Surname MacLane - Meaning and Origin

MacLane: What does the surname MacLane mean?

The surname MacLane is of Scottish origin and it translates to "son of John." The prefix "Mac," which can also be spelled "Mc," is a common feature in Scottish and Irish surnames and usually means "son of." The second part of the name, "Lane," is an anglicized form of the Gaelic name "Lean," which is a variant of "Eoin" or "John" in English. It is important to note that surnames can have multiple origins and meanings and may have evolved over time. In some cases, the name could also be locational, denoting someone who lived or worked near a lane or pathway.

MacLane: Where does the name MacLane come from?

The surname MacLane, also spelled MacLean, Maclean, MacLaine, and Maclean, originates from Scotland. Its roots lie in the Old Gaelic name "Macgille Eathain," meaning "the son of the servant of St. John." The MacLanes trace their ancestry back to Gillean of the Battle Axe, an 11th-century Scottish warrior. The MacLanes became a powerful clan in the Isle of Mull with a stronghold in Duart Castle.

The name has spread throughout the world due to Scottish emigration, and has various branches often indicated by different spellings. In the United States, it's usually spelled as "MacLane" while in Canada, it's more commonly "MacLean."

Today, the surname is common in countries with a significant number of people of Scottish descent such as Canada, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand. It is also still found in Scotland, particularly in the regions of Argyll, Inverness, and the Isle of Mull. However, it is not among the most common surnames in these countries, therefore is not considered prevalent or common in a strict sense.

Variations of the surname MacLane

The surname MacLane has several variants and alternative spellings due to regional and personal variations, linguistic differences, and misinterpretations. Some of these include:

McLane, MacLean, Maclean, MacLaine, MacLain, McLain, McLean, McLeane, Maclane, MacLeane, McLaine, MacLine.

Surnames of the same origin that can be linked to MacLane can also include:

MacLea, MacLay, MacLeay, MacLee, MacLeigh, and their respective "Mc" variants (McLea, McLay, McLeay, McLee, McLeigh)

These surnames all believed to originate from the Scottish Gaelic ‘MacGilleEathain’ meaning "son of the servant of John".

Note: The Mac/Mc distinction does not affect the surname’s origin. In Gaelic, ‘Mac’ simply means ‘son of’. The use of ‘Mc’ is just an abbreviation and does not change the name’s meaning or origin.

Please note that due to the passage of time, migration of communities and natural language evolution, different lineages may bear similar surnames, irrespective of originating from different parts of the world or belonging to different cultures or ethnicities.

Famous people with the name MacLane

• Mary MacLane: an early 20th century writer, born in Wisconsin in 1881.
• Catherine MacLane: a 19th century American stage actress.
• Malcolm MacLane: a 20th century actor, best known today as "Lionel Musgrove" in the 1984 comedy film Women of Valor.
• Bruce MacLane: a Canadian actor and amateur golfer.
• Catriona MacLane: a Scottish writer known for her work in the temperance movement of the 19th century.
• Jane MacLane: an English writer of the 19th century.
• John C. MacLane: an American actor best known for his work in the 1930s and 1940s.
• Neil MacLane: an Irish poet and playwright from the 19th century.
• Sandee MacLane: an American actor and filmmaker.
• Colin MacLane: a 19th century Scottish-born physician.

Other surnames

MacLachlanMacLachlaneMaclaeMaclaganMacLainMacLaineMacLaine of LochbuieMacLairishMacLammondMacLamontMaclanMacLandrishMacLaranMacLardleMacLardyMacLarenMacLarinMacLarneyMacLarnonMacLarranMacLarrenMacLarrinMacLartyMacLaryMacLauchlanMacLauchlaneMacLaughlanMacLaughlenMacLaughlinMacLauren