Surname MacLochlainn - Meaning and Origin
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MacLochlainn: What does the surname MacLochlainn mean?
The last name MacLochlainn is of Gaelic origin and has been traced back to ancient Irish history. The prefix 'Mac' in the name means 'son of' and the latter part 'Lochlainn' is derived from a personal name, which signifies 'Viking' or 'Scandinavian'. Thus, MacLochlainn could be interpreted as "Son of the Viking" or "Son of the Scandinavian". It was a prominent name in Donegal and Derry in Ireland, mostly associated with the Northern Uí Néill and was anglicized to McLaughlin in various records. The ancient MacLochlainn clan were kings of Ailech, a medieval kingdom in Ireland. The MacLochlainns eventually lost their territories when the Normans invaded Ireland. Despite their loss of status, descendants bearing the name MacLochlainn are found both in Ireland and among the Irish diaspora today.
Order DNA origin analysisMacLochlainn: Where does the name MacLochlainn come from?
The surname MacLochlainn is Irish in origin. The name is derived from the Gaelic words "Mac," meaning son of, and "Lochlainn," a personal name that likely had its origin from a region in Norway known as Lochlann. The name translates to "Son of the Viking" or "Son of the Lake Land."
Over the years, the name evolved into many variations, which include but are not limited to MacLoughlin, McLaughlin, and McLoughlin. The MacLochlainns were a powerful family in medieval times, and their descendants were largely based in Donegal and Clare, provinces in Ireland.
Today, the surname MacLochlainn and its variations remain common in Ireland, especially in Donegal. Due to Irish emigration, this name can also be found in Great Britain, the United States, Canada, and Australia. However, in most of these countries, it is likely more common in its anglicized forms like McLaughlin and McLoughlin. Overall, the name is still more commonly seen in areas of Irish heritage or influence.
Variations of the surname MacLochlainn
The surname MacLochlainn has a number of potential variants, spellings and surnames that share the same origin. It is a Gaelic surname which roots from the words 'Mac' meaning 'son of' and 'Lochlainn', a personal name referring to the Viking's homeland or Scandinavia.
Alternate spellings for MacLochlainn are McLoughlin, McLaughlin, MacLoughlin, MacLaughlin, and occasionally MacLachlan due to similarities in pronunciation. Less common are McLachlan, McLauchlin, McLauchlan, MacLauchlan, and MacLauchlin.
As for variants, these include several anglicised forms such as McLaughlan, McGloughlin, MacGloughlin, McCloughlin, and MacCloughlin.
The Irish form of this surname is Mac Lochlainn while Scottish forms include MacLachlainn or MacLachlan.
Moreover, the last name O’Lochlainn is associated but is not a direct variant – the ‘O’ prefix instead denotes ‘descendant of’.
Many of these spellings arose due to phonetic interpretations and translations over time and across regions meaning all these iterations likely trace back to the same original name. Furthermore, some families may have changed the spelling of their surname over generations due to immigration or to integrate more easily into a new culture or society.
Famous people with the name MacLochlainn
- Ruairí Mac Lochlainn: Irish politician.
- Pete MacLochlainn: Irish actor.
- Seána MacLochlainn: Irish poet and campaigner.
- Órlaith MacLochlainn: Singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist.
- Muireann Nic Lochlainn: Irish folk singer, songwriter and musician.
- Ódhran Mac Lochlainn: Irish drummer and frontman of the band Lúnasa.
- Eoin MacLochlainn: Irish actor, artist and musician.
- Cormac Mac Lochlainn: Irish sculptor.
- Máirtín Ó Murchadha: Irish traditional musician.
- Calum MacLochlainn: Gaelic footballer.