Surname MacLave - Meaning and Origin
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MacLave: What does the surname MacLave mean?
The last name MacLave is of Scottish origin, and is one of the most common surnames among the Gaelic-speaking people in Scotland. It derives from the ancient Celtic personal name “MacLabhraidh” (son of Labhraidh), which was initially adopted by a powerful warrior, and was then passed down from generation to generation. The literal translation of the name is "son of the lion-like ruler” or “son of a ruler-like lion".
The MacLave surname has been strongly associated with Highland clans in Scotland for centuries. Many MacLave family members have proudly served in the British military, most notably during the Jacobite Uprising in the 1700s. Today, the MacLave surname is found all over Scotland, the United Kingdom, and other parts of the world. It is often found in conjunction with other Gaelic-Scots surnames.
The meaning and origin of the MacLave surname is a reminder of the proud lineage of the ancient Celts and the distinct Scottish identity carved out over centuries. It is a name that carries a sense of nobility and strength, and its popularity has endured through many generations.
Order DNA origin analysisMacLave: Where does the name MacLave come from?
The surname MacLave is mostly found in Scotland and Ireland, with the majority of people having this last name coming from Scotland. It is believed that the name has originated from the Scottish Gaelic Mac-an-t-sao baitheach, which means “son of the servant of the bishop”. The name is now quite popular throughout Scots-Gaelic speaking regions such as the Highlands and Islands of Scotland.
MacLave is also a very common last name in Canada, with many people of Scottish descent having this last name. The name appears to have been brought to Canada by Scottish immigrants in the 1700s, with the most popular destinations for these immigrants being the Maritime provinces and parts of Ontario. Even today, many cities and towns across these provinces have a large concentration of people with the MacLave surname.
In the United States, MacLave is not as commonly found as in Canada, however it is still relatively popular. It is particularly common in South Carolina and Arkansas, states with a strong history of Scottish immigration. There are also a few instances of the surname being found in other parts of the country such as California and New York.
Overall, the surname MacLave is still quite popular in the regions of Scotland and Ireland, as well as Canada and the United States, with many people of Scottish descent having this last name today.
Variations of the surname MacLave
The surname MacLave is an Anglicization of the Gaelic patronymic Mac ghlabhain, meaning "son of the sword bearer." Variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin include MacClave, Mac Clav, MacClavey, MacFlecknoe, McLave, MacLaffey, MacMeave, MacMeavey, MacNeave, MacNeavey, and MacGleevoy.
MacLave is an Ulster name as it is found primarily in County Antrim in Northern Ireland in the province of Ulster. Historically, the surname is derived from the Mac Giolla Bháin clan and is a branch of the O’Neill’s, a once powerful Irish dynasty.
The Mac Giolla Bháin clan’s traditional territory was located in the barony of Iveagh and the parish of Drumgooland near Ballyward in County Down. In the 16th century, the clan had limited power and influence but still maintained a valuable presence in the region.
In Scotland, this surname is pronounced "MacLorey" and can be found in areas like south east and south west Bute, along with the Isle of Skye and Morvern.
In England, MacLave can be more commonly found as McLave or McLauchlan. The McLauchlan family were historically seated in Ayrshire in the west coast of Scotland and the English version of the name is commonly found in Northern England.
The Americanized version of the surname can range from the original MacLave to McLauchlan, McLavery, Love, and Low.
Famous people with the name MacLave
- John MacLave: Canadian actor best known for his work on Four in the Morning, Drop The Beat and The Love Crimes of Gillian Guess.
- Matt MacLave: Canadian garage rock singer and guitarist who is best known for his work with rock band, The Look.
- Janice MacLave: Canadian author of young adult fiction. She has authored several books including North of Normal and the Secrets of Supervillains series.
- Diane MacLave: Canadian children's author who is best known for her series, Serving Time and The Three Wisemen.
- Bill MacLave: Canadian actor who has appeared in films such as Young Triffie and Filling pc.
- Henry MacLave: Scottish actor best known for playing minor roles in films such as The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie and Highlander: The Series.
- David MacLave: Actor best known for his work in the TV series Soap.
- Jonathan MacLave: Canadian playwright and theatre director who is best known for his play Kismet.
- Leila MacLave: Canadian actress and singer who is best known for her work in the Canadian television drama, The Expanse.
- Gordon MacLave: Scottish actor best known for his roles in the films The Guardian and The Damned United.