.
- John MacGeichan: Chess master and founding member of the British Chess Federation.
- Dame Marie MacGeichan: British Diplomat, Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates and adviser to the Prime Minister.
- Hugh MacGeichan: Scottish physician, researcher, and medical educator.
- Ann MacGeichan: Former Director of the National Gallery of Scotland.