Surname Clanachan - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'C'
Clanachan: What does the surname Clanachan mean?
The last name Clanachan is of Scottish origin, deriving from the Gaelic language. The name translates to “Fierce warrior” or “Illustrious hero” and is derived from the Gaelic phrase “Mac an Chalaine” meaning “The son of the proud warrior”. Clanachan likely originates from the ancient Pictish clan which was spread throughout the Scottish Highlands and on the island of Skye in the Hebrides.
Traditionally, Celtic warriors of this clan were renowned for their renowned strength and courage in battle and were highly respected by other clans. In the early days of the clan's existence, Clanachan would fight beside their chieftain against other clans or even the English in order to protect their lands. In addition to their role in battle, the Clanachans were inventive farmers and highly productive shepherds, making them a major contributor to Scottish culture.
Clanachan today is a proud and resilient clan. Members of this Clan are known to come from various backgrounds, but all share a common respect for its ancient traditions. Clanachan is a passionate family who values courage, strength, and honor. Clanachan can be found in many parts of the world, from Scotland to the United States, and continues to contribute to Scottish culture with their innovative ideas and dynamic spirit.
Order DNA origin analysisClanachan: Where does the name Clanachan come from?
The Clanachan surname is commonly found today mainly in countries that were once part of the British Empire, such as Canada, the United States, Australia and New Zealand. The name is usually of Scottish origin, particularly in the area of the Scottish Highlands.
The Clanachan name is quite ancient, the first recorded mention of it being in 1330. The name appears to be derived from the Gaelic word 'clanachain', which means the 'place of the ancients'. The Clanachans were believed to be an ancient seafaring tribe that settled in the area of the Scottish Highlands and flourished during the reign of the celebrated Clan Chief Somerled.
The Clanachans are believed to have had roots in the Sutherland and Caithness regions of Scotland, as well as in the central area of Ross-shire. For centuries they were a powerful and influential clan in these areas, butas a result of the Clearances of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, they were gradually forced to move out and migrate to parts of the British Empire.
As a result of this migration, the Clanachan surname can now be found in countries such as Canada, the United States, Australia and New Zealand, as well as in other countries around the world. Although they may live in different parts of the world, Clanachans from different countries still share a common ancestral connection.
Variations of the surname Clanachan
The surname Clanachan is a sept of the Clan MacGregor and has been documented in Scotland since the 1700s. It is derived from the Gaelic word còn which means adog or wolf and has undergone numerous variations over the centuries. These variations include Clanichan, Clanichon, Clanichoun, Clanichan, McKinichon, MacIncheon, MacClenchon, McAlonan and McLanachan.
The Clanachan surname has two main branches, the Macarthurs and the MacGregors. The Macarthurs are a sept of the MacGregors and were highly respected in Argyll. They have been traced to as far back as the 1300's. The MacGregors are the original Clanachan family and documented since the 1500s.
The majority of those carrying the Clanachan surname today can be found in Scotland in the regions of Argyll, Dunbartonshire, Inverness and Perth. Within Scotland the name is found more frequently in the Moidart and Arisaig areas.
The Clanachan surname is also found in England, the USA and Canada, and in other anglicised forms such as Clanehan and Clarkehan. The name is also common in Ireland, in particular in Co. Donegal.
The Clanachan name is often found with other surnames that are under the MacGregor umbrella, such as McGregor, MacGregor, Gregor, Gregory and MacGregar. It is also common to find the name combined with other surnames, such as MacClenechan and Clanachan MacGregor. The Clanachan surname is also sometimes found as MacLanechan, MacClenchon, MacLenchon and MacGlenchon.
Famous people with the name Clanachan
- Jim Clanachan: professional Canadian football executive and commissioner of the Canadian Football League
- Michael Clanachan: journalist, musician, and actor; he is best known for playing Bushmaster in X-Men: Legacy
- Robert Clanachan: Member of the Order of Canada and former executive vice president of The Canada Life Assurance Co.
- Chantelle Clanachan: award-winning Canadian author
- David Clanachan: Chief Executive of McDonald’s UK and sponsor for the Queens Awards for Enterprise
- Tricia Clanachan: founding member of the Sustainable Clothing Coalition
- Bruce Clanachan: former professional football player who won the Grey cup in 1993 with the Edmonton Eskimos
- Alex Clanachan: Canadian comedian, actor, writer, and producer
- Andy Clanachan: former Scottish footballer who played for Dundee
- Neil Clanachan: Scottish darts player
- Graham Clanachan: Canadian ice hockey player
- Angus Clanachan: Canadian actor best known for his roles in Blood Monkey and Charlie
- Pam Cruise Clanachan: Canadian actress famous for her role as Mandy in the 2010 movie Charlie
- David Clanachan: former Scottish footballer who played for Hamilton Academicals
- Graham Clanachan: Canadian mountain climber and expedition leader