Surname Magellan - Meaning and Origin
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Magellan: What does the surname Magellan mean?
The surname Magellan originates from the Portuguese surname "Magalhães," which was anglicized to Magellan. It is a habitational name derived from one of the several places named Magalhães in Portugal. The name "Magalhães" is derived from a noble Galician family that came from the town of Magalhaens, located in northern Portugal.
However, the last name Magellan is most associated with the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan who initiated the first expedition that successfully circumnavigated the globe. Therefore, the name Magellan, besides being a surname with Portuguese origins, is also synonymous with exploration, discovery, and navigation, primarily due to the influence of Ferdinand Magellan’s historic voyage around the world.
Order DNA origin analysisMagellan: Where does the name Magellan come from?
The last name Magellan is of Portuguese origin. It was originally "Magalhães," but has been anglicized to "Magellan" in English speaking countries. The most famous bearer of the name was Ferdinand Magellan, the Portuguese explorer who organised the Spanish expedition to the East Indies which resulted in the first circumnavigation of the Earth. Magellan is not a common surname, but it can be found in countries around the world, likely derived from descendants of Portuguese immigrants. It is worth noting, however, that the name Magellan is better known worldwide for its association with exploration due to Ferdinand Magellan, rather than its prevalence as a common last name. Therefore, while the name can be found globally, it remains less common as a family name.
Variations of the surname Magellan
The surname Magellan is most famously associated with the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan. However, its origins are not solely rooted in Portugal. It is also a surname present in Spain and other Spanish-speaking countries. The Spanish variant of the name is Magallanes and in Portuguese, it's Magalhães. The surname could be spelled as Magallan, Magallane, Magellane, or Magellon in English versions.
Other surnames might have a similar geographic or linguistic origin, such as the surnames Ferreira, Cabral, or Vasconcelos, which are also of Portuguese origin. However, they do not necessarily share the same exact origin as they come from different regions or family histories. Surnames can often denote origin, occupation, or patronage and they vary greatly even within the same language.
It's also worth noting that the name Magellan is primarily well-known due to the explorer's achievements, and as such, the 'legacy' of the name might be somewhat unique compared to other surnames.
Famous people with the name Magellan
- Ferdinand Magellan: Famous Portuguese explorer and navigator who led the first voyage to circumnavigate the world.
- Christopher Magellan: Award-winning television producer, children's book author, and illustrator.
- Peter Magellan: Golden Globe-nominated actor, known for his roles in films like The Great Escape, The Thomas Crown Affair, and Matchstick Men.
- Gene Magellan: Prolific producer and Grammy-award winning music writer and arranger.
- Henri Magellan: French scholar and member of the Académie française, known for his works on the history of Brittany and Normandy.
- Adolfo Magellan: Spanish-born painter and poet whose works focused on rural life.
- Francisco de Magellan: Noted Argentine doctor and first President of the Argentine Society of Neurology.
- Joseph Magellan: Jazz multi-instrumentalist and member of Ellington's Orchestra, best known for his inventive and virtuosic bass playing.
- Ambrosio Magellan: Mexican writer and poet who chronicled social injustices and spoke out against discrimination in his work.
- Magdalena Magellan: Chilean social activist who fought for the rights of women and indigenous communities throughout her lifetime.