BUCHAN
Buchan
Pronunciation: /bʊˈkæn/ or /ˈbjuːxən/
The surname Buchan traces its origins to the ancient region of Buchan in the northeast of Scotland. It is derived from the Old Norse word "Bócan" or "Buchan," which means "beech tree." Over the centuries, the surname Buchan has been borne by various notable figures, and it has spread throughout the British Isles and beyond.
The Buchan family is known to have been a prominent clan in the historic county of Aberdeenshire, where the region of Buchan is located. The Buchan tartan, with its distinctive combination of green, navy, and black colours, is associated with the clan and reflects their heritage.
The surname Buchan has various spellings, including Buchane, Buchann, and Bucan, due to historical variations in recording names. The Buchan family motto is "Non inferiora secutus," which translates to "Not following mean pursuits."
Today, individuals with the surname Buchan can be found across the United Kingdom, particularly in Scotland and England. The name may be encountered in a variety of contexts, from historical records to contemporary society, showcasing the enduring legacy of the Buchan family.
There are approximately 8,761 people named Buchan in the UK. That makes it roughly the 1,080th most common surname in Britain. Around 135 in a million people in Britain are named Buchan.
Origin: Celtic
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: Scotland
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: Gaelic
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Alan
- Alexander
- Andrew
- David
- Ian
- James
- John
- Michael
- Robert
- William
Female
- Catherine
- Claire
- Elaine
- Elizabeth
- Fiona
- Helen
- Jane
- Karen
- Linda
- Margaret
- Mary
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.