Surname McLachlan - Meaning and Origin
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McLachlan: What does the surname McLachlan mean?
The McLachlan surname is of Scottish origin. It generally derives from the Gaelic "MacLochlainn" which translates to "son of Lochlann". "Lochlann" is a personal name meaning "Viking" or literally "Lake-land", referencing the home land of the Norse invaders. This name was commonly found among the descendants of the Norsemen who had settled in parts of Scotland, particularly in the Highlands and Islands. As with most surnames of this type, there are likely to be several different clans or families that bear the name McLachlan, some of which may not be directly related. This name is particularly associated with the region of Argyll and Bute in the southwestern part of the country. The McLachlans were a part of the larger Clan Lachlan, and their traditional clan seat was at old Castle Lachlan on the shores of Loch Fyne.
Order DNA origin analysisMcLachlan: Where does the name McLachlan come from?
The surname McLachlan is of Scottish origin. It belongs to the category of 'patronymic' surnames, which are derived from the personal name of the original bearer's father or another older relative. The prefix 'Mc' means 'son of' in Gaelic, while 'Lachlan' is a popular Scottish male given name. Therefore, McLachlan essentially translates to 'son of Lachlan.' The McLachlan clan originated from a region in Scotland known as Argyll.
Today, this last name is quite common in countries where Scottish individuals have emigrated throughout history, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. It's also still prevalent in Scotland. The surname has maintained its popularity due in part to descendants keeping the name alive over generations and also because of its association with several notable people, such as Canadian singer and songwriter Sarah McLachlan.
Variations of the surname McLachlan
The surname McLachlan is a Scottish surname with Gaelic roots. The name originates from the Gaelic term "MacLochlainn" meaning son of Lochlann. Lochlann was a region in Norway that was commonly referred to by the Gaels, making this a classic example of a patronymic surname.
The surname McLachlan has a few alternate spellings and variations due to regional differences, translation errors, and personal preference. Some of these variations include MacLachlan, McLauchlan, MacLauchlan, MacLaughlin, McLaughlin, MacLochlainn, and McLochlainn.
There are other less common variants such as McLachlen, McLachline, and McLachling. Occasionally, the name can be found without the "Mac" or "Mc" prefix, although this is less usual. The "Mac" and "Mc" in the name mean "son of," so removing it alters the name's meaning.
It's also important to note that different countries have their respective versions of the name. For instance, the Irish counterpart is usually McLaughlin or MacLochlainn, while in English-speaking countries, McLaughlin and Laughlin are common.
Therefore, the surname McLachlan, and its variants, can be interconnected and provide a rich history and heritage for those who bear them.
Famous people with the name McLachlan
- Sarah McLachlan: singer/songwriter/musician
- Craig McLachlan: actor, singer, and composer
- Marlon McLachlan: former professional cricketer
- David McLachlan: Canadian lawyer and author
- Daniel McLachlan: Scottish footballer
- Gary McLachlan: professional football player
- Jaimie McLachlan: professional squash player
- Alan McLachlan: former Scottish football player
- Sarah McLachlan: Canadian businesswoman and activist
- Christine McLachlan: former Australian basketball player
- Patrick McLachlan: former British film and television actor
- Nicky McLachlan: former British entertainer
- Bill McLachlan: Canadian politician
- Neal McLachlan: New Zealand rugby union player
- Gordon McLachlan: former Canadian politician
- Angus McLachlan: Canadian politician
- William McLachlan: British sailor