Surname MacArran - Meaning and Origin
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MacArran: What does the surname MacArran mean?
The last name MacArran is derived from the Gaelic MacIlreAndran, which refers to the "son of the follower of Saint Andrew". The name can trace its origins back to the 12th century in the western islands of Scotland.
The MacArran clan was born from the Clan Donald in Scotland, with their roots strongly tangled with the Royal House of Macdonald and the Clan Chattan union. They were an ancient warring clan, lineage of the Earl of Antrim, and a sub-clan of the ancient kingdom of Lorn.
The MacArran Clan played a role in many military battles of Scotland and Ireland. Many MacArran’s fought in the 1689 battle of Kenmore, the 1745 Battle of Culloden, and the Battle of the Boyne in 1690. They were also active in the Jacobite Rebellion of 1715 and 1745.
Although the MacArran Clan fought in these battles, they were mostly farmers and fishermen. They were also craftspeople and laborers, living off the land and sea. These abilities were passed down to future generations and are still seen in those with the MacArran name today.
The name MacArran is still present in Scotland, with many areas such as Kilgour MacArran in the Isle of Lewis honoring the clan’s heritage. It continues to be a commonly used name in Ireland too, with many still living in the Ardara region of Donegal.
Today, those with the surname MacArran are proud of their ancestry and stands out as a name synonymous with courage and strength. The name stands for resilience, ambition and loyalty, which are qualities that many MacArrans exhibit throughout their lives.
Order DNA origin analysisMacArran: Where does the name MacArran come from?
The last name MacArran is most commonly found in Scotland and parts of Northern England. It is said to have originated in the ancient Celtic language and is derived from the Gaelic Mac Dhughaill, which means "son of Dougal".
Today, many people with the last name MacArran are found in Scotland and Northern and Northwestern England, as well as in areas of Northern Ireland. There are also people bearing the name in the United States, Canada and Australia.
In Scotland, MacArran has been used as a surname for many centuries. It is a sept (clan) of the larger Clan Donald, one of the famous Scottish clans. Some of the earliest records of this name were found in Midlothian in the 12th century.
In modern times, those bearing the MacArran name in Scotland may be a part of the Clan MacFarlane, Clan MacNicol, Clan MacAlpine, Clan MacNeil and Clan Mackinnon.
The MacArran name could also be found in England during Medieval times, where it is found in both Northern and Northwestern regions, particularly in Cumbria.
Today, those with the MacArran last name have spread out to other parts of the world including the United States, Canada, Australia, and more. No matter where people with this name are located, they can be assured that they come from a long, proud heritage with deep ties to Scotland.
Variations of the surname MacArran
The surname MacArran is derived from the Irish surname Mac Carráin, meaning “son of Carrán”. The Gaelic form Carrán is derived from the old Irish “carrán”, meaning “spear head”.
The alternative surnames that are of the same origin as MacArran are: MacCarrin, MacCarran, MacCarin and MacCarrun. Spellings include: Macarran, Macarrun, Makarran.
The variant of MacCarrin or MacCarin is the most common variant of the surname to be found throughout Ireland. Variations of this name can also be found in Scotland, with most being of Scottish-Irish descent.
Other availabe variants are MacCarran, which is found mainly in Northern Ireland, and MacCarrun, which is found mainly in the USA.
Clan MacCarran is a Scottish clan found in the region now known as Stirlingshire. There is another Scottish clan called the Clan MacCarron, which is a separate Scottish clan from Clan MacCarran.
Variations in spelling can also be found among different languages. For example, in Spanish the surname MacArran is spelled Macarrón. In Dutch, the spelling is Mackarren.
Whether you decide to research and use one of the more traditional or more modern versions of MacArran, this surname is interesting and has a long and interesting history that is well worth exploring.
Famous people with the name MacArran
- Austin MacArran: American television producer
- Kirk MacArran: Canadian television comedian
- Ryley MacArran: Canadian actor, director, and screenwriter
- Carly MacArran: Canadian actress and singer songwriter
- Robert MacArran: British baron
- Scott MacArran: Artist in Northern Ireland
- Michael MacArran: British academic
- Karen MacArran: Author from Scotland
- Elizabeth MacArran: Scottish entrepreneur
- John MacArran: American physician and scientist