MACLELLAN
Also recorded as Mac Lellan, Maclellan
MacLellan
Origin MacLellan is a Scottish surname of Gaelic origin. It is a patronymic name, derived from the Gaelic "Mac Gille Fhaolain", meaning "son of the servant of St. Fillan". St. Fillan was a 7th-century Irish missionary who was renowned for his healing powers and was held in high regard in Scotland.
History The MacLellan surname can be traced back to the region of Galloway in Southwest Scotland. The MacLellan family were prominent landowners and held various positions of influence in the area for centuries. They were known for their loyalty to the Scottish crown and their involvement in local politics.
Notable Individuals The MacLellan family has produced several notable individuals throughout history. One of the most famous was Sir Thomas MacLellan, a statesman and poet who served as Provost of Kirkcudbright in the 16th century. He was a close confidant of Mary, Queen of Scots, and played a key role in the political landscape of the time.
Modern Day Today, the MacLellan surname continues to be found predominantly in Scotland, as well as in other English-speaking countries where Scottish immigration has taken place. Many modern-day MacLellans have embraced their heritage and are actively involved in preserving their family history and genealogy.
Variants Over time, the MacLellan surname has undergone various spelling variations, including MacClelland, MacLelland, and McLelland. Despite these variations, the name continues to hold a strong connection to its Scottish roots and the legacy of the MacLellan family.
References:
- Reaney, P.H. (1997). A Dictionary of English Surnames. Oxford University Press.
- Harrison, H. (2003). Surnames of the United Kingdom: A Concise Etymological Dictionary. Genealogical Publishing Com.
There are approximately 1,317 people named MacLellan in the UK. That makes it roughly the 5,944th most common surname in Britain. Around 20 in a million people in Britain are named MacLellan.
Surname type: From name of parent
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
- Alexander
- Andrew
- Angus
- David
- Donald
- Iain
- Ian
- James
- John
- Peter
Female
- Angela
- Anne
- Catherine
- Christine
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Fiona
- Gillian
- Karen
- Louise
- Margaret
- Mary
- Patricia
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.