Surname MacFadden - Meaning and Origin
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MacFadden: What does the surname MacFadden mean?
The last name MacFadden is believed to be an Anglicized form of the Gaelic name Mac Pháidín, which comes from the root word páidín, meaning "little." This is believed to be a reference to the small stature of the original ancestors who took this name.
The original form of the name is believed to be Mac Pháidín, and its first recorded yet rare usage appears on a census of Scotland taken in 1625. It is likely that the surname is of Irish and Scottish origin, and the earliest known members of the family in Scotland were associated with Renfrewshire, Ayrshire, and Argyllshire. It has since spread to many other parts of the world, such as the United States.
The name MacFadden has come to be associated with strength, determination, and courage. It could be related to the strength and perseverance of the original ancestors, as well as the hardiness of their descendants who took the name as they migrated throughout the world.
In recent times, MacFadden has been incorporated in various businesses, films, and other creative works. For example, in 1935 Charles Atlas created a comic book series called "The Adventures of MacFadden," which was created to promote his bodybuilding strategy.
Today, the MacFadden name continues to evoke feelings of courage and strength, as well as reminders (at least for some) of the courage and determination of the original ancestors.
Order DNA origin analysisMacFadden: Where does the name MacFadden come from?
The surname MacFadden is primarily found in the United Kingdom and Ireland. It is most prevalent in Scotland, where it is the 768th most common surname. The current distribution of the name MacFadden suggests its main area of concentration lies in the Highlands regions of Scotland, with a small number in Ireland. There are also some pockets of the MacFadden surname found in England, Wales and the US, although they are far less prevalent.
The meaning of the MacFadden surname is derived from the Scottish Gaelic Mac Phaidin, and translates as ‘son of little Patrick’. It is thought to have originated in the 12th or 13th century in Scotland, when the surname was first recorded in the island’s history. Since then, the surname has evolved and endured, establishing itself as an important part of Scotland’s heritage.
Today, MacFadden is still a popular surname. There are an estimated 1,913 people across the United Kingdom and Ireland who currently bear the surname MacFadden. Smaller clusters of the MacFadden surname can be found in the United States, Canada, New Zealand and Australia.
Variations of the surname MacFadden
MacFadden is a Scottish surname which has several variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin. The original spelling of the name is MacFhionnain, which is derived from the Gaelic root words mac and fhionnain meaning "son of the fair one". Other variants of the MacFadden surname include MacFee, MacFeigh, MacFie, MacFíonn, MacFhionagh, MacPheadruis and MacPhedris.
The MacFadden surname is also associated with some anglicised spelling variations such as McFadden, MacFaddin, MacFadyen, MacPhaden, McFadyen, MacPhadden, etc. This is likely due to the fact that Gaelic names were phonetically anglicised when first recorded in English court documents. Some of the surnames associated with the MacFadden origins include MacVaden, MacFadyen, McFaden, MacVayden, MacFaden, and McFeadon.
The original form of the MacFadden surname and its variants can still be found in Scotland. However, due to migration and intermarriage, this surname is also common in Ireland, Canada, and the United States. Therefore, the name can be found in a variety of cultures under different spellings and forms. With its strong roots in Scotland, the MacFadden surname continues to be a significant part of Scotland's culture and identity.
Famous people with the name MacFadden
- Bernarr Macfadden: physical culture magazine publisher and founder of the Good Health Guild.
- Annalouise MacFadden: former professional golfer.
- Doug MacFadden: president of the Boy Scouts of America.
- Deborah MacFadden: American media executive and entrepreneur.
- Jeff MacFadden: American basketball player.
- Keith MacFadden: former professional ice hockey player who played in the National Hockey League.
- William Lawrence Macfadden: American politician who served as a member of the United States House of Representatives from Pennsylvania.
- Alexander MacFadden: Scottish footballer who won the Scottish Cup with Kilmarnock in 1901.
- Eric MacFadden: American singer, songwriter, and guitarist.
- Christopher MacFadden: professional footballer who played for England and Scotland.