Surname MacLeod - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'M'
How iGENEA DNA Testing Unveiled My Unique Connection to the MacLeod Clan
When I decided to take a DNA test at iGENEA, I imagined it would simply fill in a few gaps in my family tree. Little did I know that unlocking the secrets of my MacLeod ancestry would offer such an impactful journey of self-discovery and profound connection with my past.
T. MacLeod
read moreMacLeod: What does the surname MacLeod mean?
The last name MacLeod is of Scottish origin and it means "son of Leod." The word Leod itself is derived from the Old Norse name "Ljótr," which means "Ugly." However, it doesn't necessarily carry a negative connotation as names during the medieval period were more about personal qualities or place of origin. Leod is the eponymous ancestor of the Clan MacLeod of Scotland, who lived during the 13th century. The Clan is divided mainly between two branches: the MacLeods of Harris and Dunvegan, often referred to as Siol Tormoid (Seed of Tormod), and the MacLeods of Lewis, referred to as Siol Torquil (Seed of Torquil). Hence, if someone carries the last name MacLeod, they are likely to have Scottish ancestry and belong to either branch of the Clan MacLeod.
Order DNA origin analysisMacLeod: Where does the name MacLeod come from?
The surname MacLeod originates from Scotland, specifically from the Gaelic language. It is derived from the words 'Mac,' which means 'son of,' and 'Leod,' which is a personal name believed to mean 'ugly.' Thus, MacLeod essentially means 'son of Leod.' There were two main clans in Scotland that bore the name MacLeod: the MacLeods of Harris and Dunvegan, and the MacLeods of Lewis. However, there is significant evidence suggesting that these two groups were distinct and not related in the early generations.
Today, the surname MacLeod is most common in countries where Scottish people have emigrated. These include the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Within Scotland, it remains particularly common in the region of the Western Isles. Despite its dispersion, the surname MacLeod is not extremely common globally, which retains a sense of its unique Scottish history and heritage.
Variations of the surname MacLeod
The surname MacLeod is of Scottish origin and it has several variants, spellings, and associated surnames due to phonetic translations, regional dialects and anglicisation. Variants and alternative spellings of the surname include McLeod, Macleod, MacLoid, MacCleod, McCloud, and M‘Leod. The variants MacCleod and McCloud are often seen in North America as the result of phonetic translation.
These surnames are traced back to the Gaelic language, where "Mac" means "Son of", and "Leòd", a personal name meaning "ugly" or "stern". The surname was initially used in the Isles of Lewis and Harris and the Isle of Skye, being associated with two main clans: Clan MacLeod of Lewis and Harris (referred to as Siol Torquil) and Clan MacLeod of Skye (referred to as Siol Tormod).
Furthermore, Clan MacLeod is sub-divided into several septs or minor clans which have different surnames but share the same ancestry. Some of them include MacAskill, MacCaig, MacClure, MacCrimmon, MacRaild, and MacWilliam.
Famous people with the name MacLeod
- Christopher MacLeod: actor from Australia
- Ewan MacLeod: a Scottish broadcaster and journalist
- Jason MacLeod: former Australian rules footballer
- Kevin MacLeod: a Scottish-American composer
- Kirsty MacLeod: film editor from Scotland
- Raquel MacLeod: screenwriter and producer from Australia
- Robert MacLeod: Canadian ice hockey player
- Norman MacLeod: prolific Scottish author
- Andrew Macleod: former Australian rules footballer
- Kyle Macleod: Canadian-American ice hockey player.
- Mark MacLeod: comedian from Canada
- Robin MacLeod: professional Canadian golfer
- Rory MacLeod: singer/songwriter from Scotland
- Steven Macleod: Australian musician
- Ron Macleod: Canadian competitive figure skater
- Martin MacLeod: American researcher and author
- Caris MacLeod: Scottish television presenter
- Doug MacLeod: American blues musician
- Evan Macleod: Canadian actor
- Emma MacLeod: Canadian actress