MACKEAN

Also recorded as Mac Kean, Mackean

MacKean

MacKean is a surname of Scottish origin, derived from the Gaelic "Mac Iain," meaning "son of John." The name is one of the many patronymic surnames found in the Scottish Highlands and is a variant of the surname MacIan.

Origin and Distribution

The MacKean surname is most commonly found in Scotland, particularly in areas with strong Gaelic roots. The name is associated with clans such as Clan MacKean of Inverness-shire and Clan MacKean of Glencoe. Over time, some individuals bearing the MacKean surname may have emigrated to other parts of the British Isles or further afield, leading to a more widespread distribution of the name.

Notable Bearers

1. William MacKean (1806–1884)

  • A Scottish inventor and engineer known for his contributions to the development of steam technology during the Industrial Revolution.

2. Fiona MacKean (born 1975)

  • A contemporary British artist renowned for her innovative use of mixed media in her abstract paintings.

Modern Significance

Today, individuals with the MacKean surname can be found across various professions and industries, reflecting the diverse nature of modern British society. The name serves as a reminder of Scotland's rich cultural heritage and the importance of family lineage in Scottish tradition.

In conclusion, the MacKean surname carries with it a sense of Scottish identity and ancestry, linking individuals to a historic lineage that remains relevant in contemporary society.

There are approximately 119 people named MacKean in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around two in a million people in Britain are named MacKean.

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • Cassian
  • Charles
  • Colin
  • Ian
  • John
  • Michael
  • Robert
  • Thomas
  • William

Female

  • Charlotte
  • Cornelia
  • Denise
  • Elizabeth
  • Janet
  • Jeanette
  • Margaret
  • Sarah
  • Vikki
  • Virginia

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

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