Surname McLelan - Meaning and Origin
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McLelan: What does the surname McLelan mean?
The last name McLelan, also spelled as MacLellan, McLellan, or McClellan, is of Scottish origin and is derived from the Gaelic "MacGilleFhaolain". This name is a patronymic form composed of the elements "mac" meaning “son of”, "gille” translating to “servant,” and "Fhaolain" being a personal name meaning "wolf".
So, the full translation of the last name McLelan can be understood as “son of the servant of (Saint) Fillan” or "son of the servant of the wolf". Saint Fillan was an Irish missionary of the 8th century who is revered in Scotland. The Clan MacLellan, associated with this surname, originated from Galloway in the Lowlands of Scotland.
Like many surnames, McLelan could have also been a locational name for someone who lived in a place named after Saint Fillan. It's important to note that the exact meanings of surnames can vary due to regional dialects, translation variations, and changes over time.
Order DNA origin analysisMcLelan: Where does the name McLelan come from?
The surname McLelan is of Scottish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic elements "Mac," meaning son, and "Gille Fhaolain," referring to a devotee to St. Fillan, a 7th century Irish missionary who settled in Scotland. Over the centuries, the surname McLelan evolved in its spellings, with variants including MacLellan, McLellan, McLelland, and others.
MacLellan families were historically associated with Galloway in South-West Scotland. Their ancestral seat was at Bombie, near Kirkcudbright, where they built a substantial castle in the 16th century. Today, people with the surname McLelan and its variations can be found worldwide due to diaspora, especially in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand where many Scottish emigrants settled. Despite this global spread, the name remains more common in Scotland and areas with significant Scottish heritage or immigration.
Variations of the surname McLelan
The surname McLelan has origins in Scotland and it's a variation of the surname MacLellan. The "Mac" prefix in Scottish and Irish names indicates "son of," so this name suggests a lineage traced back to someone named Lellan.
There are several variations on the McLelan surname, possibly arising from differences in regional dialects, translation errors, or other factors. The most common variant is MacLellan, but other versions include McLellan, McLellon, McLelland, MacLelland, Mclellon, and Mclelland, reflecting differences in phonetic interpretation. These surnames are all believed to come from the same linguistic and cultural root.
As these names have moved around the world, other variations have also been introduced. In the U.S. and other English-speaking countries, versions like McClellan, McClleland, McClelland, and McClellon can be found, along with less common spellings such as MacClellan, MacClelland, and Macklellan.
For each variation, you can also find versions without the "C", such as M'Lellan or even M'lellon. The diversity of these surnames reflects the complex history and wide geographic spread of the Scottish diaspora.
Famous people with the name McLelan
- Stephen McLelan: actor and professor of theatre who has appeared in various TV shows, films, Broadway, and Off-Broadway productions
- Alexander McLelan: artist whose work explores concepts such as the passage of time, public and private space, and the relationship between abstraction and representation.
- Pamela McLelan: a recurring character in the Canadian television series Degrassi: The Next Generation.
- Brett McLelan: a former NHL player who played for the Edmonton Oilers, New Jersey Devils, Phoenix Coyotes and Minnesota Wild.
- Brad McLelan: professional lacrosse player who plays for the Colorado Mammoth.
- Tish McLelan: Social Media Strategist and producer
- Kyle McLelan: professional soccer player who currently plays for FC Dallas in the MLS.
- Landon McLelan: actor who has appeared in films such as Street Kings and Rampart.
- Brian McLelan: guitarist and founding member of the Canadian punk band SNFU.
- Sean McLelan: country music singer/songwriter from Canada.