MCPHERSON
Also recorded as Mc Pherson, Mcpherson
McPherson
McPherson is a Scottish surname of ancient origins, ultimately derived from the Old Gaelic name Mac a' Phearsain, meaning "son of the parson." The name has strong ties to the Scottish Highlands, particularly in the regions of Inverness and Aberdeenshire.
The McPherson clan has a rich history, with notable figures such as Major-General Duncan Macpherson, who served in the British Army during the Napoleonic Wars. The clan motto "Touch not the cat bot a glove" reflects their fierce and independent spirit.
Throughout history, individuals bearing the surname McPherson have made significant contributions to various fields, including literature, music, and politics. Notable figures include James McPherson, the poet and author of "Ossian", and Ewen McPherson, a prominent politician in Scotland.
Today, the McPherson surname is still prevalent in Scotland and has spread to other countries through migration and settlement. It remains a proud symbol of Scottish heritage and identity.
References:
- Way, George and Romily Squire. "Clans & Tartans of Scotland." HarperCollins, 2000.
- Roberts, Lorna. "Scottish Clan & Family Encyclopedia." HarperCollins, 2008.
There are approximately 9,920 people named McPherson in the UK. That makes it the 935th most common surname in Britain. Around 152 in a million people in Britain are named McPherson.
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
- Alan
- Alexander
- Andrew
- David
- Ian
- James
- John
- Robert
- Stuart
- William
Female
- Catherine
- Elizabeth
- Fiona
- Helen
- Jacqueline
- Jean
- Karen
- Laura
- 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.