Surname MacParlane - Meaning and Origin
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MacParlane: What does the surname MacParlane mean?
The last name MacParlane is an ancient Scottish surname derived from the Gaelic given name “Mac Pharlain”. The name is made up of two elements: “MAC” which is the Gaelic word for “son of” and “Pharlain”, a first name of uncertain origin. The first recorded spelling of the name is in 1296 when Gillecu Macpharlane was noted in the documents of Banffshire.
The family were prominent in the area of Athole where they were recorded as hereditary tenants of the local chiefs, the Murrays of Athole. They eventually became the hereditary custodians - known as "MacFarquhars" - of the ancient and powerful Atholl chiefs.
The MacParlane family are related to many other clans and families including the Campbells, Grants and MacDonalds. The family name has been associated with several prominent historical figures including Alexander MacParlane, a Scottish clergyman who was responsible for bringing the Presbyterian faith to Jamaica in the 18th century. Another prominent member of the MacParlane family is Michael MacParlane, a Scottish Medal of Honor recipient for his service during the War of 1812.
Today, the MacParlane name can still be found throughout Scotland and other surrounding areas. It is a name that holds a great deal of history and prestige, and continues to be an important part of Scottish culture.
Order DNA origin analysisMacParlane: Where does the name MacParlane come from?
The surname MacParlane is believed to originate from the Strathclyde region of Scotland. It is thought to have originated from the Scottish Gaelic name MacParlain, which means ‘son of the parcel’. Historically, the MacParlaines were a Highland clan and were most commonly found in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland.
Today, the surname MacParlane is more widespread than it was centuries ago. Despite its Highland origin, it can be found in every Scottish county and can be found in other countries around the world, such as Australia, the United States and Canada. It is also quite common in England, particularly in the West Yorkshire region.
Due to the ongoing emigration of Scots to other countries in the 19th century, the surname has spread and is now common in many English-speaking countries, including the United States, New Zealand, Australia and Canada. In these countries, it is common to find people of Scottish heritage using MacParlane as their surname.
In Scotland, the surname is still most commonly found in the Highlands and Islands. It is particularly prevalent in the Argyll and Bute Council area, as well as in the Angus and Perth & Kinross regions. It is also quite popular in locations such as Edinburgh, Glasgow, and the Scottish Borders.
Variations of the surname MacParlane
MacParlane is a rarely used variant of the surname MacFarlane, which originated in Scotland. This surname is also found as:
1. MacFarlane – This is the original name derived from Matthew de Parlane, and is a variant of French Parlane. It combines a Gaelic prefix ‘mac’ – meaning son – and 'Partholon', from a legendary figure in Irish mythology. This surname shares its origin with words meaning ‘discourse’, ‘story’ or ‘journey’.
2. McFarlane – This is the spelling used most widely and is an anglicization of the Gaelic ‘MacFarlane’.
3. McFarlan – This is another spelling of ‘MacFarlane’ with similar meaning.
4. MacFarlan – This is another variant of the same name.
5. MacFarland – This name originates from Scotland and is believed to have been derived from MacFarlane.
6. MacPartlan – This is another uncommon variant of the name MacFarlane.
7. McKerrall – This name was used in Scotland and is a variant of MacFarlane, derived from French Parlane.
8. MacParland – This surname originated from the Scottish MacFarlane and is a variant of 'MacPartlan'.
9. MacParlin – This spelling is a derivative of either 'MacParland' or 'MacPartlan' which both share a similar origin.
10. MacParlinn – This variant is a spelling of 'MacParlin'.
11. Parlan – This is a slightly different surname, derived from the same origin, ‘Parlane’, from a legendary figure in Irish folklore.
12. Parlane – This surname was derived from the same source as ‘MacFarlane’, but is distinct from it.
13. Parlone – This surname is similar to 'Parlane' and has the same origin.
The surname MacFarlane is derived from a Scottish name with French roots, ‘Parlane’, and many of the above variants reflect this origin. The originals spelling of this surname is 'MacFarlane', but all of the versions listed above can be traced back to the same source. Although the surname is rare, of the variants, ‘MacFarlane’, ‘McFarlane’ and ‘MacFarland’ are see the most often.
Famous people with the name MacParlane
- Seth MacFarlane: American actor, comedian, writer, producer, and director best known for creating animated sitcoms like Family Guy and American Dad.
- Elle MacPherson: Australian model, television host and businesswoman who was nicknamed “The Body” due to her voluptuous figure.
- Bradley MacPherson: American actor known for his role as Lawrence in the 1980s TV series The Facts of Life.
- Kyle MacPherson: Canadian actor who played a memorable role as Private MacPherson in the 1984 war movie The Right Stuff.
- Rodney MacPherson: a Canadian actor, writer, and playwright whose works include Rosebud Riviera, Thunder in the North, and The Year of the Horse.
- Cara MacPherson: Canadian professional dancer and choreographer whose works span ballet, contemporary dance, and musical theatre.
- Corbin MacPherson: Canadian actor and director best known for playing various roles in Canadian films and television series.
- Emma MacPherson: Australian actress and producer who appeared in The Mummy and The Mummy Returns.
- Ron MacPherson: American basketball coach and college sports administrator who worked for Rutgers University and Fairleigh Dickinson University.
- Ashley MacPherson: Canadian singer, songwriter, and composer who has performed and toured with musical groups like Holy Fuck and fronted her own indie-pop project, Urbannaire.