Surname M'Clearen - Meaning and Origin
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M'Clearen: What does the surname M'Clearen mean?
The last name M'Clearen is a Scottish patronymic compound derived from the personal name MacLaren. This name is derived from the Gaelic elements mac meaning "son of" and labhruinn meaning "laurel". According to tradition the MacLarens descend from the eponymous founder of the clan, Lorn, called Labhrann in Gaelic, who lived in the 13th century in the ancient Earldom of Lennox. The MacLarens were a powerful clan, who were frequently mentioned in the annals of Scotland as allies or opponents of the Royal House of Stewart.
The surname M'Clearen can be found in many different countries and in many different spellings, such as MacLaren, McLern, MacClare, MacLarine, MacClaren, McClairen, and so forth. The Maclarens were a strong clan in the Highlands of Scotland, living around Loch Fyne, and they were renowned as warriors and harpists. MacLarens were involved in many conflicts, from the Battles of Bannockburn, Killicrankie and Glenlivet, to the Jacobite Uprisings, and they were known for their shrewdness in battle and their bravery in war.
The current spelling M'Clearen is a contracted version of the name MacLaren, with the medieval double āLā becoming a single letter. This is a modern adaptation, which has evolved over time to be more efficient to spell. It is part of a great Scottish tradition, which is still strong and full of pride today.
Order DNA origin analysisM'Clearen: Where does the name M'Clearen come from?
The last name M'Clearen is not an extremely common or widespread surname today. It is found primarily in the United States and Australia.
In the United States, the name has been found most predominately in the states of Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. One source suggests that that the name M'Clearen (or variants of it) can be found among eleven of the nation's states.
In Australia, the surname tends to be more prevalently found in the states of Western Australia, New South Wales, and Queensland. It appears to be more prevalent in Western Australia, where the highest concentration of people with the surname M'Clearen can be found.
The name can also be found in a few Caribbean nations including Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad, Barbados, Jamaica, and Grenada and in Scotland, England, Northern Ireland, and Ireland. The last name can occasionally be found in other parts of the world, but it is generally not very common outside of the countries and regions mentioned.
Despite not being an especially widespread surname, the last name M'Clearen still has a presence in parts of the United States, Australia, as well as several Caribbean nations, England, and Scotland. Its presence is likely the result of migration patterns from the 19th century.
Variations of the surname M'Clearen
M'Clearen is a Scottish surname with a multitude of variations and spellings. These spellings have generally been adopted due to personal preference or errors in record-keeping. Common anglicised versions of the surname include McClaren, McCleren, McCleran, McClerren, McCleeron, McCleren and McLaren.
Variants and derivations of the surname M'Clearen are found in Ireland, England, Canada and the United States. These surnames include McClellan, McClain, McClayne, McCleary, McClory, McCleer, McCready, McRae and McRay. In some cases, the Mc spelling has been dropped altogether, producing variants such as Claren, Cleeren, Clarren and Cleeron.
There are also a number of patronymic versions of the surname M'Clearen. These are derived from the name of a person's father and include names such as Clerendson, McClarenson, McLaurus, MacLarus and McClarens. Similarly, some versions of the name McLaren have become Anglicized over time, producing surnames such as Laughran, Loganran and Largan.
Many of the variants of the surname M'Clearen have an interesting and distinguished history. For example, in Ireland, the McLaughlins of Antrim can trace their ancestry back to the ancient Ui Liathain clan, while the McLaurins of North America are descended from the Scottish clan MacDuff. Similarly, the McClelland family of Glasgow have an impressive lineage, descended from members of Scotland's renowned Clan Campbell.
Famous people with the name M'Clearen
- Philip M'Clearen: a Scottish actor, who started his acting career from the London stage in the mid-1800s and rose to great prominence during the 1930s.
- Gregory M'Clearen: a British writer and broadcaster, and one of the most prolific authors of the early twentieth century.
- George M'Clearen: an American athlete and filmmaker, best known for his 1929 silent motion picture "The Brown Derby" and his iconic Hollywood films like "Gone with the Wind" and "Viva Las Vegas".
- Jonathan M'Clearen: a professional downhill mountain biker who has become one of the most celebrated and successful riders in the sport.
- Christina M'Clearen: a television and film actress who has starred in popular shows such as "Gossip Girl" and "The OC" as well as movies like "Couples Retreat" and "A Cinderella Story".
- Daniel M'Clearen: a renowned English composer, violinist, and conductor known for his innovative music and captivating tone.
- William M'Clearen: a Canadian politician who served as Prime Minister of Canada from 1908 to 1911.
- David M'Clearen: an Australian entrepreneur and real estate developer who has achieved success in both fields and has been awarded several awards and accolades for his successful exploits.
- Richard M'Clearen: a British politician serving as the current Leader of the Conservative Party in the United Kingdom.
- Anne M'Clearen: an American businesswoman and philanthropist who founded and owns the highly successful lingerie line Bijoux Fantastique.