Surname MacClellan - Meaning and Origin

MacClellan: What does the surname MacClellan mean?

The last name MacClellan is a Scottish name of Gaelic origin, derived from the personal name 'Mac Gille Fhaolain'. This name is composed of two elements, 'mac' translates to 'son of', 'gille' translates to 'servant' or 'disciple', and 'faolain' translates to 'wolf'. Together, the name can be translated to mean 'son of the wolf-servant', suggesting a Celtic heritage.

This surname is most commonly found in Scotland, but it is thought to have early relative from mainland Europe, as some MacClellans have also been found to have emigrated to the United States in the 18th century.

As well as a last name, the MacClellan name now also has various brands associated with it, which have derived from the ancient clan surnames. These brands often carry meaning from the MacClellan name, such as bravery, strength, and leadership.

Given its Scottish origin, the name MacClellan has long been connected to the landscape of Scotland and its people. The name is thought to have been held proudly since the early days of Celtic tribes in Scotland and its connection to Scotland and its culture remains strong.

MacClellan: Where does the name MacClellan come from?

The last name MacClellan is derived from the Gaelic name Mac Gille Fhleann, which is thought to originate in the Scottish Highlands. The name is still relatively common in this region today, and can be found in other parts of Scotland such as the Outer Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland Isles. MacClellan is also present in considerable numbers in Northern Ireland, where a branch of the family emigrated from Scotland during the early 17th century. In Canada, descendants of Scottish settlers in the form of the Clan Mac Clellan have left their mark in parts of the provinces of Nova Scotia and Ontario. In the US, the last name is present in a number of states, particularly those with historically strong Scottish-American connections, such as New York, Pennsylvania and Virginia. The highest concentrations of MacClellans can be found in the southeast of the country, where family members relocated in the 19th century. It is also possible to come across the name in various other parts of the world, particularly in countries and regions with Scottish diaspora populations, such as Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.

Variations of the surname MacClellan

The surname MacClellan has several variations of spelling and origin. These include Macclelland, Maclellan, McClellan, and McCarthy. The surname MacClellan is most likely derived from the Irish Mac Giolla Fhionnalaidh, which translates to “son of the follower of the redhead.” This surname was first found in Argyllshire, Scotland in the 13th century. The family is a very old and distinguished one in Scotland, and many branches of the clan can be traced back to ancient times.

The spelling Macclelland can also be found in Northern Ireland, where the town of Macclesfield was once located. The spelling Maclellan is the name of a Scottish family that originated in the area of Lanarkshire, which is situated between the counties of Ayrshire and Renfrewshire. The spelling McClellan can also be found in North America. It can be traced back to 18th century immigrants who settled in America around the time of the Revolutionary War.

The spelling McCarthy is probably derived from the Gaelic word for “son of the loving one.” This spelling is very common in Ireland, and is derived from the surname MacCarthy, which can also be found in Scotland and throughout the world.

The origin of all these surnames is probably the same, but the spellings can vary depending on region, time, and cultural influences. In any case, MacClellan, Macclelland, Maclellan, McClellan, and McCarthy are all variations of the same surname, and all attest to the rich and varied history of the MacClellan family.

Famous people with the name MacClellan

• Max MacLellan: Canadian actor
• Ewan MacLellan: Scottish professional footballer
• Patrick MacLellan: Canadian Senator
• Alan MacLellan: Scottish actor
• Ben MacLellan: Canadian actor and former professional ice hockey player
• Laura MacLellan: Canadian journalist
• George MacLellan: Canadian politician
• Duncan MacLellan: Scottish footballer
• Fran MacLellan: Canadian politician
• Brigadier General Charles MacLellan: Canadian military officer

Other surnames

MacClelland