Surname MacCalden - Meaning and Origin
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MacCalden: What does the surname MacCalden mean?
The surname MacCalden is an ancient Scottish one, with an illustrious history. It is believed to have originated in the Scottish Highlands, and is derived from the Gaelic 'MacCeallaigh', meaning 'son of Ceallach'. This noble name is believed to have been first used by the Clan Ceallach, an ancient and influential clan dating back many centuries, and whose members are still prominent in Scotland today.
Members of the Clan Ceallach were prominent land holders in many areas of the Scottish Highlands, and had a long tradition of producing strong leaders who sought to further their clan's interests. During the Middle Ages, they were active warriors and members of the influential Highland Clan Chattan confederation.
The MacCalden surname has been used for many centuries by proud members of the Scottish Clan Ceallach. The name is a reminder of the ancient lands and history of the Clan Ceallach, and its many contributions to Scotland. It is still proudly borne by many who can trace their ancestry back to this illustrious clan.
Order DNA origin analysisMacCalden: Where does the name MacCalden come from?
The last name MacCalden is most commonly found in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Historically, the MacCalden clan can be traced back to the 1100s and the original clan was a minor branch of the larger Clan MacDonald of Glencoe.
MacCalden can be found throughout the United Kingdom, particularly in Scotland, Northern Ireland, and England. Scotland has the highest concentration, particularly in cities such as Glasgow and Edinburgh. The last name is also commonly found in the cities of Manchester and Liverpool in England as well as Belfast in Northern Ireland.
MacCalden can also be found in the United States, particularly in the southeastern states. It is particularly common in states like Georgia and South Carolina, which have histories of Scottish immigration. The last name is also found in large urban areas, such as New York City, Chicago, and Philadelphia.
External to the United Kingdom, MacCalden can additionally be found in Canada and Australia. As with the UK origins, Canadian MacCaldens are primarily concentrated in Ontario and British Colombia. In Australia, the last name can be found particularly in New South Wales and Victoria. Examples are particularly noted in Melbourne and Sydney.
All told, the MacCalden family is spread across the world and can be found in numerous countries including many in the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, and Australia.
Variations of the surname MacCalden
The surname MacCalden has many variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. They include M'Calden, McCalden, MacCaldon, McCaldon, MacCalland, MacCallen, MacKallon, MacKallen, and MacCellan. In Scottish Gaelic, the surname is MacUalghadhaine, which is derived from the old Gaelic word for beautiful. In Ireland, MacCalden is spelled as MacCalduibh, derived from the Gaelic word for dark hound.
The many variants of the MacCalden name can be attributed to its Gaelic origin. One of the earliest references of a MacCalden in a public document was recorded in 1650, in Ireland. It belonged to a Catholic family in County Down, Ireland.
In the United States, the MacCalden name can be found most commonly in the state of Pennsylvania. The first MacCalden to come to America was from Scotland, and his name was Alexander McGoldene. He chose to Anglicize his name to MacCalden after arriving in America.
In addition to the variations of the MacCalden name, there are also some alternative surnames that may be derived from the same root. For example, the early Gaelic form of the MacCalden surname, MacUalghadhaine, may have also given rise to the names MacGallen, Callen, and Galen.
Overall, the surname MacCalden has a rich history with many variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. Through the centuries, the MacCalden name can be found in many parts of the world, including Scotland, Ireland, and the United States.
Famous people with the name MacCalden
- Iain MacCalden: Iain is a Scottish actor who has starred in several films, including MacBeth, Lady Macbeth, and Whiskey Galore.
- Alison MacCalden: Alison is a Scottish singer, most famous for her track "Till The Smoke Clears".
- Galen MacCalden: Galen is a British writer and Director. He directed the 2000 movie Chicken Run.
- Siobhan MacCalden: Siobhan is an Irish artist whose paintings have been exhibited in many galleries around the world.
- Jennifer MacCalden: Jennifer is an American fashion designer, famous for her modern and unique collections.
- John MacCalden: John is an Australian Olympic Swimmer, having won silver medals in the 2002 and 2004 Summer Olympic Games.
- James MacCalden: James is a British Composer and Musician, having released several albums.
- Katherine MacCalden: Katherine is a Canadian Painter, whose work has been featured in many art collections.
- Scott MacCalden: Scott is an American Professional Snowboarder, having competed in various World Cup competitions.
- Rebecca MacCalden: Rebecca is a New Zealand Actress and Model, starring in many commercials and television shows.