Surname MacFaiden - Meaning and Origin
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MacFaiden: What does the surname MacFaiden mean?
The last name MacFaiden is derived from the Gaelic language and means "son of Faedan". Faedan itself is derived from the Gaelic word "feadan", meaning forest. The name is quite ancient, and its origin lies in Scotland. It is located in the northern part of the British Isles, and is known for its rolling hills and verdant scenery.
The MacFaidens were likely a family of farmers or shepherds living in these same Scottish hills. They were usually subsistence farmers, meaning they grew enough food to feed their families, but very little surplus crops. As such, they were renowned for their self-reliance and independence. These traits ran in the MacFaiden family for generations.
Living close to nature, the MacFaidens developed a deep appreciation for the environment and a great love of music. They looked to the ancient legends of Scotland for inspiration, as well as the landscape around them. Both of these influenced their music and storytelling.
The MacFaiden surname is so well known and so closely associated with Scotland that some people have even started using it as a first name—Faiden—for themselves or their children. This is a testament to just how much the MacFaidens have left their mark on Scotland and beyond.
Order DNA origin analysisMacFaiden: Where does the name MacFaiden come from?
The last name MacFaiden is most commonly found in northwest Scotland, particularly in the Highlands and islands of the country. It is an Anglicized form of the Gaelic MacFhionghain, derived from the personal name Fingon.
The family was first found in Argyllshire in the 14th century where they held a family seat at Innischonnel. The earliest recorded bearer of the name is MacFingon, who witnessed the charter of Ewen MacDougal 27 October 1427.
Today, the MacFaiden name is not as common as it once was; however, it is still to be found in areas with strong Scottish heritage such as Canada, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand. In 2018, Canada identified ninety-four people with the MacFaiden surname.
In the United States, it was found that over five thousand people are holding the surname, with many of them sharing a common ancestry from Scotland. California and Washington were the states with the highest population of MacFaiden's, however, it is found in almost every state.
Though the MacFaiden's are not as prominent as they once were, there are still pockets of individuals with the name, wherever there is a strong Scottish heritage.
Variations of the surname MacFaiden
MacFaiden is a surname of Scottish and sometimes Irish origins. There are various variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin, which trace back to the Gaelic "MacFháedhín". Common variants of the surname include MacFayden, MacFadin, MacFaden, McFayden, McFadin, McFaden, Faidhain, Fadain, Fadin, Faiden, Fayden, Fadine, Faydine, Fadel, Faydel, Faydell and Farnden.
The spelling of Scottish surnames was often translated to English when people emigrated to other countries. In Scotland, MacFaiden is a sept (clan sub-division) of the Clan Gregor, so descendants of this sept may share the clan's various tartans, but also have a unique surname.
In Ireland, MacFaiden is a variation of the surname Magee. The various surnames of Irish descent come from the original Gaelic "Mac Gaoithín", which was Anglicised to MacGeheen, MacGeighin, McGrath, MacGeeney, Maghee and MacFaiden.
It is likely that many of those bearing the same surname, apart from being related, have a shared heritage and quite possibly, have descended from the same ancestor. Regardless of the variant spellings, surnames of the same origin may lie at the root of all these families, allowing them to connect and find relatives with the same surname.
Famous people with the name MacFaiden
- Hayden MacFaden: American singer and actor
- Darcy MacFaden: Australian gymnast
- Syd MacFaden: Canadian actor
- Hugh MacFaden: English actor
- Scot MacFaden: Scottish actor and comedian
- Steve MacFaden: American author and entrepreneur
- Jack MacFaden: American television producer and director
- Dan MacFaden: American singer and guitarist
- Kyle MacFaden: American actor
- David MacFaden: Canadian voice actor