Surname Strachen - Meaning and Origin

Strachen: What does the surname Strachen mean?

The last name Strachan is of Scottish origin, traditionally associated with the Eastern part of Scotland, particularly Kincardineshire. The name is derived from Gaelic elements, with "strath" meaning broad valley and "cann" referring to the Clunie water, which flows through that area. Therefore, it can be roughly interpreted as "dweller by the broad valley of the Clunie river." It's often pronounced numerous ways including "Strawn," "Strackan," "Strachen," among others. The family holding this name is linked to ancient Scottish history, heritage, and nobility. Various historical records show significant individuals, places, and events connected to the name Strachan. Given differing historical records and evolving language over time, the meanings of such surnames might partially differ based on sources. Regardless, the connection to geographical features (broad valley, river) is a common characteristic in its interpretations.

Strachen: Where does the name Strachen come from?

The surname Strachen is of Scottish origin, and is most common in Scotland today. It is believed to have begun with Strachan, the given name of a nobleman and ancestor of the Strachen family, who lived in Lothian during the 12th century. This surname was also common in Aberdeenshire and Angus counties in the Northeast of Scotland.

The Strachen name is associated with several prominent individuals, including 15th century clergyman and warrior Sir Robert de Strachan as well as William de Strachan, an important figure in 15th century Scotland. In modern times, the last name Strachen is still popular in Scotland and its descendants can be trace all over the world, often with variations in the spelling. In the United States, for example, the name may be found spelled as Strachene, Straethen or Stritchan.

The presence of the Strachen name in the Scottish population today is evidenced by the fact that Strachans are commonly included in Scotland's top ten surnames, with Strachan and Strathearn among the most popular. Furthermore, a number of prominent Strachens have maintained their family's legacy through art, music and business.

In sum, the last name Strachen is still very much alive today. Centuries later, it still remains a common last name in Scotland, and its variations can be found globally in places like the United States and Canada. Its legacy continues through the achievements of its descendants in various fields.

Variations of the surname Strachen

The surname Strachen is from Scottish origin and has varied spellings in English and Scots. In England, the surname is most commonly spelled as Strachan. Depending on the dialect, spelling may be closer to Straughan or Strawn.

In Scotland, the spelling is predominantly Strachan but variations can also be seen with Straghan, Strahin, Strachain, Strachin, Strahen, Strahenne, Straphen, Straghan, Strachin, Strachain, Strachins, or Strachon.

The English and Scots versions of Strachan can come from three Gaelic origins: Mac an t-SRATHEN, meaning ‘son of the small stream’; Mac an SRATHÁIN, meaning ‘son of the small armour’; and MacSRATH, meaning ‘son of craft’.

Early records of the name can be seen from the 11th century when a woman called Strachen of Dunkeld is mentioned as one of the royal hostages held by the Anglo-Saxon King William the Conqueror in 1072. The Strachan Clan were a powerful border family during the Middle Ages, based in Aberdeenshire in North East Scotland.

The surname Strachen is also found throughout North America, Australia, and other British Commonwealth countries due to the large influx of immigrants from the British Isles in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Famous people with the name Strachen

• Sir Brian Strachen: British Army general and former Governor of Gibraltar
• Steven Strachen: British physicist and astrophysicist
• Adam Strachen: American actor and mathematician
• Benjamin Strachen: American musician and composer
• Christina Strachen: British model
• David Strachen: Scottish footballer
• Donald Strachen: American poet
• Eric Strachen: Australian singer-songwriter
• Frederick Strachen: Canadian author
• George Strachen: British Member of Parliament
• Gordon Strachen: British physicist
• Graham Strachen: American sculptor
• Harry Strachen: British lawyer
• Jack Strachen: American entrepreneur
• James Strachen: Canadian hockey player
• Jeff Strachen: American musician
• John Strachen: Scottish footballer
• Joseph Strachen: American painter
• Ken Strachen: American entrepreneur
• Mark Strachen: British screenwriter

Other surnames

StrachanStrachinStrachounStrachquhen