Surname Mac Clean - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'M'
Mac Clean: What does the surname Mac Clean mean?
The last name Mac Clean is of Scottish origin and is derived from the Gaelic name "MacGilleEathain," which means "Son of the Servant of Saint John." The name is formed by combining the elements "mac," which means "son of," with "gille," which means "servant or follower," and "Eathain," representing Saint John. Over time, it has been anglicized and shortened to "Mac Clean." Like many Scottish surnames, it is a patronymic surname, meaning it was originally created based on the first name of a male ancestor. The Mac Clean name is traditionally associated with the western Highlands and the Hebrides of Scotland. Prominent families with this surname, such as the Macleans of Duart and the Macleans of Lochbuie, have played key roles in Scottish history.
Order DNA origin analysisMac Clean: Where does the name Mac Clean come from?
The last name Mac Clean originates from Scotland. The name is Gaelic in nature and comes from the words "Mac gille Eathain" which translates to "Son of the Servant of Saint John." The MacLean clan started in the islands of Mull and Tiree, and the name became common in these areas during the 13th century. The early rulers of the clan played a major role in the Island Lordship of the Isles. The Macleans of Duart and the Macleans of Coll are two significant branches of the Maclean clan in Scotland. In the present day, the last name Mac Clean continues to be common in Scotland and has also spread to other English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand due to emigration. The spelling can slightly vary, with many choosing to unify it as MacLean or McLean. Despite emigration, the roots of the name still lie strongly in Scotland, and the Maclean clan is still an active part of Scottish culture today.
Variations of the surname Mac Clean
The surname Mac Clean has numerous variations and spellings, often reflecting regional differences, language changes over time, and other factors like migration and translation errors. Variations may include MacLean, Maclean, MacClean, McLean, Mclean, McClean, Macklean, Macklain, Macklane, Maclane, MacLeane, and McClain, among others.
The spelling can also be separated into two parts, namely “Mac Lean” or “Mc Clean”. Additionally, the absence of a space or capital letter in the second part of the name, as in ‘Maclean’ or ‘Mclean’, is also seen frequently.
As for its origins, the surname Mac Clean is of Scottish origin, from the highlands of Scotland, with “mac” meaning "son of" and “lean” derived from a saint's name.
This surname was associated with Clan Maclean, a Scottish Clan that originated in the Inner Hebrides. Clan branches include the Macleans of Duart and the Macleans of Lochbuie, which further extended the variations and spellings of the surname based on geographic location and specific family branches.
The surname could also potentially be anglicized from Scottish Gaelic MacGilleEathain, meaning "son of the servant of Saint John." In this case, some spellings could include MacLaine, McLaine, or McClaine.
Famous people with the name Mac Clean
- Roderick Mac Clean (1833-1894): A British poet known for attempting to assassinate Queen Victoria.
- Cody Mac Clean: A well-known Canadian musician.
- Don Mac Clean: A British stand-up comedian.
- Joy Mac Clean: An actress known for her roles in films such as 'A Cindy Story' and 'The Great Race'.
- Austin Mac Clean: An actor recognized for his roles in movies like ‘Wrestlemaniac’.
- Ian MacClean: A famous Scottish filmmaker.
- John Mac Lean: A renowned Scottish socialist of the early 20th century.
- Hector MacLean: A British Army General and colonial governor during the 18th-century.
- Mary Maclean: A noted artist and filmmaker from the UK.
- Sarah MacLean: A noteworthy American author of romance novels.
- Anne Maclean: A lauded Scottish portrait painter.
- Mike MacLean: A known American screenwriter, author, and film producer.
- Mairi Maclean: A Scottish businesswoman and academic.
- Cody McLeod: Canadian Professional Ice Hockey Player (Note: Some spellings vary but are still phonetically similar to 'Mac Clean'.)