Surname McKerran - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'M'
McKerran: What does the surname McKerran mean?
The surname McKerran is of Scottish origin, derived from the Gaelic "Mac Fhearchair," which means "Son of Farquhar." The name Farquhar itself has Gaelic roots with components "fear" meaning man and "char" indicating love or dear, thereby suggesting the literal translation as "beloved man." Surnames beginning with 'Mac' or 'Mc' were traditionally used in Gaelic culture to indicate sonship, so McKerran suggests a familial lineage to someone named Farquhar. Over time, the surnames may have been modified or anglicized, leading to variations like McKerran or even Farquharson. As a surname, McKerran can be found in historical records including clan affiliations throughout Scotland, particularly in the regions known today as Aberdeenshire, Kincardineshire, and Forfarshire. This surname, like others, can tell a story about family history, geographical roots, or even occupational beginnings going back centuries.
Order DNA origin analysisMcKerran: Where does the name McKerran come from?
The surname McKerran is of Scottish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic Mac Gearain which means "son of Gearain." The name Gearain itself is derived from a diminutive of the old Irish word 'gearr' meaning 'short or small’. This could suggest that the first person to bear the name may have been shorter in stature.
The surname McKerran, like other surnames starting with 'Mc' or 'Mac', is typically associated with families from the Highlands of Scotland, where many Scottish clans and families were historically based. Variations of the spelling include: McKeran, McKerron, McKerrun, and McKerren.
Today, it is found mainly in Scotland and other parts of the British Isles; however, due to historic emigration, it can also be found in countries where Scots have settled, such as the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Despite this, McKerran remains an extremely rare surname - in Britain it is ranked as the 19,872nd most common surname, indicating its relative rarity.
Variations of the surname McKerran
The surname McKerran is of Irish origin and might be variant of the surname McKernan, as it is common Irish tradition to prefix family names with 'Mac' or 'Mc' meaning 'son of.'
Numerous variations exist, depending on phonetic translations and regional differences. These include Mc Kernan, McKenzie, MacKernan, McKiernan, McKiernon, McKernin, McKernon, McKiernin, McKieron, McKieran, McKierninan, McKern, and McKerns, along with a variety of others. Some other potential variants include MacKiernan, MacKernon and MacKernin. The 'Mac' or 'Mc' might also be dropped in some versions, making them Kiernan, Kernan, Kieran or Kiernon.
The spelling of the surname can vary greatly, due largely to illiteracy amongst people of the name's origin when surnames were first being assigned, resulting in multiple phonetic interpretations. The variety in spelling of this surname is also because Irish names were often Latinized during the Middle Ages.
This surname is common in Northern Ireland, particularly in the counties of Tyrone, Fermanagh and Monaghan, but are also found in Leitrim and Connacht.
Please note that tracing a family history with names that have so many spellings might be challenging and not completely accurate.
Famous people with the name McKerran
- Kristine McKerran: Kristine McKerran is a professional actress who has appeared in numerous Broadway shows, including Les Misérables, Aida, and Fiddler on the Roof. She won the 2019 Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Play for her performance in Gary: A Sequel to Titus Andronicus.
- Johnny McKerran: Johnny McKerran is a blues singer and guitarist from the UK who has toured the US and Europe. He has released several albums, including Travellin' Light and One Knight Stands, and has collaborated with other artists, including Little Milton.
- Lee McKerran: Lee McKerran is a jazz musician who has released four albums, including Jazz Instrumental, and has toured with various jazz bands and ensembles.
- Jimmy McKerran: Jimmy McKerran is an American comedian who has appeared on television shows such as Gotham Comedy Live and Showtime’s Live at the Apollo. He has also performed stand-up comedy in various clubs around the US.
- Dan McKerran: Dan McKerran is a former professional hockey player who played for the Phoenix Coyotes in the NHL. He also played in other professional hockey leagues, including the AHL and the IHL.
- Mason McKerran: Mason McKerran is an American fashion designer and the founder of the clothing line Krow. He has dressed numerous celebrities and has been featured in magazines such as GQ and Vogue.