Surname McClallen - Meaning and Origin
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McClallen: What does the surname McClallen mean?
The surname McClallen is an Anglicized form of the ancient Irish surname Mac Laghdha. This name means “son of Laghdha”, a personal name of uncertain origin. The given name Laghdha could have been derived either from a Norse name, meaning “Vali”meaning “descendant of a ruler” or from the Irish Old Norse elements ”lagr” meaning “luster” or “splendor”, and “haugr” meaning “barrow” or “mound”.
The name is very common in Northern Ireland and Scotland where the MacLaghdha had their homeland. Variations of the spelling of the name include MacLaughlin, McLoughlin, McLaughlin, McLoone, MacLaughlin, and McLallen.
It is thought that the name McClallen is the result of a deliberate Anglicization of a Gaelic name, in which the first letter of an old Gaelic name was dropped and the rest of the name pronounced more easily.
McClallen is associated with different clans and families. The McClallens of Argyll are thought to have covenanted with the Campbells in the 17th century. The McClallens of County Antrim are thought to have been part of the Caldow family since at least the 14th century, while the McLallens of Ayrshire are thought to have been a once-influential sept of the MacDonalds until the late 18th century.
Ultimately, the surname McClallen means that an individual is the "son of Laghdha". Given its association with different clans numerous families, many individuals belonging to this last name can feel pride in its meaning and history.
Order DNA origin analysisMcClallen: Where does the name McClallen come from?
The last name McClallen is most commonly found today in Scotland, Ireland, and parts of England. It is thought that the name originated in Scotland, which is why such a large concentration of people with this last name can be found there.
The United States also has a notable presence of McClallens. Those who share this common surname in the states can be traced to ancestors who have emigrated over the years from Scotland and Ireland. In fact, it is one of the most common names among Scottish-Americans, suggesting that they may be descended from a group of settlers who first came to the United States from Scotland.
The McClallens are also found in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and even in parts of Central and South America. In Scotland, there are many places where you can find a McClallen surname, including the Inner Hebrides, the Highlands, the Borders, Aberdeenshire, and Galloway.
No matter the location, the name McClallen continues to be a common one today. With its presence in multiple countries, many people can find a connection to the past by searching for their ancestry and finding their roots with the McClallen surname.
Variations of the surname McClallen
The surname McClallen is derived from the Gaelic Mac Giolla Fhaoláin, meaning ‘son of the servant of St Faoláin’. This surname was brought to Ireland by Viking settlers of Norse origin in the 9th and 10th centuries.
Variants of the name include MacLellan, McClellan, McCellan, McLellan, McClelland, McCleland, McCain, McLelland, McLandan, Cleland and Clelland.
Spellings of the name include: McClelan, McClellan, McClallan, MacLellen, MacClallen, McClallin, McClellin, McClelane, McLeilan, McLellan, McLeelan, McClellend, McLelland, McClelland, and McLellend.
Other surnames of the same origin include MacKellan, MacCellan, MacGillan, MacGillion, MacKillion, Magellan, MacIellan, MacKelway, and MacClintock.
The surname is popular across Scotland, Ireland and the United States, with the highest concentration of individuals being found in Scotland.
The name is often spelled McClallen today, but the original spelling of the surname was often either McLellan or McClellan, with the latter being found in Old Irish documents from the 9th century.
Famous people with the name McClallen
- Bonnie McDowell McClallen — Bonnie is a professional illustrator and instructor from Ohio. She is best known for her watercolour and graphite illustrations.
- Ian McClallen — Ian is an actor and screenwriter from Texas. He is best known for his roles in films such as Lethal Weapon 3, Dracula: Dead and Loving It, and The Lost Boys.
- Robert Parker McClallen — Robert is a musician, record producer and mixer from Austin, Texas. He is best known for his work with such artists as Joanna Newsom, Eli Young Band, and Spookey Ruben.
- William G. McClallen — William is a professional photographer and writer from California. He is known for his scenic and nature photography in publications such as National Geographic, Outdoor Photographer, and California Wild. 5.Libby McClallen — Libby is a professional makeup artist from Los Angeles, California. She is best known for her work in the television industry, having won an Emmy award for her special makeup effects design for American Horror Story.
- Mandy McClallen — Mandy is an actor, dancer and choreographer from Los Angeles, California. She is best known for her work on several Disney movies, including High School Musical, Hannah Montana The Movie, and Camp Rock.
- Jack McClallen — Jack is a professional cyclist from Arizona. He is a World Champion mountain bike rider and has competed in events such as the US Cup, USA Cycling National Championships, and the UCI World Cup.
- Austyn McClallen — Austyn is a professional snowboarder from California. He is best known for his creative tricks and heavy style of riding. He has been featured in several snowboard films and videos, including Adventures in Paradise, The Air Up There, and Knucklementary.