Meclean Surname

The History of the McLean Surname

The surname McLean is of Scottish and Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic name Mac Gille Eathain, meaning 'son of the servant of St. John'. It is a patronymic surname, indicating descent from a father or ancestor.

Origins in Scotland

In Scotland, the McLean surname is associated with the Clan Maclean, a Highland Scottish clan that has a long and storied history. The clan's ancestral lands are on the Isle of Mull and in the surrounding areas of Argyll and the Inner Hebrides.

The McLeans were known for their fierce loyalty and bravery in battle, and they were often involved in conflicts with rival clans and with the English. They played a prominent role in the Jacobite risings of the 18th century, fighting for the exiled Stuart monarchs.

Many McLeans emigrated from Scotland to other parts of the world, particularly during the Highland Clearances and the Scottish diaspora of the 19th and early 20th centuries. As a result, the surname can be found in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Origins in Ireland

In Ireland, the McLean surname is also fairly common, particularly in the north of the country. It is believed to have been brought to Ireland by Scottish settlers during the Plantation of Ulster in the 17th century.

There are several notable Irish families with the surname McLean, including the McLeans of Donegal and the McLeans of Antrim. These families have their own distinct histories and traditions, but they are all connected by their shared surname.

Notable Bearers of the McLean Surname

There have been many individuals with the surname McLean who have made significant contributions to their fields. Here are a few notable examples:

John McLean

John McLean (1785-1861) was a Scottish-American jurist and politician who served as an Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court. He was known for his staunch Federalist views and his strong advocacy of states' rights.

Kristen McLean

Kristen McLean is a contemporary American author and cultural critic who has written extensively on the intersection of art, technology, and society. She is particularly known for her work on the impact of digital media on the publishing industry.

Distribution of the McLean Surname

The McLean surname is most commonly found in Scotland, where it is one of the country's most common surnames. However, it is also present in other parts of the world, particularly in countries with large Scottish and Irish diaspora populations.

South Africa

In South Africa, the McLean surname is relatively rare, with an incidence rate of 3. It is likely that the name was brought to the country by Scottish or Irish immigrants during the colonial period.

United States

In the United States, the McLean surname has an incidence rate of 2. It is most commonly found in states with large Scottish and Irish American populations, such as New York, Pennsylvania, and California.

Costa Rica

In Costa Rica, the McLean surname is less common, with an incidence rate of 1. It is possible that the name was brought to the country by British expatriates or immigrants from other English-speaking countries.

England

In England, specifically in the region of Greater London, the McLean surname has an incidence rate of 1. It is likely that the name was introduced to the area by Scottish or Irish settlers who migrated to England for economic or political reasons.

Nicaragua

In Nicaragua, the McLean surname is also relatively rare, with an incidence rate of 1. It is possible that the name was brought to the country by English-speaking immigrants or expatriates who settled in Nicaragua for business or diplomatic reasons.

The surname Meclean 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 exact same occurs in the case of Meclean, which as you can corroborate, it can be said that it's a surname that may be found in the majority of the countries associated with globe. In the same manner you can find nations in which certainly the thickness of men and women with all the surname Meclean is higher than in other countries.

The map of this Meclean surname

1. South Africa (3)
2. United States (2)
3. Costa Rica (1)
4. England (1)
5. Nicaragua (1)