Surname MacParlan - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'M'
MacParlan: What does the surname MacParlan mean?
The last name MacParlan is of Scottish origin originating in Coigach, a mountainous region of northwestern Scotland. The name translates to “son of Parlan”, with the first name Parlan being a diminutive of the Gaelic forename Parthalan. The name Parthalan is likely derived from the Gaelic word “párt”, meaning ‘part’, denoting that the original bearer was part of a family or larger group. Over time, the MacParlan surname has evolved and spread throughout the world.
In Scotland, the progenitors of the MacParlan family were a branch of the Clan MacKay who supported the MacKenzie cause during the 17th century. Other branches of the MacParlan family have since developed in Ireland, Canada, the United States and other locations around the world.
The MacParlan family have been successful in many fields of endeavor, with notable people bearing the name MacParlan including the first Presbyterian minister of Sydney, Australia, Reverend Samuel MacParlan and actor Jeremy MacParlan (of the show The Magicians on SyFy channel).
Given the spread of the name and the hardworking, kind nature of the MacParlan family, it is no wonder that the name has endured centuries of transition and growth.
Order DNA origin analysisMacParlan: Where does the name MacParlan come from?
The MacParlan surname is most frequently seen in Ireland and the United Kingdom, where it originated. The name may date back to 12th century Scotland, although evidence to support this is limited. According to surname records, MacParlan is an Anglicised form of the Gaelic MacPharlain, a patronymic name derived from the Gaelic word "parlan" meaning "descendant of the little knight".
Today, the surname is common in Scotland, with most bearers of the name living on the Isle of Skye, in the northern Highlands. In Ireland, the surname is more common in Northern and Southern areas, as well as in parts of Leinster. In the UK, MacParlans are most commonly found in counties in Wales, England, and Northern Ireland. There are also many MacParlans living abroad, particularly in New Zealand, Canada, and the United States.
Regardless of where they live, many MacParlans, to this day, proudly trace their ancestry back to Scotland and Ireland. They share many of the same traditions, including participation in local Highland games and celebrations such as Burns Night and St. Patrick's Day. Many can also still speak some Gaelic, and many take part in preserving Gaelic and other Celtic languages and supporting Celtic culture.
Variations of the surname MacParlan
The surname MacParlan is an Anglicised form of the Scottish Gaelic Mac Phàrlain, and is derived from the element 'parlan' meaning 'bard' or 'poet'. The original Gaelic form of the surname was Mac Phàrlain and there are several variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin.
Variants of MacParlan include M'Farlane, MacFarlane, M'Parlane, MacParlane, Parlane, and McFarlane.
M'Farlane, MacFarlane, M'Parlane, and MacParlane are all derived from the Scottish Gaelic MacPhàrlain. M’Farlane and MacFarlane are most likely derived from the Gaelic ‘Mac’ and ‘Fàrlain’ which literally means ‘son of Barlan’. M'Parlane, MacParlane, and Parlane are all derived from the same MacPhàrlain stem but contain the Latinised spelling of 'Parlane' as opposed to 'Farlane'.
In some cases, surnames derived from the original MacPhàrlain root are also spelt as McFarland. This is most likely derived from the Irish Gaelic Mac Phàrlain but there is some speculation that it could also be derived from the Scottish Gaelic Mac Gill Fhaolain which is thought to mean ‘son of the noble foreigner’.
The variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin of MacParlan are all derived from the Scottish Gaelic ‘MacPhàrlain’. Each variant has a slightly different spelling but they all stem from the same origin.
Famous people with the name MacParlan
- Gary MacParlan: former Irish Gaelic footballer who represented Donegal.
- Siobhán MacParlan: Irish-Italian singer, best known for her 2009 debut album Postcards from Italy.
- Toby MacParlan: English jazz trumpeter and composer.
- Brendon MacParlan: Irish traditional music accordionist and flautist.
- Jerry MacParlan: Voice and stage actor who starred in the Broadway musical Chicago.
- Dorothy MacParlan: Canadian actress, and writer.
- Mark MacParlan: Scottish musician and bassist.
- Becca MacParlan: British Olympic hurdler.
- Eoin MacParlan: GAA Footballer who played in the 2018 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship.
- Jamie MacParlan: Professional Canadian ice hockey player who plays for the Edmonton Oilers in the National Hockey League.