Surname MacLees - Meaning and Origin
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MacLees: What does the surname MacLees mean?
The surname MacLees is a Scottish and Irish surname derived from the Gaelic name Mac an Laoigh, which means "son of the calf." The MacLees family was originally located in Scotland in the region of Lorn, which is now part of Argyllshire. It is thought that the populous MacLees clan may have descended from Giolla Deacair Mac Swein, a sept of Clan MacNaughton. As part of a larger clan, the MacLees were known for their loyalty and dedication to defending their homeland.
The MacLees family is noted for their roles in many of Scotland's most important battles, and some of Scotland's greatest victories are credited to the MacLees, who were skilled fighters and tacticians. The MacLees were at the fore of the Battle of Inverlochy in 1645, where they lead an army of Irish troops and defeated a larger force of royalist supporters. The clan's bravery and success in the field of battle was celebrated and recorded in several of Scotland's oral histories.
Today, MacLees descendants are scattered around the world, and many continue to have clan associations in Scotland. Members of the MacLees clan consistently display a courage and strength of character that is still held in awe by many Scots. This famous surname shall remain forever as a testament to the distinguished bravery and nobility of the brave people from the land of the MacLees.
Order DNA origin analysisMacLees: Where does the name MacLees come from?
The last name MacLees is most commonly associated with Scotland. This last name is derived from the Gaelic MacGillies which is found in Argyll and is found in Scotland's southwestern part.
This last name is a common surname among Scottish highlanders and is mostly found in Aberdeenshire, Angus, Argyll, Perth, and Stjewrt, as well as throughout Scotland and its surrounding islands. It is also common in Northern Ireland, but to a lesser extent. The MacLees are well known for their strong sense of family and loyalty to Scotland.
The MacLees are part of the ancient Clan Chattan, with connections to the Campbells, MacGregors, MacIntoshes, and the MacKintoshes. They are said to be descended from Alpin, the son of Kenneth MacAlpin who unified Scotland in the 9th century.
Today, the last name MacLees is one of the most popular last names in the Highlands of Scotland, and is still very much associated with Clan Chattan. There have been many prominent people with this surname, including the Scottish actress and presenter Lorraine MacLees.
Furthermore, the MacLees are found in many different countries, especially Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada. Despite the fact that the MacLees have spread all over the world, they remain true to their roots and still make Scotland their home.
Variations of the surname MacLees
The surname MacLees is derived from the Gaelic Mac Leis, which means “son of Leis.” The variants of this origin include MacLees, M’Leish, McLeish, McLees, McLes, McClis, MacLies, M’Lies, McLeese, McLesse, MacLesse, M’Lesse, and MacLese.
MacLees is an anglicized version of the Gaelic Mac Leis, which itself is an adaption of the Old Norse Mac Lesi – “son of Lesi.” The other variants of the surname MacLees are derived from similar bases. For example, MacLies and McLies are derived from MacLise or MacLisi, which is an adaptation of the Old Norse Mac Lesi.
McLeese is a variant of MacLees derived from MacLise or MacLisi. Similarly, McLesse and MacLesse are derived from MacLesi, and M’Lesse is derived from the Gaelic Mac Lesi.
The surname of MacLees also has many alternative spellings. These include MacLius, McLeish, M’Leish, McLes, McCles, and Maclies. All of these spellings are based on the root of the surname – Mac Leise.
Finally, there are many surnames that derive from the origin of MacLees. These include MacHaleis, MacHull, McHulleis, McWees, and MacSwaleis. All of these surnames are descended from the original name of Mac Leis, and all carry a unique Gaelic lineage.
Famous people with the name MacLees
- William MacLees, a former footballer from Scotland
- Robert Wallace MacLees, a filmmaker from Canada
- Karen MacLees, a Canadian race car driver
- Chris MacLees, a Canadian soccer player
- Timothy MacLees, a Scottish mathematician
- John MacLees, a former professional boxer from Scotland
- Walter Stephen MacLees, Canadian politician
- Bruce MacLees, Canadian World War I veteran of Scottish descent
- Grant MacLees, Australian politician
- William Cullen MacLees, a Canadian World War II soldier
- George MacLees, a Canadian Métis postmaster