McKane

McKane is a Scottish and Irish surname of patronymic origin, derived from the Gaelic personal name Mac Cathain, meaning "son of Cathan". The name originated in Scotland and Ireland, and those bearing the surname are primarily found in these regions.

The McKane surname is classified as a sept of the larger Scottish clan Maclean, which has its roots in the Western Highlands and Isles of Scotland. The sept system was a common practice in Scottish clans, where individuals not directly descended from the chief would be part of a related family group. McKane is one of the septs associated with the Maclean clan, and individuals with this surname would have historically been considered part of the extended Maclean family.

As with many surnames, McKane has experienced variations in spelling over the years, including variations such as McKeane and MacCain. The distribution of the name has been influenced by historical events such as Scottish and Irish migrations, leading to McKanes settling in various parts of the world.

Today, individuals bearing the surname McKane can be found across the globe, particularly in countries with significant Scottish and Irish diaspora populations. The history and heritage of the McKane surname serve as a reminder of the rich cultural tapestry woven by the Scottish and Irish people.

There are approximately 526 people named McKane in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around eight in a million people in Britain are named McKane.

Surname type: From name of parent

Origin: Celtic

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: Ireland

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: Gaelic

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Alan
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Joseph
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Phillip
  • Robert
  • Thomas
  • William

Female

  • Angela
  • Ann
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Isobel
  • Jane
  • Julie
  • Malgorzata
  • Margaret
  • Maria
  • Mary
  • Paula
  • Sarah
  • Susan

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