Surname McClellan - Meaning and Origin

Emotional Journey into the Past: My iGENEA DNA Test Experience and the Understanding of Surname McClellan

Taking a leap into the vast ocean of my genetic history with iGENEA, I discovered the rich tapestry that forms my identity. Not only did this exercise educate me about the diverse origins of my surname McClellan, but it also nurtured an emotional journey, prompting a novel outlook on personal and familial identity.

N. McClellan

McClellan: What does the surname McClellan mean?

McClellan is a surname of Scottish origin. The name is derived from the Gaelic words "Mac" meaning "son" and "Gille Fhaolain" meaning "servant of St. Fillan". St. Fillan was an Irish hermit who lived in Scotland during the 8th century and was revered in the Scottish Church. The McClellan family is believed to have descended from this saint's followers and adopted the name as a symbol of their religious devotion. Over time, "MacGille Fhaolain" evolved into the more anglicized "McClellan". The McClellan family first established themselves in Galloway, a region in southwestern Scotland. Many members of the clan also emigrated to other countries like Ireland, America and Australia, especially during the Scottish diaspora in the 18th and 19th centuries. The McClellan name is associated with the qualities of loyalty, reverence and service as reflected in its origin.

McClellan: Where does the name McClellan come from?

The surname McClellan is of Scottish origin and is derived from the Gaelic Mac Gille Fhaoláin, which means "son of the servant of Saint Fillan." Saint Fillan was a 8th century missionary of Irish origin, renowned in Scotland. The name notably includes two Gaelic elements: "Mac" meaning son of, and "Gille" meaning servant.

Although the McClellan name originated in Scotland, it has spread across the world through emigration. It's most commonly found in English-speaking countries, particularly the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Within the United States, it is most frequently seen in Northern states, likely due to heavy Scottish and Irish immigration to those areas.

However, it's still most common and prevalent in Scotland, specifically in Galloway where the name first emerged. Generally, the McClellan surname shares a connection with Clan MacLellan, a Scottish clan located in the region of Galloway.

Variations of the surname McClellan

The surname McClellan has several variants due to phonetic spellings, regional accents, and cultural influences. These include McClelland, McLellan, MacLellan, McLellon, McLelland, and MccLelen. Alternative spellings can also include the use of 'Mac' instead of 'Mc' which is largely based on individual or family preference.

McClellan is of Scottish origin, specifically referencing the clan MacLellan, suggesting it carries the typical Scottish prefix ‘Mac’ meaning ‘son of’. It was derived originally from the given name "Fillan," a diminutive form of the Gaelic name "Fáelán," meaning "little wolf".

It's important to note that other surnames of the same ancient origin might not look or sound similar to McClellan today due to historical linguistic, geographic, and cultural changes. Also in history, it was quite common, especially in Scotland, for families to adopt the mother's maiden name because of matrilineal succession, contributing to the development of varied surnames. Related surnames may include other Scottish "Mac" or "Mc" names often relating to animal names or other specific geographic or occupational terms.

So while McClellan and its variants are distinct surnames, they share common elements with other names derived from Gaelic tradition.

Famous people with the name McClellan

• Mark McClellan: Doctor, physician, and former commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
• Thomas McClellan: Former US Air Force lieutenant general and 14th Commander in Chief of the Strategic Air Command (SAC).
• Matt McClellan: Singer-songwriter and Grammy-nominated guitarist.
• Steven McClellan: Personal tax specialist, IRS-certified acceptance agent, and accountant.
• Gregory McClellan: Former commissioner of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
• Roger McClellan: American toxicology expert and former official at the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
• Dale McClellan: Professional basketball player in the NBA.
• Steven A. McClellan: Technology and media analyst, author and journalist.
• Gary McClellan: Former head football coach at the University of Cincinnati.
• Gordon McClellan: Organizational development consultant and professor of ministry.

Other surnames

McClelland