Surname MacFadzean - Meaning and Origin
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MacFadzean: What does the surname MacFadzean mean?
The last name MacFadzean is of Scottish origin and usually belongs to members of Clan MacFarlane. The term "Mac" is derived from the Gaelic "Mac" meaning ‘son of’ while "Fadzean" is thought to derive from 'Fada' which is Gaelic for 'Long', thus making MacFadzean mean 'The Son of the Long One'.
MacFadzeans are thought to have lived in Scotland since before the Gaelic language was spoken there, though the exact origin of the name is still uncertain. It may have come from the name of a local tribe or clan of people descended from ancient Pictish or Celtic origins. Over time, this may have mutated to become the MacFadzean name.
The earliest recorded bearers of the MacFadzean name date back to the late 13th century. It has been speculated that they were related to the MacMillans, a separate clan of landed gentry who were granted a charter in the area around Loch Fyne at the same time as the MacFadzeans were related.
In modern times, the MacFadzeans are a widely distributed Scottish family. They can be found across Scotland and even beyond, as descendants of the original clan have spread throughout the world over the centuries. Those who still bear the MacFadzean name are proud to represent their ancestry, and many are actively involved in preserving Scottish culture in all its forms.
Order DNA origin analysisMacFadzean: Where does the name MacFadzean come from?
The last name MacFadzean is most commonly found in Scotland and the surrounding regions. It is thought that the surname originates from the Clan MacFarlane, a sept of the Clan MacNab in Argyllshrie, Scotland. However, there are people around the world with the last name MacFadzean.
In Scotland, the surname is still most prevalent in Argyllshrie, as many people of MacFarlane descent still live in the area. It is also found in other parts of the country, including Aberdeenshire and Dumfries and Galloway.
In the United States, the MacFadzean name is not as common, but there are still a few families who have adopted the name through immigration. One of the most well known MacFadzean families in the US is descended from an ancestry tracing back to Canada in the 19th century.
Much like in Scotland, the MacFadzean name can also be found in Canada, particularly in Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Quebec, where the surname has been part of the family history for several generations.
In addition to Scotland and North America, the last name MacFadzean can also be found in other parts of the world, such as Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and parts of Europe. It's likely the name can be traced back to families who migrated from Scotland and set up new life in these regions.
Variations of the surname MacFadzean
The surname MacFadzean is a variant of the Scottish surname MacPhail, derived from the Gaelic MacPhàil. The surname MacFadzean is also sometimes spelled MacFadyen or MacPhail.
Most bearers of the MacFadzean surname are originally descended from the MacPhail clan of Scotland, who were amongst the original Celtic inhabitants of the Outer Hebrides.
Other variants of the surname MacFadzean include MacPhadden, MacPadden, MacFadden, and MacVadden. The MacPhedrans are a sept of Clan MacFadyen, deriving their surname from the Gaelic MacPhaideain. Other affiliated families include MacPhail and MacPhaden, both variants rendered in the style of Scottish Gaelic.
In addition, MacFadzean can be found as a variant spelling of the Irish surname MacPhaden, in which case the name would have originated with the descendants of a chief of the tribe of Clan Kelly. This family was located mainly in Galway and Antrim.
Lastly, individuals with the surname MacFadzean may be descended from the Faddeans of Craigenaveoch in Stirling. Members of this family are believed to have settled in the 16th century in and around Kilwinning, Kilpatrick, Oronsay and West Tarbert, Scotland.
In total, the variant spellings and surnames of MacFadzean are: MacFadyen, MacPhail, MacPhadden, MacPadden, MacFadden, MacVadden, MacPhedrans, MacPhaden, and Faddeans.
Famous people with the name MacFadzean
- Ed MacFadzean: Renowned Canadian children’s author, illustrator, and magazine editor
- Douglas MacFadzean: Canadian film and television producer/writer, best known for writing and producing Buffering and Prey
- Michael MacFadzean: Award-winning Canadian children’s author, illustrator and occasional podcast interviewer/host
- Steve MacFadzean: Canadian actor, director and playwright, best known for appearing on Murdoch Mysteries
- Keli MacFadzean: Canadian actor, best known for playing Detective Rob Donahue on the PBS program Monarch Cove
- Fawn MacFadzean: British writer, producer and director, best known for her work on documentary films
- Duncan MacFadzean: Scottish actor/comedian, best known for appearing on Westworld and Blackadder
- Jimmy MacFadzean: Canadian comedian, best known for his stand-up routines and appearances on Just for Laughs and Comedy Now
- Cameron MacFadzean: Canadian illustrator and animator, best known for creating the animated series Monster Island
- Stephen MacFadzean: British playwright, best known for his works The Branches of Silence and Welcome to Gurney