Surname MacLelan - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'M'
MacLelan: What does the surname MacLelan mean?
The surname MacLelan is of Scottish origin and it is considered a variant spelling of the name "MacLellan," which is a patronymic form of the personal name "Lellan." The prefix "Mac" in Scottish and Irish names means "son of," indicating lineage. Therefore, MacLelan can be interpreted to mean "son of Lellan."
The name "Lellan" itself is a reduced form of the old personal name "Lulach," which is derived from a Gaelic term meaning "foolish" or "simple." Lulach was also the name of a 10th century king of Scotland, Lulach the Simple. However, it should be noted that in the context of names, "simple" could also signify innocence or purity rather than stupidity.
Like many surnames, variations in spelling are common, including Maclellan, MacLellan, McLellan, and others. Many MacLellans are associated with Galloway on the western coast of Scotland, with the MacLellan Castle in Kirkcudbright being a significant landmark. Despite the original meaning, the name MacLelan, like many surnames, doesn't typically carry any particular denotation in modern times. It simply serves as a familial identifier passed down through generations.
Order DNA origin analysisMacLelan: Where does the name MacLelan come from?
The surname MacLelan likely originates from Scotland, stemming from the Gaelic language. The "Mac" prefix means "son of," suggesting that an ancestor was named Lelan, Leal, or Leland. The name could be linked to the MacLellan Clan, a Scottish clan from Galloway, a region in Southwestern Scotland.
The MacLellan Castle, a renowned landmark in Scotland, stands as historical proof of this clan's existence in the region. The MacLellan Clan unfortunately lost prominence over time, and although they do not have a recognized clan chief today, the surname and its variants are still present worldwide.
Given the historical emigration patterns from Scotland, particularly during the Highland Clearances of the 18th and 19th centuries, MacLelan and its variants can be found in English-speaking countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The surname is not extraordinarily common today, but places with Scottish heritage or influence are more likely to have individuals with the MacLelan surname.
Variations of the surname MacLelan
The surname MacLelan originates from Scotland and comes from the Scottish Gaelic "Mac Gille Eóin," which means "son of the servant of [Saint] John." Over the centuries, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence due to the archaic nature of medieval languages. Therefore, the surname MacLelan can be found in various forms such as MacLellan, McLellan, MacLelland, McLelland, MacClelland, McClelland, and Clelland.
MacLelan has faced numerous spelling changes as it evolved, thanks to spelling variations and different translator interpretations. Some versions have even dropped the 'Mac' or 'Mc' prefix, leaving just 'Lelan' or 'Lelland' as an alternative form of the name. Other derivative variants also include McIllellan and Makgillane, which are thought to be less common.
The surname MacLelan primarily originated from Galloway, a region in Southwestern Scotland. Galloway was once a medieval kingdom and most families, including the MacLelan, took their surname from this place. Another branch of the clan was from Bombie, Kirkcudbrightshire. Despite the variations in spelling, they all refer to the same lineage and shared ancestral roots.
Famous people with the name MacLelan
- Ken MacLelan: Canadian historian and professor at Carleton University.
- Patrick MacLelan: Retail executive with extensive experience in offline and online retailing.
- Tom MacLelan: independent film director and composer whose work has been featured on HBO and other networks.
- Sean MacLelan: Canadian voice actor known for his work on numerous animated series and video games.
- J.A. MacLelan: Canadian lawyer and litigator who serves on the Federal Court of Appeal.
- Mary MacLelan: Scottish spinster and historian who wrote about Scottish history and folklore.
- Ellen MacLelan: Scottish artist known for her impressionistic paintings of animals and nature scenes.
- Martin MacLelan: Canadian professor and author of several books on the history of Canadian policy.
- Fraser MacLelan: Canadian lawyer and judge who sits on the British Columbia Court of Appeal.
- Courtney MacLelan: Canadian actress, best known for her portrayal of Gretchen Perkins in the TV series "Degrassi: The Next Generation".