Surname MacAran - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'M'
MacAran: What does the surname MacAran mean?
The last name MacAran is a Scottish name derived from the Gaelic surname Mac Eachran, meaning "son of Eachran". According to tradition, the name was derived from Eachern, which itself is believed to be a derivative of the Irish personal name "Eachthighearn". Therefore, the literal translation of MacAran is "son of Eachthighearn".
The MacAran clan is thought to have descended from the ancient Irish kingdom of Dalriada, which was located in present day Scotland, Northern Ireland, and the Isle of Man. The MacAran family is traditionally associated with the distant past, and they were a powerful force in Scotland, especially in the highlands. In more recent times, the family has become more widely dispersed, although a surprising number of MacAran descendants can still be found in Scotland, Ireland, and the Isle of Man.
The MacAran coat of arms bears two lions rampant, a reference to their close relationship with the royal Stewart dynasty. The motto of the MacAran family is Touch Not a Catt Bot a Glove, likely a reference to their legendary status for courage and valour.
In summary, the MacAran surname is synonymous with a strong sense of family honor and loyalty to Scotland and its traditions. Many of its members have had a profound impact on the history of Scotland and the Clan MacAran still retains a sense of pride in its long and storied history.
Order DNA origin analysisMacAran: Where does the name MacAran come from?
The last name MacAran is most commonly associated with Scotland, where it is thought to have originated. In Scotland, the name is still quite common with almost 6,000 individuals registered with the last name. It is also a common last name throughout Ireland, particularly in the Northern counties.
In addition to Scotland and Ireland, the last name MacAran can be found in other parts of Great Britain, including England and Wales. It is also found in other parts of Europe, such as France, Spain, and even Sweden.
The United States also has a slightly higher than average number of individuals with the last name MacAran. According to the last census, almost 8,000 Americans were registered with the name. Additionally, a small number of people with the last name MacAran can be found in Canada.
Beyond Europe and North America, the last name MacAran is not particularly common. Small enclaves of the population exist in other parts of the world, including some Pacific Islands and Central and South American countries.
Nonetheless, the last name MacAran remains particularly common in its Scottish and Irish origins.
Variations of the surname MacAran
The surname MacAran is one of the septs (clans) of the Highland Scottish Clan MacDonnell of Glengarry. It is an Anglicised form of the Gaelic Mac A Ghrainne, meaning ‘son of the follower of St. John’.
Variants of the MacAran surname include MacArran, MacArron, and MacCraran. MacAron is an Americanised spelling of the name, largely of Irish-American origin.
Surnames which are also derived from the same origin were historically grouped together and referred to as synonyms or variants. Variant surnames originating from the same origin as MacAran include: MacWarren, MacGran, MacErron, and MacArvin. All of these have the same meaning of ‘son of the follower of St. John’.
MacErran, MacGren, MacGran and MacOrwin are second surname spellings and variations of the MacArran surname. These variant surnames are derived from the Gaelic Mac A Ghrainne, meaning ‘son of the follower of St. John’.
McAron, McHarrin, McCarran and MacHerron are also variants of the MacArran surname. These are derived from the Gaelic Mac A Ghrainne, and they hold the same meaning.
In some cases, changes in spelling may have been due to an ancestor's desire to indicate a political or religious allegiance, or a desire to anglicise their surname to better assimilate into their local community.
Famous people with the name MacAran
- Angus MacAran: British actor from the 1960s.
- Terence MacAran: Irish author and playwright from the 1930s.
- Sean MacAran: Canadian actor and filmmaker from the 1990s.
- Catherine MacAran: English photographer from the 2000s.
- David MacAran: Scottish comedian of the 1940s.
- Mary MacAran: Irish actress from the 1980s.
- Robert MacAran: British animator from the 1950s.
- Michael MacAran: American country musician from the 1970s.
- Catharine MacAran: Canadian director of the 1920s.
- Elizabeth MacAran: American fashion designer from the 2010s.