Surname McFadzean - Meaning and Origin

McFadzean: What does the surname McFadzean mean?

The surname McFadzean traces its origins to Scotland. It is derived from the Gaelic MacFhбidhcean, which literally translates to “son of little Patrick”. It is thought to have originated in the Scottish Highlands and Islands, and to have been a sept (clan) of the larger Clan MacFarlane. The original bearer of the name was likely referred to as Fhбidhcean, or “little Patrick”, a common name in the Highlands.

The surname is found throughout Scotland and the British Isles. It is also relatively common in the United States, with the earliest record in North Carolina in 1767. It is found in the eastern coast states, as well as in the Midwestern states such as Michigan and Illinois.

As a surname, McFadzean may signify a proud Highland heritage. The MacFarlanes had a powerful reputation in Scotland, often engaging in “clan raids” in search of wealth and power. A person bearing the McFadzean name may carry with them the bravery, strength, and sense of loyalty common among the MacFarlanes and other Scottish clans.

The McFadzean name provides its bearer with a unique identity, while at the same time connecting them to a proud, long lineage. Its holder has the opportunity to learn of their heritage and to define what it means to them as a member of the McFadzean sept—to live up to the courage and honor of their ancestors.

McFadzean: Where does the name McFadzean come from?

The last name McFadzean is not particularly common in the modern day. It is most frequently found among individuals in the North of Scotland, particularly in Aberdeenshire. These individuals are all likely to be related to the same line of ancestors.

The primary origin of the McFadzean surname is the Scottish Gaelic MacFhionghuin, which suggests it emerged in Scotland during the Middle Ages. It is believed to have originated with either the Gaedhil or Norse people, though this has yet to be conclusively proven.

McFadzean is a relatively rare name in Britain, even today. In the most recent census, it was recorded as the 24,001st most common surname. The highest concentration of individuals with this surname is found in the small Scottish burghs of Dyce and Potterton, where it is the 37th and 53rd most frequent name respectively.

In the United States, the surname McFadzean is much rarer still. The Social Security Administration has the last name McFadzean recorded at around 7,500 people, however this covers surnames like McFadzeon and McFadgen taking into segmentation. It is a more popular name in Canada, where it is found to be among the 13,000 most common names.

Overall, the last name McFadzean is still relatively rare today, though its prevalence is higher in Scotland than anywhere else in the world.

Variations of the surname McFadzean

McFadzean is a Scottish surname that originated in a sept of Clan MacFarlane. It is one of the few surnames in the Scottish Highlands that remains in approximately the same spelling. Variants of the name McFadzean include: MacFadzean, McFadzen, MacFadzin, McFadzin, MacFadgen, MacFadzane, MacFadzeen, McFadbin, McFadgen, McFadzen and MacFadzein.

The surname McFadzean is associated with Clan MacFarlane which is part of the larger Scottish clan system. The derivation of the name McFadzean is from the Gaelic MacPhàdcean which means “ son of the battle hound”. This is fitting as Clan MacFarlane were an offshoot of the larger Clan Colquhoun; both clans were known for their hunting and warrior expertise.

The origin of the McFadzean family can be traced back to Clan MacFarlane and the Scottish Highlands. The original spelling of the name was Macfadzin and the earliest recorded use was for a Simon Macfadzin in the early 1500s. The McFadzean spelling was in use in the late 1700s. McFadzean is known to be predominantly a Scottish surname but there are also a small number of people who originate from England and Wales who carry this name.

The McFadzean family motto is "Virtutis Gloria merces" which can be translated to mean "the reward of glory is virtue".

Famous people with the name McFadzean

• Logan McFadzean: Canadian footballer who is currently a member of FC Edmonton in the Canadian Premier League.
• Tom McFadzean: Scottish footballer who played as a forward for Queen of the South, Cowdenbeath, and East Fife.
• John McFadzean: Scottish footballer who played as a defender for Leith Athletic, Hearts, and St Bernard's.
• Scott McFadzean: Scottish footballer who played for a number of teams, including Hibernian, Dundee United, and St Johnstone.
• Ross McFadzean: Scottish footballer who played as a midfielder for Berwick Rangers and Partick Thistle.
• Ben McFadzean: English footballer who played as a forward for Morecambe and Bristol Rovers.
• Bryan McFadzean: Scottish double bassist, producer, and composer.
• Jock McFadzean: Scottish actor, best known for his role as Bill Douglas in the television series Take the High Road.
• Stephanie McFadzean: Canadian actress, best known for her role as Saffron in the television series Corner Gas.
• Thomas McFadzean: Canadian Prime Minister from 1867-1872.

Other surnames

McFadzen