Macleod Surname

Surname MacLeod: A Comprehensive Analysis

The surname MacLeod is of Scottish origin and has a rich history dating back centuries. In this article, we will explore the significance of the MacLeod surname, its distribution across different countries, and its cultural and historical impact.

Origins of the MacLeod Surname

The MacLeod surname is derived from the Gaelic name “Mac Leòid”, meaning “son of Leòd”. The name Leòd itself is believed to have originated from the Old Norse name “Ljótr”, which means “ugly” or “rough”. The MacLeod clan is one of the oldest and most prestigious clans in Scotland, with a history dating back to the 13th century.

Clan MacLeod

The MacLeod clan is divided into two main branches: the MacLeods of Harris and the MacLeods of Lewis. The clan has a strong presence in the Western Isles of Scotland, particularly in the islands of Harris and Lewis. The MacLeods have a rich history of warfare, loyalty, and cultural significance within the Scottish Highlands.

Distribution of the MacLeod Surname

Based on available data, the MacLeod surname is most prevalent in Canada, with an incidence of 18,777. This is followed by Scotland with 14,565 incidences, the United States with 11,242 incidences, and England with 6,129 incidences. Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand also have notable incidences of the MacLeod surname.

Other countries with a significant presence of the MacLeod surname include France, Wales, Saudi Arabia, Kenya, Argentina, and Malawi. While the surname is primarily associated with Scottish ancestry, it has spread to various parts of the world through migration and historical connections.

Cultural Impact of the MacLeod Surname

The MacLeod clan has a strong cultural identity and has been depicted in various forms of art, literature, and media. The clan's distinctive tartan, crest, and motto (“Hold Fast”) are iconic symbols of Scottish heritage. The MacLeods have also been portrayed in popular culture, such as in the television series “Outlander” and the movie “Highlander”.

Additionally, many individuals with the MacLeod surname have made significant contributions to various fields, including politics, academia, and the arts. The MacLeod name carries a sense of pride and honor for those who bear it, representing a connection to a rich and storied past.

Historical Significance of the MacLeod Surname

Throughout history, the MacLeod clan has played a prominent role in Scotland's political and military affairs. The clan has been involved in numerous battles, alliances, and conflicts, shaping the destiny of the Scottish Highlands.

One of the most famous MacLeod figures is Norman MacLeod of MacLeod, who was a key figure in the Jacobite uprisings of the 18th century. The MacLeods have also been known for their strong ties to the Scottish monarchy and their leadership within the clan system.

Modern Day Representation of the MacLeod Surname

Today, the MacLeod surname continues to be a source of pride and connection for individuals of Scottish descent. Many clansmen and women participate in clan gatherings, tartan festivals, and genealogical research to uphold the legacy of the MacLeod name.

With a global presence and a history of resilience and loyalty, the MacLeod surname remains a symbol of Scottish identity and heritage. Whether in Canada, Scotland, the United States, or beyond, the MacLeod clan continues to thrive and uphold its traditions for future generations to come.

The surname Macleod in the globe

Globalization has meant that surnames distribute far beyond their country of origin, so that it is possible to get African surnames in Europe or Indian surnames in Oceania. The same happens in the case of Macleod, which as you are able to corroborate, it can be said that it is a surname which can be found in most of the countries associated with globe. In the same manner you will find nations in which undoubtedly the thickness of individuals with all the surname Macleod is greater than in other countries.

The map of the Macleod surname

View Macleod surname map

The likelihood of examining on a globe map about which nations hold a greater number of Macleod on earth, helps us plenty. By putting ourselves regarding the map, for a tangible country, we can begin to see the tangible amount of people with all the surname Macleod, to acquire in this manner the precise information of all Macleod that one may presently find in that country. All this also assists us to know not only in which the surname Macleod originates from, but also in excatly what way the individuals who are initially the main family members that bears the surname Macleod have moved and moved. Just as, you can see by which places they will have settled and developed, which is the reason why if Macleod is our surname, it appears interesting to which other countries of this world it's possible that certain of our ancestors once relocated to.

