Surname McEachern - Meaning and Origin

McEachern: What does the surname McEachern mean?

The surname McEachern is of Scottish origin and derived from the Gaelic language. It is an Anglicized form of the Gaelic Mac Eachairn which means "son of Eacharn." The name Eacharn is composed of two elements: "each" meaning horse and "saor" or "fearna" meaning iron hence, it translates to "horse iron" or "horse lord." This could imply that the original bearers of the name were blacksmiths who shoed horses, possibly for Scottish clans. Alternatively, they could be nobles or warriors who rode horses into battle. Like other Scottish surnames beginning with "Mac" or "Mc," it signifies a patronymic name i.e., derived from a father's given name. The name is particularly associated with Scottish Highland clans and often traced back to Kintyre in Argyll and Bute, Scotland. While it remains common in Scotland, emigration over the centuries has led to bearers of the surname residing in various parts of the world, particularly in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

McEachern: Where does the name McEachern come from?

The last name McEachern is of Scottish origin. It originates from the Gaelic name "MacEacharna," which means "son of Eacharn," where "Eacharn" is a personal name composed of the elements "each" which means horse, and "fearn" which means "alder". The McEachern family originated on the Scottish west coast and the Hebrides islands.

Although the McEachern clan began in Scotland, many members of the family were displaced as a result of political and social upheaval during the Highland Clearances in the 18th and 19th centuries. The clan was dispersed worldwide, particularly to North America, Australasia, and other parts of the British Isles. Therefore, the last name McEachern, along with its various spellings, is common today in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. However, its presence remains most pronounced in Scotland.

Variations of the surname McEachern

The surname McEachern has several variations due to geographical, historical reasons, and errors in transcription over the years. Its individual derivations from Gaelic and Scottish origins contribute to its diverse spellings. Variants and similar surnames include MacEachern, Maceachern, McEachin, McEachan, McKechan, McKeich, and McKichan. The prefix "Mac" or "Mc" denotes 'son of'.

The name Eachern is derived from "Each" means a horse and "dhomhnuill" means of the world. Therefore, literal translation is "horse of the world". Historical documents show that it's a sept, or branch, of the Scottish MacDonald Clan.

There are several Anglicized forms such as Echern, Eacharn, Hector, Eckford, Heckie, and even Eck. The last name is sometimes reduced to McEarchern, Eachern, or even Echan as well.

Due to the dynamics of naming in Scottish and Gaelic cultures, there might be other unconfirmed variations too. Furthermore, the multiple transcriptions and interpretations have created a broad spectrum for this surname.

As this name was borne by emigrants, its spelling could have been changed in an assortment of ways in different countries, mainly to simplify pronunciation and spelling. So more variants may exist in those regions.

Famous people with the name McEachern

• Brian McEachern: former NHL hockey player
• Chris McEachern: professional lacrosse player
• Mandy McEachern: actress
• Colin McEachern: former AFL football player
• George McEachern: former Newfoundland Premier
• Bob McEachern: Canadian lawyer and former politician
• James McEachern: Canadian-American medical doctor/choirmaster
• Dick McEachern: former professional Canadian Football player
• Alan McEachern: former Canadian diplomat
• E. Brad McEachern: novelist and former travel journalist

Other surnames

McEachen