Mcclellen Surname

McLellen is a surname that has its origins in Scotland and Ireland. It is a variant of the surname McClellan, which itself is derived from the Gaelic Mac Gille Fhaolain, meaning "son of the servant of St. Faolain." The surname is patronymic in nature, meaning it originated as a way to identify individuals based on their father's name.

Origins of the Name

The name McClellen can be traced back to the ancient Gaelic language of Scotland and Ireland. The prefix "Mac" means "son of" in Gaelic, while "Gille Fhaolain" is a personal name that translates to "servant of St. Faolain." St. Faolain was a popular saint in medieval Ireland, and individuals who adopted the surname Mac Gille Fhaolain were likely devotees of this saint.

Over time, the name Mac Gille Fhaolain evolved into McClellan and later into McLellen. This evolution was common in Gaelic surnames, as names were often anglicized or altered to better suit pronunciation in English-speaking countries.

Spread of the Surname

The surname McClellen has a relatively low incidence in terms of total population. According to data, the surname is most commonly found in the United States, with an incidence rate of 481. This indicates that there are a significant number of individuals with the surname McClellen living in the US.

In addition to the United States, the surname McClellen is also found in Germany, England, and South Africa, although to a lesser extent. These numbers reflect the migration patterns of individuals with this surname, as well as the historical connections between these countries and Scotland and Ireland.

United States

With an incidence rate of 481, the United States is home to a sizable population of individuals with the surname McClellen. It is likely that many individuals with this surname are descended from Scottish or Irish immigrants who settled in the US in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Today, individuals with the surname McClellen can be found throughout the United States, with concentrations in states such as Texas, California, and New York. The surname has likely spread over time as descendants of the original immigrants have moved and settled in various parts of the country.

Germany, England, and South Africa

Although the surname McClellen is less common in Germany, England, and South Africa compared to the United States, there are still individuals with this surname living in these countries. The presence of the surname in these countries speaks to the global nature of migration and the interconnectedness of populations around the world.

In Germany, England, and South Africa, individuals with the surname McClellen may be descended from Scottish or Irish immigrants or may have acquired the surname through other means, such as marriage or adoption. Regardless of how the surname was acquired, individuals with the surname McClellen in these countries are part of a larger global community of individuals with roots in Scotland and Ireland.

Notable Individuals

Despite being a relatively uncommon surname, there have been notable individuals with the surname McClellen throughout history. One such individual was George Brinton McClellan, a Union general during the American Civil War. McClellan served as the commander of the Army of the Potomac and later ran for president of the United States in 1864.

In addition to George Brinton McClellan, there are likely many other individuals with the surname McClellen who have made significant contributions to their communities and professions. Whether in the United States, Germany, England, or South Africa, individuals with this surname carry on the legacy of their Scottish and Irish ancestors.

Overall, the surname McClellen is a testament to the enduring legacy of Gaelic culture and language in modern society. Despite its relatively low incidence, the surname serves as a reminder of the rich history and heritage of Scotland and Ireland and the ways in which these cultures have influenced populations around the world.

The surname Mcclellen into the globe

Globalization has meant that surnames distribute far beyond their country of origin, so that it is achievable to find African surnames in Europe or Indian surnames in Oceania. Equivalent occurs in the case of Mcclellen, which as you are able to corroborate, it can be said that it's a surname which can be found in most of the countries associated with globe. In the same way you can find nations in which certainly the thickness of people because of the surname Mcclellen is greater than in other countries.

The map of the Mcclellen surname

1. United States (481)
2. Germany (1)
3. England (1)
4. South Africa (1)