Surname MacMurland - Meaning and Origin
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MacMurland: What does the surname MacMurland mean?
The last name MacMurland is of Scottish origin and means “son of Murland.” Murland is a Gaelic name, derived from the Norse personal name Magnus, which translates to “big or greatest.” The name is found as a patronymic, meaning that it was given to someone as a last name based upon the first name of the father. It was a common practice among the Celts in Scotland before the 19th century, and patronymic last names have continued to be found in Scotland until this day.
The name may have several spellings. In some instances, it may be ported to English as McMorland or MacMorland. It may also be seen with the spelling of "Murland," referring to the original source of the name.
The MacMurland name appears to have originated in the Argyll region in Scotland. It is an ancestral name in many Highland families and the name can be found especially around the Lochaber area.
The MacMurland name likely comes from the old kingdom of ceann gorm (Highland Gaelic for “Blue Chief”). The territory was known as Ceann gorm filidh or “Blue Chief’s country.” The lineage of the MacMurland clan is believed to be descended from the chiefs of Ceann gorm.
Today, the MacMurland name remains prominent, especially in the Highlands. It is still one of the most common names in Scotland and proudly carried by its descendants throughout the world.
Order DNA origin analysisMacMurland: Where does the name MacMurland come from?
The last name MacMurland is most commonly found in Ireland today. The surname originated in Donegal and was common in Ulster in the late 17th century. The MacMurland clan is one of the most historically important in the region, tracing their roots from the old Gaelic-Norman families. The clan was renowned for their bravery, skill, and loyalty in the defense of their homeland.
The MacMurlands can also be found in England and Scotland, primarily in counties of Aberdeenshire, Cumbria, and Lancashire. The surname has also spread to Canada, the United States, and other parts of the world with Irish immigration. MacMurland is the Anglicized version of the more recent Irish version of the name - Mac Murchadha.
Researchers indicate that in the 1861 Census of England and Wales, there were approximately 6,000 people with the MacMurland surname. Today, the surname appears to be much less common as the rate is closer to 1,000. The MacMurland clan remains loyal in their traditions even though their surname is not quite as common in more recent years.
Variations of the surname MacMurland
The surname MacMurland is an anglicized version of the Scottish Gaelic name Mac Mhuirneadh, which has numerous spelling variations, variants, and surnames of the same origin. Some of these alternative spellings and associated surnames include MacMurchland, MacMoroughland, MacMourland, MacMoorland, McMurchland, McMorrowland, McMereland, McMerland, MacMareland, MacMerrland, MacMurlin, MacMurphy, MacMerrell, MacMurlan, McMurley, MacMurney, MacMurl, McCarthy, and McMurren.
MacMurchland is likely the most common variant, and is an anglicized version of the Gaelic Mac Mhuirneadh, which translates to ‘son of maritime land’. This version of the name has been used to identify those descended from ancestors who lived on low-lying, flat land near the sea, like a coastal plain or marsh.
The variant MacMorrowland, derived from MacMhuireachain, is a variation of MacMurchland and literally translates to ‘son of the sea moor’. Consequently, this version of the name was used to identify those descended from coastal ancestors who were likely fishermen and sailors.
McMurley is the most popular version of McCarthy, a variant of the Gaelic MacCarthaigh, which means ‘son of Cathal’. This form of the name has been used to identify those descended from ancestors with the first name 'Cathal', often signifying another location, since this name was used to describe someone who may have lived near a battle site, high fort, or othermemory- affirming location.
The surname MacMurney is derived from the Gaelic MacGiollaMhuire, which translates to ‘son of the devotee of Mary’. This version of the name, indicating those descended from Mary-devoted ancestors, is now most commonly found in Northern Ireland.
Overall, MacMurland is a name of Scottish Gaelic origin with numerous variant spellings and associated surnames that trace back to ancestors with a variety of living locations and religious beliefs.
Famous people with the name MacMurland
- Ryan MacMurland: Navajo artist known for his conceptual paintings, murals and sculptures.
- Zay MacMurland: British celebrity chef, judge on the series “MasterChef UK” and author of five cookbooks.
- Kerin MacMurland: Canadian actress and producer best known for her work in the “Gotham” television series.
- Clancy MacMurland: US entrepreneur in the technology and gaming industry, notable for his involvement in the development of the “Minecraft” video game.
- Addison MacMurland: English comedy actress and singer-songwriter.
- Stephanie MacMurland: English special effects makeup artist for the television series “Game of Thrones.”
- Gordon MacMurland: Scottish actor who appeared in multiple films and television shows, such as the “Sherlock” series.
- Alexander MacMurland: Canadian inventor and entrepreneur, credited for having developed the first GPS navigation system.
- Daniel MacMurland: US musician who played in various bands and released two solo albums.
- Tony MacMurland: Australian rugby player who represented the Wallabies in the Rugby World Cup.