Surname MacLochlain - Meaning and Origin

MacLochlain: What does the surname MacLochlain mean?

The last name MacLochlainn is of Irish origin and it means "son of Lochlann". The name Lochlann itself refers to a Viking, and in a broader context it's believed to refer specifically to Norway or places of Viking settlement. Therefore, the name MacLochlainn usually suggests a lineage or ancestry that traces back to the Vikings. Over time, this name has been anglicized to several forms such as MacLoughlin, McLaughlin, and MacLaughlin.

MacLochlain: Where does the name MacLochlain come from?

The last name MacLochlainn is of Irish origin. It originates from a Gaelic pre 10th century surname, "Mac Lochlainn," a derivation of the personal name Lochlann. The name translates as "The son of the Viking," derived from the elements "mac," meaning son, and "Lochlainn," a name referring to the Norsemen, or Vikings.

Although some suggest that "Lochlainn" was used to denote Scandinavia as a whole, others suggest that it referred specifically to Norway. This reflects the significant influence of Viking settlement and intermarriage with Gaels in certain regions of Ireland throughout the centuries.

Today, the name and its variants such as McLaughlin are found primarily in Ireland. Additionally, due to the vast Irish diaspora, the name can also be found in varying quantities in countries like the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, among others. Despite the dispersion, concentrations of individuals possessing the surname MacLochlainn are largely found in the northern and northwestern counties of Ireland including Donegal, Derry, and Tyrone.

Variations of the surname MacLochlain

The surname MacLochlain originates from the Gaelic name MacLochlainn, which was derived from a patronymic form of the personal name Lochlann. Variants of the surname MacLochlainn exist in forms that reflect different transcription methods, regional accents, and evolution over time. Some alternative spellings include McLaughlin, MacLoughlin, McLoughlin, and McLachlan.

In Ireland, a large number of McLaughlins are found, particularly in County Donegal where the family was part of the Northern Uí Néill. The variant McLoughlin is common in Connacht. Another form, MacLachlan, is predominantly Scottish, reflecting the name's presence among the Scottish Gaels.

In some cases, the 'Mac' or 'Mc' prefix, meaning 'son of', may be dropped, resulting in forms like Laughlin or Loughlin. Additionally, the prefixes may be modified to 'M' or 'McLo', so the surname could appear as M'Lochlainn or McLochlan. Over time and in different countries, the name may have been anglicised or simplified in various ways, leading to a plethora of variations.

It's important, therefore, when researching genealogy, to consider all potential variations of the original surname.

Famous people with the name MacLochlain

• Actor Sam MacLochlainn, known for his roles in "The Fallen" (2015) and "Babysitting" (2014).
• Author Derek MacLochlainn of the “Deadmire Trilogy”.
• Singer-songwriter Eddie MacLochlainn, who topped the charts in the UK and Australia in the 1990s with singles like "In Your Armchair" and "A Cowboy's Tale".
• Painter Daniel MacLochlainn whose works have been featured in multiple exhibitions around the world.
• Professional golfer Graham MacLochlainn, who won the European Tour Order of Merit in 1997.
• Basketball player Stuart MacLochlainn who was part of the 1985 NBA Championship team the Los Angeles Lakers.
• Racing driver Emily MacLochlainn who competed in the USAR Pro Cup and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
• Musician Frederic MacLochlainn, vocalist and keyboardist for the folk band Koozou.
• Actor Liam MacLochlainn, who has appeared in several Canadian television shows such as “Murdoch Mysteries” and “Republic of Doyle”.
• Politician Richard MacLochlainn who served as Lord Mayor of Dublin from 2008 to 2015.

Other surnames

MacLochlainn