Surname MacLaine - Meaning and Origin
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MacLaine: What does the surname MacLaine mean?
The surname MacLaine has its roots in Scottish and Irish history and is a variant of McLean. The name is patronymic in nature and derived from the Gaelic "Mac gille Eathain," or "Mac gille Sheathain," signifying "the son of the servant or disciple of Saint John." It is a compound of "Mac," meaning son, and "gille," meaning servant or devotee, with the component "Eathain" or "Sheathain," which stands for Saint John in Gaelic. Thus, the surname holds religious connotations, providing a glimpse into the family's past wherein they held a deep sense of devotion towards Saint John. Over time, the name has undergone many spelling changes, including MacLean, Maclean, MacLean, Maclean, and others. The pronunciation also varies. The MacLaine clan was known for their bravery and power in the Scottish highlands and islands.
Order DNA origin analysisMacLaine: Where does the name MacLaine come from?
The surname MacLaine is of Scottish origin, derived from the Gaelic Mac Gille Eathain meaning "son of the servant of Saint John.". It is a variant of the longer name MacLean, both names come from the same Scottish clan named Clan Maclean, originated from the Inner Hebrides, a group of islands off the west coast of mainland Scotland.
The MacLaines were chiefs of a territory known as Lochbuie, and this branch of the family is often referred to as the MacLaines of Lochbuie. Notably, members of the MacLaine clan took part in the Jacobite uprisings in the 18th century, a series of attempts to restore the Stuart kings to the thrones of Scotland and England.
In the present day, the surname is common in countries where Scottish people have emigrated, mainly English-speaking countries. This includes the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. However, the surname is still most commonly found in Scotland. It has also been adapted and spelled in various ways including McLean, Maclean, McLaine, and McLeane.
Variations of the surname MacLaine
The surname MacLaine has a variety of variants and alternative spellings that have evolved over the many centuries since it first originated in Scotland. Some of these variants include McClain, McLean, McLane, MacLean, MacLane and MacClain. Some people even drop the "Mac" or "Mc" altogether resulting in names like Laine or Lane.
It is most closely associated with the Scottish Gaelic surname MacGilleEathain, which translates to "son of the servant of Saint John." Over time, as the name moved from Scotland to other English-speaking countries, it may have altered based on pronunciation, literacy level, and regional accents.
Noteworthy, it is also associated with multiple clans in Scotland, most notably the Clan Maclean. Different branches might use different spelling or variant such as the Maclaines of Lochbuie.
Where family names have been passed along matriarchal lines or through marriages, variants might include the feminine form, like NicIllEathain in Scottish Gaelic.
Surnames can often vary greatly due to historical changes, immigration records, regional variations and anglicization. Therefore, there might be other lesser-known variants or spellings of the MacLaine surname. However, the ones provided above are the most commonly recognized and used variations.
Famous people with the name MacLaine
- Shirley MacLaine: The iconic American actress, author, and activist won five Golden Globe Awards, and two Academy Award nominations for her acting performances.
- Warren Beatty: Shirley MacLaine's brother, is an American actor, producer, and filmmaker who won two Golden Globe Awards, and has been nominated for 14 Academy Awards, including four for directing, and ten for producing or acting.
- Dylan MacLaine: Shirley MacLaine's daughter, is an American actress best known for her roles on the silver screen in Cruel Intentions 2, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, and for her recurring role in The West Wing.
- Maura Tierney: Another one of Shirley MacLaine's daughters, is an American film and television actress who won two Primetime Emmy Awards. She is most widely known for her roles in ER and The Affair.
- Sandy Dennis: Another one of Shirley MacLaine's sisters, is an American actress who won two Tony Awards, an Academy Award, and multiple Golden Globe Awards for her performances. Her iconic roles include Sweet November, and Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?.
- Warren MacLaine: Shirley MacLaine's father was an American actor, and oil industry executive.
- Margot MacLaine: Another of Shirley MacLaine's sisters, is an American actress and singer best known for her roles in Alex Haley's Queen, and Hail to the Chief.
- Michael MacLaine: Another one of Shirley MacLaine's brothers, is an American actor, screenwriter, and producer best known for his roles in Back to the Future Part III, and Batteries Not Included.
- Martha MacLaine: Shirley MacLaine's youngest sister, is an American actress best known for her role in the TV series Carson City.