Surname MacLean of Barra - Meaning and Origin
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MacLean of Barra: What does the surname MacLean of Barra mean?
The last name MacLean of Barra is of Scottish origin, associated with the Clan MacLean. The surname generally indicates the descendant of a servant of St. John (Gillean). The "Mac" is Gaelic for "son," implying the "son of Gillean." However, for the "Barra" part, it indicates a link to the Hebridean island of Barra on the west coast of Scotland. The MacLeans of Barra were a branch, or sept, of the larger Clan MacLean and might have been based in this location. Their family seat was at Kisimul Castle, located in Barra. The MacLean of Barra family line was considered a powerful one with a rich heritage and historic ties to Scotland's tumultuous past. Overall, the name "MacLean of Barra" embodies a deep sense of Scottish history, culture, and regional identity.
Order DNA origin analysisMacLean of Barra: Where does the name MacLean of Barra come from?
The surname MacLean of Barra has its origins in Scotland, specifically from the Hebrides. The prefix "Mac" in Scottish names translates to "son of," while "Lean" is derived from the personal name "John." The identifier "of Barra" refers to the clan's historical connection with the Isle of Barra in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland.
Clan MacLean of Barra is a branch of the larger Clan MacLean, which is primarily associated with the Isle of Mull. They split from the main branch in the 14th century when a MacLean of Duart married Amy of Garmoran and received Barra as her dowry. Subsequently, their descendants adopted the designation "of Barra."
Today, those bearing the MacLean of Barra surname can be found worldwide due to emigration, sparked by economic strife such as the Highland Clearances in the 18th and 19th centuries, where many Scottish people were forcibly evicted from their homes. Many Scottish names, including MacLean of Barra, can commonly be found in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Within Scotland, it can still be commonly found in its places of origin, such as the Hebrides.
Variations of the surname MacLean of Barra
The MacLean surname has a variety of spellings and has been anglicized in many ways over the centuries. It may also present itself in various forms such as MacLeane, MacLaine, MacLane, MacLayne, MacClean, MacClane, MacGillivray, MacGilleathain, MacIlvaine, and MacLain. The roots of the MacLean surname are shared with the surnames McLean, McLean of Barra, McClain, McLaine, and McLane.
The MacLean of Barra surname specifically comes from a branch of the Macleans that established themselves in Barra, parts of the outer Hebrides, and other western islands in Scotland. Variants for this specific branch may include MacLean-Barra, MacLaine of Barra, and Barra MacLean.
The surname MacLean originates from the Gaelic Mac gille Eathain which means "son of the servant of Saint John." Variations of the surname evolved from different phonetic translations and spelling from Gaelic to English and sometimes because branches of the family chose to slightly change it to establish their own identity.
All these names are connected to the same lineage with roots back to the Scottish Highlands, specifically the Isle of Mull and Isle of Barra.
Famous people with the name MacLean of Barra
- Angus Mòr MacLean: 19th-century Gaelic poet from Barra.
- Rory MacLean: 25th-century Barra politician and leader of Clan MacLean.
- Allan Maclean, 12th of Torloisk: 16th century Barra Chief and leader of Clan MacLean.
- Gillian Maclean: 1922-2011, Barra-born folklorist and musicologist.
- Iain MacLean: Barra-born artist and illustrator.
- The Maclean sisters of Barra: 19th-century authors whose works included poetry, stories, and plays.
- Rodney Maclean: 20th-century Barra doctor who wrote extensively on the history of the island.
- Mairi MacLean: 21st century Barra musician and folk singer.
- Kitty Maclean: 21st century Barra folk singer and traditional songwriter.
- William MacLean: 20th-century Barra minister and linguist.