Surname McPharlan - Meaning and Origin

McPharlan: What does the surname McPharlan mean?

The last name McPharlan is a Scottish surname that originated in the Scottish Highlands. The origin of the name McPharlan suggests that it may have been derived from the Gaelic surname MacParthalain, which translates literally as "son of Parthalan".

The MacParthalain or MacParlan family likely had their ancestral origin in the area of Gleann-Cholm Cille, possibly from the area of Boylagh, County Donegal.

The principal seat of the McPharlans was at Shewalton House, Inverclyde. Shewalton house is now owned by the National Trust for Scotland. The surrounding area is known for its light and unspoilt landscapes and is the location of a variety of archaeological sites.

The surname McPharlan is believed to have been taken up by those of the MacParthalain family, who were exiled from Ireland to Scotland and then took the surname of their place of origin for their surname.

McPharlan is associated with noble and ancient lineage, the name is well known throughout Scotland and its history goes back to many centuries. It is said to have been originally related to the district of Rosgill, which is now known as the parish of Rosgill in Caithness.

The traditional meaning of the surname is believed to be “son of Parthalan”, a Middle Scots or Irish variation of Bartholomew. It is thought that the family probably descended from a chieftain or leader, making them a high ranking and noble family.

In the modern day, McPharlan is still a significant surname and is recognized by many in Scotland. To many, the McPharlan surname represents a proud history and a rich family legacy.

McPharlan: Where does the name McPharlan come from?

The last name McPharlan is not overly common today, however there are a few places where it can be found.

In the United States, the McPharlan surname can be found primarily in the states of Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Tennessee. McPharlan families that immigrated to the US likely descended from Scottish roots, but many who use the name today havecome from other parts of the world.

The surname can also be found in other parts of North America, including Canada. There is a significantly larger McPharlan population in Canada compared to the United States. They primarily live in Ontario and BC, but can also be found in Nova Scotia, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan.

McPharlan is not a common surname in the United Kingdom, although there is a small number of people who use it. It is mostly found in Scotland, with a smaller concentration in Northern Ireland.

In Australia, the surname can be found primarily in the states of Victoria and New South Wales. There are a few McPharlans living in other states, but the population is generally fairly small.

Overall, the McPharlan surname is not a particularly common one, but individuals using the name can be found in various places around the world.

Variations of the surname McPharlan

The surname McPharlan is a variation of a name of Scottish origin. This name is derived from the title Mac Pharlain, which originated from the Gaelic Mac Phàrlain. The name is recorded in many different forms throughout Scotland and Ireland, including Mac Parlan, MacFarlane, MacPharlin, MacFarlan, MacFarland, McFarlane, MacPharlane, MacFarlaine, McFarlan, Farland, MacPhail, Farlan, and McFarland.

In its earlier forms, the name was often spelled M'Parlan, M'Pharland, M'Farlan and M'Farlane. As the name was adopted by people of different backgrounds, many variations of the spelling began to appear. McPharlan, McFarlan, MacFarlan and MacFarlane are the most commonly used spellings in Scotland. In Ireland, the Mac Pharlain and MacFarlane spellings are more commonly used.

The variations of the name McPharlan are highlighted in the popular novel, "Rob Roy" by Sir Walter Scott where one of the characters is mentioned as a McPharlan. The name McFarlane appears in many historical records, including a memorial tablet dedicated to a Lieutenant Thomas McFarlane who fell during the Spanish-American War.

The variations of the McPharlan surname have spread to other places around the world. In the United States, many people with this surname are descended from a family that immigrated in the late 1700s from Scotland to Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. Other families with this surname may be descended from Irish families that immigrated during the potato famine. Those with McPharlan ancestry can trace it thanks to detailed genealogical records.

Famous people with the name McPharlan

• David McPharlan: American professional singer and songwriter
• Mike McPharlan: Two-time All-American High School lacrosse player
• Kevin McPharlan: Actor and director
• Alex McPharlan: Professional footballer
• Amanda McPharlan: British professional ballerina
• Mark McPharlan: Olympic gold medalist decathlete
• Kelly McPharlan: Canadian professional short track speed skater
• Andrew McPharlan: British professional rugby union player
• Shelley McPharlan: Australian professional swimmer
• Robert McPharlan: American professional daredevil and stuntman
• Andy McPharlan: American professional BMX rider
• Claire McPharlan: British professional long-distance runner
• Lucinda McPharlan: Scottish professional racecar driver
• Gregory McPharlan: American professional surfer
• Bruce McPharlan: American professional boxer

Other surnames

McPharlandMcPharlane