Surname MacLornan - Meaning and Origin
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MacLornan: What does the surname MacLornan mean?
The last name MacLornan is a Scottish surname originating in the Highlands of Scotland. It is derived from two Gaelic words, mac and lornan, which together mean "son of the shaggy one". This nickname likely refers to a person with an unkempt appearance, or someone with a wild or untamed nature.
In Scotland, the family crest of MacLornan is a black lion with a red tongue and a tail entwined around a sword on a shield. This is symbolic of the clan’s desire for justice and strength. Further, the colors were chosen to represent one’s duty to the clan and their loyalty to the king.
Throughout history, the MacLornans were known for being proud and fiercely protective of their kin. They were quick to stand by each other against common enemies, displaying the values of loyalty and family. The MacLornans were renowned for their fighting skills, and for their ability to survive and thrive in the rugged and harsh landscapes of the Highlands.
Today, MacLornans are found scattered all over the world, though most still have strong ties to Scotland. It is a proud name and part of a centuries-old clan and culture. Its bearers often look to its ancestral heritage for guidance and strength.
Order DNA origin analysisMacLornan: Where does the name MacLornan come from?
The last name MacLornan is a Scottish surname, most populous in Scotland and Northern Ireland. It is a variant of the Gaelic surname MacLarain, derived from the personal name Laoidhigh, meaning "lion-lord".
MacLornan is most prominent in the Highland areas of Scotland, particularly in Inverness-shire and Ross and Cromarty, as well as in rural pockets in Fife and the Scottish Borders. It also holds some prevalence in Northern Ireland. In 2021, MacLornan ranked as the 2170th most common surname in the United Kingdom, with an estimated 700 bearers.
Outside of the British Isles, MacLornan is also common in Australia, Canada, and the United States. All of these countries host sizable populations of Scots both in urban and rural areas. Scotland has long had strong ties with these nations, and as a result, the emigrations of MacLornans to all parts of the world is well-documented.
Over the course of its diaspora, the spelling of the surname has varied to include McLornan, McLeron, and variations thereof. This is particularly true in Canada, the United States, and Australia, where records of the name have been documented in spellings that reflect its regional pronunciation.
In years more recently, the surname MacLornan has retained its prevalence in Scotland and Northern Ireland, and continues to be respected as a proud testament of the Highlands’ historic culture and traditions. With many of its offshoots still bearing the name, its popularity is sure to endure for years to come.
Variations of the surname MacLornan
The variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for the surname MacLornan are MacLaurin, MacLaran, MacLaren, MacLauran,MacLorein, MacLorin, MacLarin, McLaurin, McLoran, McLorein, McLorin, and McLoren. These forms of MacLornan can be found in Ireland, Scotland, and Canada.
The surname MacLornan is derived from the Gaelic personal name Laomann, which is composed of two elements, “lao” and “mann”. “Lao” means famous and “mann” means man. As such, the surname translates to “Famous Man”.
The surname MacLornan is most commonly found in Ireland and Scotland, but can also be found in Canada as well. It is mainly found in counties Ulster and Tyrone in Ireland, and Ayrshire, Lanarkshire, and Perthshire in Scotland.
In Ireland, the MacLornans were a sept of the Clan MacLaurin. The Gaelic spelling for this family is Mac Labhruinn; MacLornan is its Anglicization. The Clan MacLaurin is of ancient origin. They are descended from the first Dukes of Albany and they have their lands in Scotland.
In Scotland, the McLaurens, McLoreins, and McLorins are all variants of MacLornan. They are of ancient origin and also descend from the Dukes of Albany and their lands in Scotland.
The McLaurin, McLoran, McLorein, and McLorin variants of the surname can be found in Canada as well. These variations are the result of settlers from Ireland and Scotland throughout the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. They commonly settled in Ontario and Nova Scotia.
Overall, the variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for the surname MacLornan are MacLaurin, MacLaran, MacLaren, MacLauran,MacLorein, MacLorin, MacLarin, McLaurin, McLoran, McLorein, McLorin, and McLoren. These forms of MacLornan can be found in Ireland, Scotland, and Canada, and they are all associated with the Clan MacLaurin and the Dukes of Albany.
Famous people with the name MacLornan
- Shauna MacLaren: a Canadian figure competitor, fitness model, entrepreneur, and TV personality
- Jacob MacLornan: a British stuntman, stunt coordinator, actor, and director
- Kaitlyn MacLornan: an Australian model and former Miss World contestant
- Neil MacLornan: a retired Scottish professional footballer
- David MacLornan: a retired Canadian ice hockey player
- Cameron MacLornan: a Canadian professional football player
- Scott MacLornan: an American snowboarder
- Anna MacLornan: a Canadian singer and songwriter
- Chris MacLornan: a retired professional Canadian ice hockey player
- Valerie MacLornan: a Canadian actress and comedian