Surname McLeane - Meaning and Origin

McLeane: What does the surname McLeane mean?

The surname McLeane is of Scottish origin, derived from the Gaelic Mac Gille Eathain, which translates to "son of the servant of Saint John." In this context, 'Mac' means 'son of,' 'Gille' translates to 'servant or follower,' and 'Eathain' refers to John. Therefore, this surname originally signified religious loyalty to Saint John. Over time the name morphed into several variations, including McLean, MacLean, and MacLaine, depending on the dialect and region. However, all these names carry the same significance. Surnames such as these were commonly used to signify family lineage and occupation in Scotland during the Middle Ages. The McLeane family had significant presence in the Scottish Hebrides, where they held a family seat from early times and played a significant role in shaping the nation's history and culture.

McLeane: Where does the name McLeane come from?

The last name McLeane is of Scottish origin, stemming from the Gaelic language. It is derived from "Mac Gille Eathain," which translates to "son of the servant of Saint John." Historically, the McLeane family was a major force among Scottish clans, particularly in the Western Isles and Highlands of Scotland.

The McLeane surname, also spelled MacLean, McLean, or MacLaine, is still common in Scotland today. Many descendants of the original McLeane clan also reside in other parts of the United Kingdom. Waves of Scottish emigration in the 18th and 19th centuries due to economic hardship led to the spread of the name to other parts of the world. Particularly, the surname McLeane can be found in high concentrations in the United States, Canada, and Australia. Nevertheless, it is not among the most common surnames in these countries. The international dispersal of Scottish surnames occurred in various spellings, so McLeane may be less common than its variants.

Variations of the surname McLeane

The surname McLeane is of Scottish origin originating from the Gaelic MacGille Eathain, which means 'son of the servant of Saint John'. The spelling of the surname McLeane can vary greatly, as it was recorded in many different forms throughout history due to phonetic interpretations and regional dialects.

Here are some of the spellings taken from old manuscripts: MacLean, MacLaine, MacLane, MacLeane, MacClean, MacClain, MacClane, MacLean, MacCleane, and McLain. There’s also MacKlane, McKlane, Macklean, Makclane, Makclean, Maiklaine, Maclane, McClain, McClean, McCleane, McLean, McLaine, McLane, McLaren, McLarnon, and many others. As typically seen in Scottish clans, prefixed versions can also be found without the “Mac” or “Mc”, giving variations like Lean, Leane, Lane, Laine, and Clean, among others.

The surname also reached other countries like Ireland, where it was anglicized from the Gaelic Mac Giolla Eáin (follower of St. John) to MacLean, McLean, or McLane.

The clan was historically associated with the Inner Hebridean islands of Mull and Tiree, and the surname remains common in these areas.

Famous people with the name McLeane

• Sir Kenneth McLeane: British diplomat, known for his service in Canada and South Africa
• Toby McLeane: British actor
• Margaret McLeane: British sculptor
• Ken McLeane: British musician and songwriter
• Charles McLeane: Australian cricketer
• William McLeane: American theologian and philosopher
• Peter McLeane: British businessman
• Don McLeane: American musician
• James McLeane: Canadian politician
• Paul McLeane: American political strategist

Other surnames

McleaMcLeanMcLearenMcLearinMcLearnMcLearranMcLearyMcLeay