Surname MacLea - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'M'
MacLea: What does the surname MacLea mean?
The MacLea surname is of Scottish origin and is derived from the Gaelic name Mac an Leagha, which means "son of the physician". This indicates that the initial bearers of the name likely hailed from a family of healers or doctors. Over time, the name has evolved into various forms including MacLeay, MacLee, MacLea, and others. The MacLeas are known to have their ancestral roots in the western Scottish highlands, specifically the Isle of Bute. Over time, families carrying this surname have dispersed into various regions of Scotland and beyond. Historical records suggest that the MacLeas may have been associated with Clan MacMillan due to shared genealogical ties. As with many other Scottish names, the significance of the MacLea surname is associated with ancestral profession and Gaelic heritage.
Order DNA origin analysisMacLea: Where does the name MacLea come from?
The surname MacLea originates from Scotland, more specifically from the Western Isles region. The name is an Anglicized form of the Gaelic "Mac an Leagha" which translates to "son of the healer or physician". It is indeed linked with the ancient Scottish tradition of healing arts. The MacLeas were known to be hereditary doctors to the MacDonald Lords of the Isles in medieval times.
Today, it is not particularly common anywhere; however, it can be found among people of Scottish descent around the world, particularly in countries such as the USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand where mass migration of Scots took places at various points in history. Within the British Isles, it is more commonly found in Scotland, particularly in areas including Argyll and Bute, and the Northern Isles. It is also found in England, but to a lesser extent. Variations of the name such as Livingstone, McLay, and McLeay are in use too.
Variations of the surname MacLea
The surname MacLea originates from Scottish Gaelic. The name is derived from the Gaelic words "Mac an Leagha", which means "son of the physician". It has several variant spellings and associated surnames due to regional variations, transcription errors, and anglicization over time.
Other variant spellings or similar names include MacLeay, McClay, MacLay, MacLee, MacLeigh, and MacLye. It's also possible to find Mc or Mac prefixes interchanged (such as McLay, McAlea, etc.).
Some surnames that share an origin with MacLea include Livingstone and Livingston, due to a historical connection. The Livingstones of Bachuil are believed to be the hereditary keepers of the Bachuil Mor, a religious relic of St. Moluag. Bachuil Mor was said to have been given to the Chief of Clan MacLea, whose name was anglicised to Livingstone.
Additionally, Barclay is another surname that some MacLeas adopted. This is mostly seen in Kintyre, Scotland. The name MacLea might also have evolved into completely different surnames due to emigration and language changes, so it may be worthwhile to consider possible phonetic equivalences too.
As such, researching this surname might require considering a range of spellings and related names.
Famous people with the name MacLea
- Siobhan MacLea: Television Personality
- Sammy MacLea: Professional Cyclist
- Charles MacLea: Actor
- Simon MacLea: Musician
- Jonathan MacLea: Astronomer
- Alexander MacLea: Poet
- Ambrosia MacLea: Painter
- Mei MacLea: Chef
- Raquel MacLea: Novelist
- Daniel MacLea: Lawyer
- Joy MacLea: Film Director
- Vivian MacLea: Choreographer
- Giselle MacLea: Social Worker
- Jamie MacLea: Politician
- David MacLea: Archaeologist
- Perry MacLea: Conservationist
- Callum MacLea: Artist
- Theopolis MacLea: Activist
- Graham MacLea: Historian
- Emma MacLea: Wildlife Photographer
- Cara MacLea: Environmentalist
- Harry MacLea: Yogi
- Eliza MacLea: Fashion Designer
- Brian MacLea: Businessman
- Beowulf MacLea: Sculptor
- Claire MacLea: Journalist
- Yui MacLea: Life Coach
- Lauralyn MacLea: Psychologist
- Sylvester MacLea: Scientist
- Anthony MacLea: Priest