Surname MacCarn - Meaning and Origin
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MacCarn: What does the surname MacCarn mean?
The last name MacCarn is an Irish surname of Scottish origin. It is derived from the personal name Cormac, which is composed of the Old Irish “Corb” and “Mac” meaning “son of.” The surname MacCarn is of ancient Gaelic lineage and was initially found in County Kerry, but today is particularly common in the province of Ulster and in County Donegal.
The surname MacCarn is found in various different spellings including but not limited to, Maccarn, MacCarn, MacCairen, MacCairren, MacCairin and MacCairn. This is due to the many variations of the phonetics of the name, as well as to its frequent translation from one language or dialect to another.
The history of the MacCarn clan is one of struggle and resilience, as the clan endured various attempts by the English to deprive them of their land and their titles. Despite these challenges, the clan maintained its traditional beliefs and ideals, carrying its name proudly for centuries.
The name MacCarn is deeply rooted in Irish culture and today still is a name held with utmost pride by those who bear it. Many MacCarns are heavily involved in their communities, whether they live in Ireland, Scotland or Canada, and many have achieved great things, from business to politics.
The MacCarn name is a proud testament to a tenacious and determined people who proudly carry its name and its legacy forward in to the future.
Order DNA origin analysisMacCarn: Where does the name MacCarn come from?
The last name MacCarn is most commonly found in Ireland, particularly in the province of Ulster. This surname is associated with the old Irish O'Cearáin clan which originated in Connacht. In the modern day, the surname can still be found in Ulster, as well as in the Republic of Ireland, England, and parts of Scotland.
In Ireland, the MacCarn surname is most commonly found in County Donegal, particularly the Inishowen peninsula. This is due to the fact that in the 12th century the O'Cearáin clan were forced to leave their ancestral home in Connacht and settle in Donegal.
In Scotland, the surname is most common in Orkney and Shetland, however there are some records that place individuals within the ancient provincial boundaries of Scotland.
In England, records of the surname stretch back to the 13th century, mainly within North Yorkshire. One of the earliest known references of the MacCarn surname in England dates back to 1211 when Robert de MacCarn was mentioned in the Pipe Rolls of the time in Suffolk.
Today, records of the MacCarn surname can still be found across these regions, although the numbers are quite small. Overall, the MacCarn surname is most commonly associated with Ireland, particularly the province of Ulster.
Variations of the surname MacCarn
The surname MacCarn is a variation of the traditional Gaelic surname MacCairean which is frequently rendered MacCarran. "MacCairean" is derived from the Gaelic "Mac an Chairin" which means "son of the little one". Historically, the MacCarn spelling has been used mainly in Scotland, Ireland and Northern Ireland.
The variations and alternative spellings of MacCarn include M’Carn, MacKern, MacKearn, Mac Karn, Kairn, Kearin, Keren, which are all derived from the Gaelic term Mac an Chairin.
Other surnames of the same origin are MacCarren, MacKerin, MacCarrion, MacKearn, MacKaran, MacCarron, McCarron, MacCarrion, MacEarran, MacCharran, MacKarran and MacVarran.
MacCarn is also believed to be an Anglicised form of the surname MacCatharnaigh. MacCatharnaigh is an Irish surname derived from “Mac Cárthaigh” or “son of the loving one” and is likely derived from the Irish “cáth” meaning “loving” or “kind”. Variants of the name include MacKarney, MacCarney, MacKearney and MacKeaney.
MacCarn is also a Scottish variant of the Viking name McCann which is an Anglicised form of the Gaelic MacCan which means “son of the white hound”. Variants of the name include McCann, MacCann, Machon, Makan, MacCon, MacCone, MacCoon, MacCavin and MacKay. Interestingly, the McCann spelling is also used as an Irish variation of MacCatharnaigh.
In Northern Ireland, MacCarn is also a variant of the surname MacKerrin which is derived from the Gaelic Mac Fhearain which means “son of the mountain side”. Variants of the name include MacKerin, MacKirvin, MacKerwin,MacKarin, MacKerrin, Mackervin, MacKirven, Makervin, MacFerrin and MacFirvin.
All these spellings and variations of the same surname stem from the same Gaelic origins and modern day MacCarns may have variations of the same name scattered across different countries and regions.
Famous people with the name MacCarn
- William MacCarn: a renowned actor and writer seen on Broadway and on-screen in movies like “Nine to Five” and “Philadelphia”
- Logan MacCarn: an American singer-songwriter, musician and producer
- Jamieson MacCarn: an actress who has appeared in the films “Jurassic World” and “Spider-Man Homecoming”
- Carolyn MacCarn: a fashion designer who rose to prominence as the founder and CEO of the luxury fashion label CVINNS
- Cameron MacCarn: a professional footballer currently playing in the Scottish premier league
- Nathalie MacCarn: a Canadian singer and actress best known for her role in the hit comedy-drama television series “The Mindy Project”
- Grant MacCarn: an award-winning filmmaker whose notable works include the short drama film “My Sweet Abigail”
- Clara MacCarn: an accomplished mountain climber who was the first woman to ever ascend Everest’s notorious North Col route
- Luke MacCarn: a renowned international chef and cookbook author famous for his television shows “Taste the World” and “The Craft of Cooking”
- Tom MacCarn: a NASCAR driver with an impressive career spanning over ten years.