MCBAIN
Also recorded as Mc Bain, Mcbain
McBain
McBain is a Scottish and Irish surname of Gaelic origin. The name is derived from the Gaelic "Mac Bheathain," meaning "son of the fair one" or "descendant of the lively one."
Origin:
The McBain surname is believed to have originated in Scotland and Ireland, where ancient Gaelic clans used patronymic naming conventions, with "Mac" meaning "son of." Clan McBain's ancestral lands were situated in the Highlands of Scotland, with notable branches also emerging in Ireland.
History:
The McBain clan has a rich and storied history, intertwined with the turbulent events of Scottish and Irish history. They were known for their warrior spirit and loyalty to their chiefs, often playing important roles in battles and conflicts throughout the centuries.
Distribution:
The McBain surname is relatively rare, with concentrations found primarily in Scotland and Ireland. Over time, members of the McBain clan have dispersed across the world, particularly to English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Notable Figures:
- James McBain (1804-1878): Scottish landscape painter known for his depictions of the Highlands and Islands.
- Patricia McBain (b. 1950): Irish singer-songwriter, best known for her folk music contributions.
- Sir Alexander McBain (1912-1998): Scottish politician and diplomat who played a key role in international relations.
Modern Times:
In contemporary times, the McBain surname continues to be borne by a diverse array of individuals, with varying professions and backgrounds. Many McBains actively engage in genealogical research to uncover their ancestral roots and connections to the larger Scottish and Irish diaspora.
There are approximately 2,385 people named McBain in the UK. That makes it roughly the 3,639th most common surname in Britain. Around 37 in a million people in Britain are named McBain.
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
- Michael
- Robert
- Stuart
- William
Female
- Ann
- Catherine
- Elizabeth
- Fiona
- Helen
- Jean
- Kathleen
- Margaret
- Mary
- Maureen
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.