Surname MacRanald - Meaning and Origin
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MacRanald: What does the surname MacRanald mean?
The last name MacRanald is of Scottish origin and is typically associated with Clan MacDonald, one of the largest Scottish clans. The name itself is made up of two elements: "Mac", which is Gaelic for "son of", and "Ranald" or "Ranald's," which is likely a reference to the historical figure Ranald, who was the son of King Somerled of the Isles. Somerled was a 12th-century warlord who is considered a founding figure for many of the clans in the Hebrides and western Highlands. Thus, the surname MacRanald directly translates to "son of Ranald," and usually denotes a lineage traceable back to Ranald and the MacDonald Clan. So, this surname signifies patriarchal descent and reflects the patronymic naming tradition typical of Gaelic cultures. Over time, variations and anglicized forms of the name have emerged, such as MacDonald, Macdonald, and McDonald.
Order DNA origin analysisMacRanald: Where does the name MacRanald come from?
The surname MacRanald is of Scottish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic name "Mac Raghnaill," which means "son of Ranald." Ranald itself is derived from the Scandinavian name Randulfr (composed of the elements "rand" meaning "shield" and "úlfr" meaning "wolf"). The name pertains to the descendants of Clan Macdonald of Clanranald, one of the foremost and powerful Highland Scottish clans. The chief of the clan was traditionally called Captain of Clan Ranald.
The name transmission happened over centuries with several spelling variations like MacRanald, MacRonald, MacDonald, MacDonell, and others due to factors like regional dialects and literacy levels.
In terms of prevalence, as with many Scottish surnames, MacRanald can be found in countries around the world due to the Scottish diaspora. This includes nations where Scots emigrated in large numbers, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. However, it remains particularly common in Scotland, particularly in areas associated with the historic Clan Macdonald of Clanranald.
Variations of the surname MacRanald
The surname MacRanald has its roots in Scottish history, stemming from the Gaelic MacRaghnalls. With the passage of time and change in languages and dialects, this surname has evolved and modified its spellings. Some of these variations include MacReynold, McReynold, MacRannell, MacReynald, MacRanald, McRanald, McRannel, McReynell, MacRonald, McRonald, MacRandell, McRandell, MacRanell, McRanell, MacRannel, and McRannell.
The "Mac" or "Mc" in these variations means "son of", so they all indicate a lineage from a person named Ranald or Reynold. In fact, these names are variants themselves – both stem from the Old Norse name Ragnvaldr, which was common among the Norse-Gaels of the Hebrides and Highlands of Scotland in the Middle Ages and later became popular in the rest of Scotland.
Surnames similar to MacRanald or descended from the same linguistic root often include the prefix "Fitz," such as Fitzranald or FitzReynold, which is Norman-French instead of Gaelic and has the same meaning: "son of." Furthermore, there may be variations of the name without the Gaelic or Norman prefix, such as Ranald, Reynold, Rannell or Ranell, and so forth.
Famous people with the name MacRanald
- John MacRanald: Canadian politician and senator
- Brian MacRanald: Curator and art historian
- Neil MacRanald: Paintings conservator
- Helen MacRanald: Child welfare campaigner
- Angus MacRanald: Scottish solicitor and philanthropist
- Robert MacRanald: Ecologist and entomologist
- Sarah MacRanald: Medical doctor and surgeon
- Alicia MacRanald: Ethnomusicologist
- Joan MacRanald: Historian and author
- Andrew MacRanald: Folk singer and songwriter
- Coralie MacRanald: Professional equestrian
- Chris MacRanald: Presenter and radio host
- Hugh MacRanald: Sculptor and wood carver
- John MacRanald: Professor and mycologist
- Jim MacRanald: Aviator, test pilot, and air show performer
- Tony MacRanald: Footballer and coach
- Thomas MacRanald: Advocate and lawmaker
- Joe MacRanald: Tanzanian musician
- Tom MacRanald: Canadian astrophysicist
- Alastair MacRanald: Anglican priest