Surname McElwain - Meaning and Origin
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McElwain: What does the surname McElwain mean?
The surname McElwain is an Anglicized form of the Irish surname Mac Giolla Mhuire, meaning "Son of the Servant of Mary". The McElwain name is found primarily in the Irish provinces of Connacht and Ulster, and was likely brought to Scotland by Ulster Scots immigrants in the late 17th century.
The McElwain name is thought to have originated as a patronymic surname, meaning that it was derived from the father, or ancestor, of the original bearer. It is likely that the first person to bear the name McElwain was the son of a man named Muire, or Mary. This was a popular name among the Gaelic people of Ireland, derived from the Latin Maria.
It is unclear how the McElwain name spread to Scotland, but one possible scenario is that one of the original Irish McElwains may have joined an Irish regiment of the British army and served in Scotland, leading to the spread of the name. Alternatively, a member of the McElwain family may have migrated to Scotland in search of work in the early 18th century.
The McElwain name is still commonly found in Scotland today, suggesting that the original McElwains may have settled in the country and raised families successfully. Though not as prevalent, the McElwain surname is also found in many other English speaking countries such as the United States, Canada and Australia.
Order DNA origin analysisMcElwain: Where does the name McElwain come from?
The last name McElwain is most common today in parts of the United States and Canada. Those of English, Irish, and Scottish descent often bear the name, as well as people of Scottish Ulster-Scots heritage. It is present in higher numbers in states such as California, Texas, and Florida.
The surname McElwain is thought to have derived from an Irish Gaelic name, Mac Giolla Bheathain. This translates roughly to "son of the follower of St. Bheathain." This is likely in reference to a late 6th century abbot of Donegal.
The earliest documented occurrences of the surname in Scotland and Ireland date to the late 1400s. In the United States, records mention Charles and Agnes McElwain in Virginia in the late 1600s. Later, in the 1700s and 1800s, records show the name present across most of the Eastern Seaboard.
Today, the name McElwain is firmly interwoven with American history. The McElwain family is a prominent member of the Freemason community and boasts members in the military, healthcare, education, and many other industries. It also has strong ties to small and midsize rural communities across the country. The McElwain name continues to be found across the United States and Canada, with greater numbers present in California, Texas, and Florida.
Variations of the surname McElwain
McElwain is a Scottish-Irish surname that dates back to at least the 18th century and was likely derived from a Gaelic name. Variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin include McElwaine, McClewain, McLewain, and McClewaine.
McElwain can be traced back to Eilean MacGillEain, which translates from Scottish-Gaelic to "son of the servant of St. John". The “Mac” (signifying son of) was later Anglicized to “Mc” and the “Gill” prefix was dropped over time, leaving the modern surname McElwain.
The spelling of the surname has changed and mutated over centuries, resulting in alternative spellings such as McClowin, McLowin, and McCleown. The migration patterns of the McElwain clan is traceable through 19th century records as many chose to leave Scotland during that era due to hardships.
The palatine records illustrate that a family group led by John McClowin set sail from Glasgow on the ship Patience in 1773. It is believed that the party was headed to the British colony in present day South Carolina.
The name McElwain is still prevalent in Scotland as well as among Scotland’s descendants in England, North America, and Australia. Furthermore, descendants of the McElwain’s continue to carry the Clan’s Scottish legacy around the world.
Famous people with the name McElwain
- Jim McElwain: American Football Coach and Former Player
- Jeff McElwain: Former basketball coach of the University of North Florida
- McElwain Welsh: Wrestler and Actor
- Stephen McElwain: Comedian and Actor
- T.J. McElwain: Professional Basketball Player
- Jim McElwain Jr.: Actor and Son of Jim McElwain
- Matt McElwain: Actor
- August McElwain: Actor
- Ryan McElwain: Actor
- Michael McElwain: Actor
- Neal McElwain: Actor
- Tristin McElwain: Actor
- Craig McElwain: Actor
- Stephanie McElwain: Optioning and Acquisitions Executive
- JoAnne McElwain: Actress
- Cyndi McElwain: Actress
- Jordan McElwain: Actor
- Ross McElwain: Musician
- Sean McElwain: Irish Musician and Composer
- Mike McElwain: American Football Player