Surname MacMillan - Meaning and Origin
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Unearthing Fascinating Surprises in my MacMillan Heritage: An iGENEA DNA Test Experience
In my quest to trace my roots, I undertook the iGENEA DNA test. Anticipating typical results related to my surname, MacMillan, I was startled to find unexpected depths and a diverse lineage that connected me to stories and peoples that I had no idea were part of my history.
A. MacMillan
read moreMacMillan: What does the surname MacMillan mean?
The last name MacMillan, originated from Scotland, has Gaelic roots and is derived from the Gaelic word "MacMhaolain", loosely translating to "son of the bald or tonsured one." In ancient times, becoming tonsured was a sign of devotion or dedication to a religious life or order, often indicating status as a monk or cleric. Therefore, the name could suggest ‘a son of a servant of the church’. The surname MacMillan is widespread in Scotland, especially in the areas of Argyll, Galloway, and the western Isles. There are several branches of the Macmillan clan across Scotland, including MacMillan of Dunmore, MacMillan of Murlaggan, and MacMillan of Brockloch. The clan MacMillan's motto is "Miseris succurrere disco," Latin for "I learn to succor the unfortunate."
Order DNA origin analysisMacMillan: Where does the name MacMillan come from?
The last name MacMillan originates from Scotland. It is derived from the Gaelic "MacMhaolain" which means "son of the bald or tonsured one". This name was often used to refer to a follower of Saint John the Baptist, with the 'tonsure' referring to a specific haircut the devotees wore, which involved shaving the crown of the head. Various branches of the MacMillan clan scattered across Scotland, predominantly in regions like Galloway, Argyll, and the Highlands.
Today, the surname MacMillan is still common in Scotland, but it has also spread significantly due to immigration. It's frequently found in countries where Scottish people have emigrated in large numbers such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. There is also a significant presence in England and Northern Ireland. Therefore, while its origins lie in Scotland, MacMillan has become a globally recognized surname.
Variations of the surname MacMillan
The surname MacMillan is of Scottish origin and has several different variants and spellings derived from its original Gaelic form. Its original form, MacMhaoilein, essentially means "son of the bald or tonsured one". The term "maol" was used in a religious context, referring to someone who was devoted to a patron saint.
The most common variants and spellings of MacMillan includes McMillan, McMillen, McMillon, McMullan, McMullen, McMullin, MacMullan, MacMullen, MacMullin, M'Millan, and M‘Millan. Some less common but still recognized variants are M‘Mullen, M‘Milon, M‘Millon, MacMilion, MacMilon, MacMillen, MacMillan, MacMullan, and the Anglicized version Millan.
In terms of surnames of the same origin, we can find surnames such as MacMhaolain, MacGiollaMhaolain, MacMaolain, Mac Mhaoláin, which all come from the same Gaelic root as MacMillan.
Each variant and spelling has evolved over time and through geographical dispersion, leading to the variety we have today. Despite the differences in spelling and pronunciation, they all hold a shared lineage and cultural heritage.
Famous people with the name MacMillan
- Cynthia MacMillan: Cynthia was a Canadian figure skater who competed in both singles and pairs events in the 1950s and 1960s. She was a two-time Canadian Champion in 1959 and 1967.
- William J. MacMillan: William is a Canadian businessman and former executive chairman of the board for MacMillan & Bloedel Ltd. He was instrumental in helping the company become a global leader in forestry products.
- Jack Newmac MacMillan: Jack is a Canadian football player who played in the CFL. He was an All-Canadian in 1952 and 1953 and was inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 1975.
- Roger George MacMillan: Roger is a former Brazilian diplomat and author. He served as Ambassador to the United Kingdom from 1956 to 1961, and wrote a series of books on international affairs.
- John MacMillan: John is a Canadian actor, best known for his roles on the television series Family Matters and Degrassi: The Next Generation. He also appeared in films such as Get Out and A Million Little Pieces.
- Ian MacMillan: Ian is a British playwright and screenwriter. He wrote the critically acclaimed plays My Brother’s Keeper and The Subway Stops Here, and was an associate script editor for the long-running game show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?
- Charles MacMillan: Charles is a Scottish poet and playwright. His works include poems such as The Poet’s Wake and Love on a Summer Day, and plays such as Adam and Eve and the Apple.
- Malcolm MacMillan: Malcolm is a Canadian politician. He served as an MLA for the riding of Skeena from 1985 to 2001, and was Deputy Premier of British Columbia from 1991 to 2001.
- John MacMillan: John is an American actor, best known for his roles in the films Breach, Accepted, and Burn After Reading. He also appeared in soap operas such as All My Children and One Life to Live.
- Mark MacMillan: Mark is a Canadian hockey player who played in the NHL for the Dallas Stars. He was drafted by the Florida Panthers in the fourth round of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.