Surname McMolen - Meaning and Origin
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McMolen: What does the surname McMolen mean?
The last name McMolen is an Anglicized form of the Scots Gaelic MacMhaolain, which is derived from the Gaelic root word “maol”, meaning tonsured one. The name would have been originally used to describe someone who was a devotee of Saint Maolain. This would suggest that the original bearer of this surname was probably a monk in the Celtic Church.
Another theory is that the name may be derived from the Gaelic “Mac Mhaolain”, which means son of the soldier or warrior. This theory likely comes from the fact that the MakMhaolains were a powerful, well-known family associated with the Lords of the Isles, a medieval title which was held by rulers of the area of Scotland known as the Kingdom of the Isles between the late 13th and late 15th centuries.
The McMolen name is found mostly in the Scottish Highland regions of Scotland near the towns of Inverness, Argyll and Bute, and Lochaber. It has been found to have been used in both Scotland and Ireland for quite some time.
The McMolen name is still commonplace today throughout Scotland, Ireland, the United States and parts of the Commonwealth, and is still carried on by descendants of the original bearer families. Whether the family name is derived from a monk or warrior, it is a reminder of Scottish heritage that will live on through the numerous families who still bear the name.
Order DNA origin analysisMcMolen: Where does the name McMolen come from?
The surname McMolen appears to be of Irish or Scottish origin, derived from the Gaelic prefix "Mac" meaning "son of," often attributed to patronymic surnames in these cultures. The second half, "Molen", is less clear but could relate to a unique family or regional identifier. It's worth mentioning that this surname is quite rare and its precise derivation could vary based on individual family histories.
Although the name may have originated in Ireland or Scotland, people with this surname have spread worldwide, largely due to migration. Today, it’s common in the United States, owing to the historical immigration from Europe, particularly during the 19th and 20th centuries. However, "common" is perhaps misleading, as McMolen remains a relatively rare surname in any specific location. Additionally, social media platforms, such as Facebook and LinkedIn, and genealogical websites might give further insights about the present geographical distribution of people with the McMolen name.
Variations of the surname McMolen
The surname McMolen is of Scottish and Irish origin, forming part of the group of surnames derived from the personal name of an ancestor. Variations of this surname could include the original Gaelic form Mac Mhaolain, which signifies a follower of St. Maolán. Other possible variations could include McMillan, MacMillan, MacMullan, MacMullen, McMillen, McMillon, McMillin, McMillian, MacMillen, McMulen and many more.
All these variations in spelling arose from the Gaelic-Scots spelling of names which depended on the translator's phonetic interpretation of the spoken name. Different branches of the family could also have adopted different spellings over time.
It's also worth noting that the prefix "Mac" or "Mc" denotes 'son of,' so some families may have omitted this over time, leading to further variants such as Molen, Mullan, etc.
In terms of distribution, whilst the name is distinctly of Gaelic-Scots origin, it is now also found in regions such as Northern Ireland, Australia, the United States and Canada, due to historical migration patterns. It's worth noting that in these areas, the spelling might have been further anglicized or altered due to cultural assimilation.
Famous people with the name McMolen
- Willi McMillen: former professional basketball player and Hall of Fame inductee, who played in the NBA for the Houston Rockets, New York Nets, and Buffalo Braves
- Terri McMillen: former professional golfer and broadcaster
- David McMillan: professional football player who was a linebacker for the Chicago Bears and Denver Broncos
- Bruce McMillen: former professional baseball player
- Claire McMillen: professional figure skater who won a bronze medal at the 2006 Winter Olympics
- Michael McMillen: visual artist, sculptor, and installation artist
- Amie McMillen: professional bodybuilding champion and personal trainer
- Sam McMillen: professional mixed martial arts fighter and trainer
- Brad McMillen: former professional baseball player
- John McMillen: former professional boxer and world heavyweight champion
- Marshall McMillen: professional golfer
- Patrick McMillen: professional ice hockey player
- Shelby McMillen: professional chef and restaurateur