Surname MacLellan - Meaning and Origin

MacLellan: What does the surname MacLellan mean?

The surname MacLellan is of Scottish origin and It means "son of Fillan." The name Fillan itself is derived from the Gaelic term "faelán," which means 'little wolf.' The MacLellan family originally lived in Galloway, in the southwest of Scotland, where the family held a family seat from early times. The MacLellans were known as loyal supporters of Scotland's independence. The name has many different variations in its spelling, such as MacClelland, MacLelland, and MacCleland, among others. Over time, a number of clan members migrated to North America and other parts of the world, where the name is still prevalent today.

MacLellan: Where does the name MacLellan come from?

The last name MacLellan originates from Scotland, specifically from the lands of MacLellan in Kirkcudbrightshire in the southwest of the country. The name is of Gaelic origin, signifying "son of the servant of Fillan". Saint Fillan, the Irish hermit, propagated Christianity in Scotland in the 8th century. The family clan was traditionally centered around the Castle of Bomby in Kirkcudbright, a small coastal town in Dumfries and Galloway.

Today, the name MacLellan is most common in the countries that saw significant Scottish immigration, particularly Canada, the United States, and Australia. However, many MacLellans also still reside in Scotland, especially in regions like Glasgow City, Lanarkshire, Ayrshire, and Dumfries and Galloway. The name often appears with variants, including McLellan, McLelland, and McClellan due to historical differences in spelling and pronunciation.

Variations of the surname MacLellan

The surname MacLellan is of Scottish origin and comes from the Gaelic "Mac Gille Fhaolain" which translates to 'son of the servant of St Fillan'. Fillan, who was a hermit and a missionary, is a popular figure in Irish and Scottish history. Variants of the name include MacLellan, MacLellen, MacClellan, MacClelland, McClellan, McClelland, and MacGillolane.

MacLellan might sometimes be spelled without the 'a' as in McLellan or McLelland. It might also be written without the 'c' such as in M'Lellan or MacLelan. The inclusion of a 'd' as in MacLelland or McLelland is also often found.

Further alterations in the name tend to come from regional variations in pronunciation and British influence, resulting in names like MacLillan, MacClillan, MacLillon, MacLillion, MacGillon, MacGilfillan, and MacClellon.

As McLellan, the name also emigrated to Ireland due to the Scottish plantations and was translated into Gaelic as Mac Giolla Fhaoláin. The influence of this translation can still be seen today in surnames like MacGillilan, MacGillivillane, and MacIlvillion.

All these variations are derived from the same original Gaelic name, and they have spread and changed over hundreds of years into the various surnames we see today.

Famous people with the name MacLellan

• Alan MacLellan: Canadian politician who served as Nova Scotia’s fourth Premier from 1978 to 1981.
• Doug MacLellan: Nova Scotia provincial politician and a lawyer by profession.
• Gordon MacLellan: Canadian politician from Nova Scotia who served as Mayor of Halifax Regional Municipality from 2002 to 2008.
• Geraldine MacLellan: Canadian politician who served as the 24th Lieutenant Governor of Prince Edward Island from 2003 to 2008.
• Kelly MacLellan: Canadian hockey player and olympian.
• Máire MacLellan: Canadian actress best known for her roles on the television series Odd Squad and Top Secret.
• Nell MacLellan: Canadian actress and songwriter.
• Ross MacLellan: Canadian field hockey player and olympian.
• Sandy MacLellan: Canadian TV and film director.
• Stuart MacLellan: Canadian musician and member of the band Dear Rouge.

Other surnames

MacLelland