Surname McFarren - Meaning and Origin

McFarren: What does the surname McFarren mean?

The last name McFarren is believed to be of Scottish origin. It is a variation of the name MacFarlane, with "Mc" meaning "son of" and "Farlane" having a variety of different meanings, such as referring to high-quality land and a fork in a river. However, some research also suggests the name could be derived from the Middle English term 'faren', meaning 'wander', making the name MacFarlan to mean 'son of the wanderer'.

Over the years, the McFarren surname has spread to many other parts of the world, with McFarren families now found in countries such as the United States, Canada, England, and Ireland. In earlier centuries, many McFarrens were prominent landowners, and some of them were known for their involvement in politics.

Today, the McFarren surname is still common in many parts of the world. Although the exact meaning of the name is still unclear, it is likely it began as a reference to the land or to wandering. Regardless of its origin, it is clear that the McFarren surname has enjoyed long-term success, with many people proud of keeping the name alive.

McFarren: Where does the name McFarren come from?

The last name McFarren is most common in the United States today, primarily in the Midwest and Southeast regions. The U.S. Census Bureau reports that as of 2020, California is home to the highest population of McFarrens. More specifically, the states of Ohio, Michigan, Kentucky, and New York contain the greatest concentrations of individuals with this surname.

Worldwide, the name McFarren is most widespread in the English-speaking world, particularly in the United States and the United Kingdom. It is believed to be of Northern Irish and Scottish origin, and is thought to be derived from the Gaelic MacFhearghuis, meaning “son of Farghus”. It is likely that individuals with the surname migrated to Ireland from Scotland sometime in the 1600’s, and eventually spread to the US in the early colonial period.

In modern times, McFarren is a relatively uncommon name. It’s far from extinct, however, as the US Census data reveals. There is an active McFarren genealogy society, which is dedicated to researching the genealogy of individuals with this last name and connecting modern-day McFarrens with their ancestral origins.

Variations of the surname McFarren

The surname McFarren has a variety of variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. The most common variant is McFarlane, and mainly appears throughout Scotland as the surname is an old Scottish clan name. Other spellings of the name, which are mainly found in Scotland and Northern Ireland, include McFarlan, Farron, Farren, and MacFarlane.

Variations on the original surname appear in other parts of the world, such as Ireland and the United States. McFerrin, McFerran, and McFerrane are main variants found in the United States, with McFarran and McFerrin being the most common.

In Ireland, mainly County Donegal, McFarren is often spelled McFerron in records, which can also be found in Scotland. McFearon is another Irish variant of the name.

Other spellings which can be found in various parts of the world are compatable names such as McFarlane (mainly Scotland and Northern Ireland), MacFarland (mainly Ireland and US) Farland (mainly Ireland and US) and McGarland (mainly Scotland and Northern Ireland).

Variations of McFarren that still exist as surnames, due to marriages, or being made up, are MacFarlane, MacFarren and MacFerran.

To ensure accuracy, and to get the most accurate spelling variations for the surname McFarren, it is best to consult genealogical records or search online websites such as ancestry.com.

Famous people with the name McFarren

• Christopher McFarren: American television writer and producer who has worked on shows such as Only Fools and Horses, How I Met Your Mother, Big Bang Theory, Freaks and Geeks, 30 Rock, The Office, Arrested Development and Friends.
• Renny McFarren: Canadian country singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who has released numerous albums. McFarren has won multiple Canadian Country Music Awards and Juno Awards.
• Mac McFarren: professional American football player in the mid-1960s for the Baltimore Colts and the Denver Broncos.
• Carrie McFarren: American actress best known for her roles as Jennifer on Step by Step and Kristen on The Young and the Restless.
• Glenda McFarren: American writer and creative writing professor at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. She has authored several novels and poetry collections.
• John McFarren: American politician and member of the United States House of Representatives from Ohio's 16th congressional district from 1891 to 1895.
• Arthur McFarren: British actor and film director of the silent era who worked for the Biograph Company. He is known for his work on The The Book of Daniel (1913) and The Women's awakening of India (1914).
• Bob McFarren: American jazz composer and vibraphone player who has released numerous albums and performed around the world.
• Hal McFarren: American television and film producer who has worked on shows such as Happy Days, The Brady Bunch, Full House, and Hawaii Five-0.
• Jim McFarren: Canadian professional ice hockey player who played for the AHL's Baltimore Clippers from 1943 to 1950.

Other surnames

McFarralMcFarranMcFarrelMcFarrellMcFarrellyMcFarrol

Comments or additions to the name "McFarren"

25.03.2024
McFerren was my Grandfather's name. His grandfather was McFarren So I’m thinking my great grandfather changed the spelling.