Countries with more Macleod on earth

  1. Canada Canada (18777)
  2. Scotland Scotland (14565)
  3. United States United States (11242)
  4. England England (6129)
  5. Australia Australia (3786)
  6. South Africa South Africa (1419)
  7. New Zealand New Zealand (1288)
  8. France France (264)
  9. Wales Wales (227)
  10. Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia (197)
  11. Kenya Kenya (169)
  12. Argentina Argentina (148)
  13. Malawi Malawi (131)
  14. Qatar Qatar (95)
  15. Ireland Ireland (69)
  16. Jamaica Jamaica (67)
  17. Bahrain Bahrain (59)
  18. Netherlands Netherlands (57)
  19. Germany Germany (56)
  20. Singapore Singapore (45)
  21. Philippines Philippines (43)
  22. Spain Spain (40)
  23. Norway Norway (39)
  24. Nothern Ireland Nothern Ireland (36)
  25. Russia Russia (33)
  26. Dominican Republic Dominican Republic (31)
  27. Peru Peru (30)
  28. Zimbabwe Zimbabwe (27)
  29. Switzerland Switzerland (25)
  30. Nigeria Nigeria (24)
  31. Jersey Jersey (22)
  32. Brazil Brazil (20)
  33. Indonesia Indonesia (17)
  34. Iraq Iraq (16)
  35. China China (16)
  36. Mexico Mexico (15)
  37. Italy Italy (15)
  38. Sweden Sweden (15)
  39. Cyprus Cyprus (15)
  40. Paraguay Paraguay (13)
  41. Israel Israel (12)
  42. Isle of Man Isle of Man (11)
  43. India India (11)
  44. Thailand Thailand (11)
  45. Belgium Belgium (9)
  46. Chile Chile (9)
  47. Estonia Estonia (8)
  48. Turks and Caicos Islands Turks and Caicos Islands (8)
  49. Finland Finland (7)
  50. Venezuela Venezuela (6)
  51. United Arab Emirates United Arab Emirates (6)
  52. Denmark Denmark (6)
  53. South Korea South Korea (5)
  54. Taiwan Taiwan (5)
  55. Azerbaijan Azerbaijan (4)
  56. Poland Poland (4)
  57. Portugal Portugal (4)
  58. Sri Lanka Sri Lanka (4)
  59. Japan Japan (3)
  60. Costa Rica Costa Rica (3)
  61. Uganda Uganda (3)
  62. Uruguay Uruguay (2)
  63. Malaysia Malaysia (2)
  64. Namibia Namibia (2)
  65. Afghanistan Afghanistan (2)
  66. Oman Oman (2)
  67. Greece Greece (2)
  68. Brunei Brunei (2)
  69. Cambodia Cambodia (2)
  70. Trinidad and Tobago Trinidad and Tobago (2)
  71. Czech Republic Czech Republic (2)
  72. Vanuatu Vanuatu (1)
  73. Samoa Samoa (1)
  74. Yemen Yemen (1)
  75. Nicaragua Nicaragua (1)
  76. Andorra Andorra (1)
  77. Angola Angola (1)
  78. Ghana Ghana (1)
  79. Austria Austria (1)
  80. Hungary Hungary (1)
  81. Papua New Guinea Papua New Guinea (1)
  82. Romania Romania (1)
  83. Bahamas Bahamas (1)
  84. Belarus Belarus (1)
  85. Senegal Senegal (1)
  86. Suriname Suriname (1)
  87. Colombia Colombia (1)
  88. Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Kitts and Nevis (1)
  89. Cuba Cuba (1)
  90. Kuwait Kuwait (1)
  91. Turkey Turkey (1)
  92. Cayman Islands Cayman Islands (1)
  93. Kazakhstan Kazakhstan (1)
  94. Tanzania Tanzania (1)
  95. Lebanon Lebanon (1)
  96. Ukraine Ukraine (1)
  97. Dominica Dominica (1)
  98. Luxembourg Luxembourg (1)