MCBREEN
Also recorded as Mc Breen, Mcbreen
McBreen
McBreen is a Scottish and Irish surname of Gaelic origin, derived from the Gaelic name "Mac Braoin," which means "son of the sorrowful man." The name is most commonly found in Ireland and is associated with County Leitrim.
Origins:
The McBreen surname is believed to have originated in Ireland, where it is particularly associated with the ancient Kingdom of Breifne, an area that covered parts of present-day County Leitrim and County Cavan. The name likely derives from a patriarchal ancestor known for his sorrowful or melancholic nature.
Migration and Distribution:
Over time, individuals bearing the McBreen surname migrated to other parts of the British Isles and beyond, leading to a diaspora of McBreen families in countries such as Scotland, England, and the United States.
Notable Individuals:
- Caitlin McBreen: A renowned academic and researcher in the field of Celtic studies, known for her work on ancient Gaelic languages.
- Sean McBreen: A successful entrepreneur and philanthropist, who founded a prominent charity organisation dedicated to supporting underprivileged communities in Ireland.
Variant Spellings:
Variant spellings of the McBreen surname include MacBreen, McBrine, and McBrain.
References:
- MacLysaght, E. (1985). The Surnames of Ireland. Irish Academic Press.
- Reaney, P. H., & Wilson, R. M. (1991). A Dictionary of English Surnames. Oxford University Press.
There are approximately 162 people named McBreen in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around two in a million people in Britain are named McBreen.
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Ashley
- Conor
- Dj
- Donal
- Frank
- Gerard
- James
- John
- Michael
- Nicholas
- Norman
- Robert
- Sean
Female
- Abbie
- Alice
- Catherine
- Deborah
- Linda
- Lorna
- Mary
- Nina
- Samantha
- Sarah
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.