Surname MacPharlon - Meaning and Origin
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MacPharlon: What does the surname MacPharlon mean?
The surname MacPharlon is an anglicized version of the Gaelic habitational name Mac Pharlain which derives from the Irish 'Mac Pharlain', meaning son of Pharċán, a personal name meaning 'little Patrick', itself derived from the Gaelic ‘pádraig’ meaning a follower of Patrick, referring to the Christian missionary of the same name who evangelized parts of Ireland in the 5th century. The name Mac Pharlain is derived from 'mac' meaning 'son' and 'Pharċán', which is a diminutive of Patrick.
MacPharlon is a popular surname in Ireland and mainly found in two areas in particular, Ulster and Connacht. As variations of the same name, MacParland, MacPharland and MacPharlane can all be found in Irish records. This well-known sept name is still common in parts of the West of Ireland today and is believed to be primarily descended from one original ancestor.
The MacPharlans were landed gentry, prominent members of the old Gaelic aristocracy, who traced their origins back to the kings of Airgialla. The family was known as the Lords of Togormac, who were powerful traditional landowners. Within Scotland, the name was first recorded in Strathearn where they held a great estate where their arrandale castle still stands. The family owned the majority of the land around Dupplin and became earls of Strathearn.
MacPharlon is therefore a surname that has a long and noble history in both Ireland and Scotland, and that is borne by families with generations of connections to their ancestral homeland.
Order DNA origin analysisMacPharlon: Where does the name MacPharlon come from?
The last name MacPharlon is most commonly associated with Scotland and Irish clans today. Historically, this name is even older and is descended from the ancient kingdom of Dalriada on the Isle of Islay in the Inner Hebrides. It is believed by some that this region was the first royal seat of the native kings of Scotland and Ireland in the 5th century.
MacPharlon's are thought to be related to the Clan Maclean, a much larger clan to which once yielded great power and prestige throughout Scotland.
Today, records indicate that the name is still prominent in Scotland and Ireland, particularly in the north-west Highlands and and in the counties of Donegal, Sligo, and Galway in Ireland.
MacPharlon's are often proud of their heritage and can be found interacting regularly within clan societies and organizations across the British Isles and beyond. Many in the clan have made significant contributions to the world in fields of politics, art, literature, industry, and more.
It is also not uncommon to find the name in other parts of the world, particularly in the United States, Canada, and Australia, where descendants of the clan have since immigrated and kept alive their proud heritage.
Variations of the surname MacPharlon
MacPharlon is a variant of the ancient Scottish clan name MacFarland. This spelling of the name can be traced as far back as the 15th century, when a family of this name, originally from the Highlands of Scotland, began to take shape in the modern-day Scotland and Borders region.
The most common variant spellings for the MacPharlon surname include MacFarlane, MacFarlan, McFarlan, McFarland, McFarlane, MacParland, MacParlin, McParland, MacParland and MacParlane.
Surnames derived from the original clan name of MacFarland may also be seen with the prefixes of FitzMac or Mac rather than McF.
Surnames that are associated with the MacPharlon family include Farland, Pharlon, Pearlon, Farlon, Parlon, Parlin, Parlane, Parland, Pharlane, Farlan and Farrlen.
In recent years, some descendants of the original MacFarland clan have adopted the spelling of MacFarlane as an attempt to return to their traditional roots. This is seen as the 'standard' spelling of the name, and may be used by many of the more distant descendants of the MacFarland clan as a way of honoring their ancestry.
The MacPharlon surname is a respected and proud part of the border country and highland heritage of Scotland, and it continues to be used by many families today.
Famous people with the name MacPharlon
- Euan MacPharlon: Scottish actor, known for his roles in the television series 9-2-5 and The Street.
- Catherine MacPharlon: Canadian actress who has appeared in films such as Cruel Intentions and Wolfman
- David MacPharlon: British actor who has been in films such as Yes Man and Hail Caesar!
- Mason MacPharlon: American actor who has appeared in films such as Captain America and the Avengers.
- Jack MacPharlon: English actor who appeared in television series such as The Inbetweeners and White Heat.
- Patrick MacPharlon: Scottish actor who appeared in television series such as Rebus and Lip Service.
- Malcolm MacPharlon: Canadian actor who appeared in films such as Spider-Man 2 and Land of the Dead.
- Lisa MacPharlon: English actress who has appeared in films such as 28 Days Later and Layer Cake.
- Brendan MacPharlon: Irish actor who has appeared in films such as Othello and Tale of the Mummy.
- Mark MacPharlon: Australian actor who has been in television series such as Bed of Roses and Puberty Blues.