Surname MacAleenan - Meaning and Origin
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MacAleenan: What does the surname MacAleenan mean?
The last name MacAleenan is of Scottish origin and has a long and interesting history. The surname is part of a larger grouping of surnames known as the Clan MacAleenan.
The MacAleenans are a Sept of the powerful Clan Donald, which is an ancient Scottish clan that can trace its roots back to the High Kings of Ireland and Scotland. According to the Clan Donald website, the MacAleenan clan has its origins in the Celtic and Pictish tribes of Scotland.
The meaning of the name MacAleenan itself is not certain, but it is said to mean "son of the mountain of the clearan." The meaning of "clearan" is not certain either, but it is often interpreted as referring to a smooth, low-lying hill, as opposed to a mountain peak.
The MacAleenan surname is still found throughout Scotland and Ireland today. In modern times, its bearers have distinguished themselves in many professions, including politics, the military, and many other walks of life.
The MacAleenan surname is a testament to the distinguished heritage of the Clan MacAleenan. It is a reminder of a proud and ancient family line whose members can trace their roots all the way back to the High Kings of Ireland and Scotland.
Order DNA origin analysisMacAleenan: Where does the name MacAleenan come from?
The surname MacAleenan is most commonly found today in Scotland and other places with Scottish heritage. MacAleenan is derived from the Gaelic MacGilleEain which means “son of Gille Eain.” Gille Eain is a male given name common in Scotland, derived from Scottish Gaelic and Scots.
MacAleenan can be found as far back as the 10th century when histories began to be recorded in Scotland. The name is believed to be of Scottish clan origin and the clan is believed to be descended from Gille Eain, son of Cailte, an ancient warrior from earthworks near Inverness.
The MacAleenan surname can still be found on birth records in Scotland today, primarily in the Highlands. However, it is much less common in other countries given the large-scale exodus of Scottish people over the centuries.
The surname does appear in people with Scottish-American, Scottish-Canadian, Scottish-Australian, and in other places across the world with Scottish communities. This occurred as early as the 18th century when Scottish emigrant populations first began to appear in all corners of the globe. MacAleenan is still the most common spelling, though various spellings of the surname are in existence and may be more common depending on the country.
Variations of the surname MacAleenan
The surname MacAleenan is a patronymic variant of the Gaelic surname Mac Giolla Eáin. This surname is derived from an Irish male personal name “Gíolla Eáin” meaning “servant or devotee of Saint John”. Other variations and spellings of this surname include MacAlinan, MacAllen, MacAlenan, MacAlynan, MacElenan, MacElinan, and MacElynan.
MacAlinan is an Anglicized version of the Gaelic “Mac Giolla Eáin” and it is mainly found in County Limerick in Ireland, with a smaller presence in counties Tipperary and Clare. MacAllen is another Anglicized variant of the Gaelic name “Mac Giolla Eáin” and is mainly found in County Cavan in Ulster province, with a smaller presence in County Monaghan. MacAlenan and MacAlynan are variations of MacAlinan and are mainly found in County Sligo, while MacElenan is mainly found in County Mayo and County Donegal.
MacElinan is a phonetic variant of MacAlinan and is mainly found in County Tyrone, with a smaller presence in Antrim and Donegal counties. MacElynan is a variant of MacElinan and is mainly found in County Clare and County Dublin.
The MacAleenan clan were a sept of the Uí Néill family of Donegal and Derry. Throughout history, this sept held important positions in the local tribes and kingdoms and were involved in many battles. MacAleenan was formerly a principal name of Donegal in old maps of Ireland.
Famous people with the name MacAleenan
- Nash MacAleenan: actor in "Hidden Treasures"
- Harry MacAleenan: basketball player for the NBA's Dallas Mavericks
- Gary MacAleenan: Musician, actor, and DJ
- Joe MacAleenan: Rugby League Player
- Lucian MacAleenan: Professional Footballer for Crystal Palace FC
- Allen MacAleenan: Actor in "Santa Paws The Movie"
- Alina MacAleenan: Pop singer and Songwriter
- Jim MacAleenan: Actor and Producer
- Jordan MacAleenan: Pro Snowboarder
- Meghan MacAleenan: Actress in "More Than Friends"