Surname Mackean - Meaning and Origin
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Mackean: What does the surname Mackean mean?
The surname Mackean is of Scottish origin and is most commonly associated with the clan MacIan, which is a branch of Clan MacDonald. The name itself means "son of Ian". It is believed that the MacIans migrated from the island of Islay to Ardnamurchan during the 14th and 15th centuries. The name Mackean is a variant spelling of MacIan, and other common spellings include MacKean and MacKeen. It's a patronymic surname, which means it is derived from the name of a father or ancestor. In this case, the original bearer of the name Mackean would have been the son of a man named Ian. The translation of Mackean from its original Gaelic form puts emphasis on its ancestry and familial roots rather than a particular trait or profession.
Order DNA origin analysisMackean: Where does the name Mackean come from?
The last name Mackean is of Scottish origin. It comes from the Gaelic name MacIan, which translates to "son of Ian." The name Ian itself is a Scottish variation of the name John, which in Hebrew means "God is gracious." The Mackean name is mainly associated with the regions of Argyll and Bute in West Scotland, and the Isle of Skye.
Mackean and its variants, such as MacEan and MacIan, were traditionally used by different Scottish clans, particularly the MacDonalds of Clanranald and the MacDonnells of Glengarry.
Despite its Scottish origins, the name Mackean has spread beyond Scotland due to emigration, especially during and after the Highland Clearances in the 18th and 19th centuries. These forced displacements led many Scottish people to settle in other parts of the world, particularly North America and Australasia.
Today, the name Mackean can be found in several countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, though it remains less common globally compared to other Scottish surnames. However, it's recognized as a symbol of shared Scottish heritage and remains relatively common in regions of Scotland where it originated.
Variations of the surname Mackean
The surname Mackean has various different spellings, variants, and surnecessary of the same Scottish origin. Some of these include: MacKean, MacKeen, MacKain, McKean, McKeen, and McKain.
These names are thought to be derived from the Gaelic Mac Caoin, meaning 'son of Caoin'. Caoin itself is a personal name based on the word 'caoin', which can be translated to mean 'gentle', 'handsome', or 'pleasant'. The surname could also be derived from Mac Iain, meaning 'son of John', as 'Keane' is sometimes used as a variant of 'John' in Ireland.
There are a multitude of spellings due to the translation from Gaelic to English, as well as the influence of different dialects and accents over time and across different regions.
Additionally, there are many surnames that end in "an" or "en" that could be related to Mackean, such as MacLean, MacQueen, and MacBean, all of which are also derived from Gaelic patronymic names.
It's important to note that these different spellings and variants can sometimes represent distinct families, so a genealogical connection should not be presumed based solely on similar spelling.
Famous people with the name Mackean
- Henry Mackean: He was an electrical engineer and developed the first navigation system during World War I.
- William Mackean: He was an American soldier and politician from Rhode Island. He served in the House of Representatives and the Senate.
- Donald Mackean: He was a Scottish clergyman, theologian, and minister of the Church of Scotland.
- Dwight Mackean: He was an American Civil War veteran, a county sheriff, and a state legislator.
- George Mackean: He was a Canadian politician who served in the House of Commons from 1935 to 1940.
- John Mackean: He was an Australian politician who served in the House of Representatives from 1956 to 1969.
- Michael Mackean: He was an English film and television director.
- Robert Mackean: He was a Scottish engineer who worked on the engineering design of the Forth Bridge.
- Ross Mackean: He was a Scottish photographer.
- Scott Mackean: He is an American professional soccer player.