Surname MacBrien - Meaning and Origin
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MacBrien: What does the surname MacBrien mean?
The last name "MacBrien" is of Irish origin and is derived from the Gaelic "Mac Brían" meaning "son of Brian." The name Brian itself is believed to mean "high" or "noble." Therefore, MacBrien can be interpreted as "son of the high" or "son of the noble." Like many traditional Irish surnames, it is rooted in patrilineal descent. The MacBrien family originates from the ancient territory of Thomond, which largely corresponds to present-day County Clare. They are regarded as descendants from Brian Boru, the High King of Ireland who was a leader in the resistance against Norse invaders. The MacBrien family is known for their historical significance in Ireland, particularly in the provinces of Munster and Leinster. However, like many Irish families, the MacBrien family spread across the globe due to migration and the infamous potato famine, resulting in the surname being found in countries like America, Canada, Australia, and more. Despite the geographical dispersion, the MacBrien family retains its strong cultural and historical roots to Ireland.
Order DNA origin analysisMacBrien: Where does the name MacBrien come from?
The last name MacBrien is primarily found in Ireland and the countries with a considerable population of Irish descent. In Ireland itself, the surname MacBrien is most common in the province of Munster, particularly the counties of Cork and Kerry. The high concentration of MacBrien in Cork and Kerry could be attributed to migration patterns from the Gaelic clans of the 16th-17th centuries.
Outside of Ireland, countries with the highest population of the surname MacBrien include the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. Over the centuries, Irish immigrants have taken the MacBrien name to many parts of the world and it is now found in countries all over the world with a significant Irish diaspora.
Within the United States, the states with the highest numbers of individuals bearing the MacBrien surname include New York, California, Texas, and Massachusetts. In England, the top counties with the highest population of MacBrien include London, East Anglia, Northern Ireland, and the Northwest. In Canada, the highest concentration of MacBrien is found in Ontario, Nova Scotia, and Quebec.
As MacBriens have spread to many parts of the world, the surname and its variants have sometimes changed its spelling. Some popular variations include McBrien, Obiene, MacLobrin, MacLobeen, McBryne, O'Brien, Obryne, McBrine, MacLobrane, and MacLovrin.
Variations of the surname MacBrien
MacBrien is a Scottish-Irish surname derived from the Gaelic Mac Bhriain. Variant spellings and surnames of the same origin include MacBryan, McBryen, McBryon, McBrian, MacBrin, MacBreen, MacBrynes, McBryant, McBrion, McBrien, and MacBrain.
The Celtic name was derived from Brien, the Gaelic form of Brian, a common medieval name derived from the word "bre" meaning "noble" or "exalted." This was likely an occupational surname for someone who was a servant of the Brehon, the native legal arbiter of ancient Ireland.
The MacBrien name has historically been common in the Irish province of Ulster in northeast Ireland. The name is most commonly associated with the MacBriones of Ulster, a clan of Donegal dating back to the 13th century. This clan of septs was descended from Conor MacBrenain, the first known head of the family.
It is also a common surname in Scotland, particularly in the borders and lowlands. It is particularly common in the west coastal area of Scotland, including Argyll and Bute. It is believed to be an anglicization of the Gaelic Mac Bhricain, meaning son of Bricain.
The surname is also found in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United States, and England, among other places. In America, the most common variant spellings are McBrien and MacBrion. In Australia, McBryen is the most common variant spelling.
Famous people with the name MacBrien
- Aidan MacBrien: A multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and producer from Cork, Ireland
- Patrick MacBrien: Trumpet player and teacher in New York City
- Michael MacBrien: Professional hockey player for the Tampa Bay Lightning
- Christopher MacBrien: Actor on the TV show House of Cards
- Caitlin MacBrien: Actress and model
- Siobhan MacBrien: Singing and acting sensation on Broadway
- Bill MacBrien: Professional golfer on the PGA Tour
- Brendan MacBrien: Rugby player for Ireland's national team
- Sean MacBrien: Musician and singer-songwriter
- Rory MacBrien: Former professional soccer player for the San Jose Earthquakes