Surname McCarran - Meaning and Origin
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McCarran: What does the surname McCarran mean?
The last name McCarran is a Scottish surname thought to be derived from the Gaelic words “Mac Carráin” or “Mac Carra” which translates to “son of Carrán”. The Celtic personal name Carrán is an ancient form of a creation myth, with Carrán thought to literally mean “little chariot”.
The McCarran surname is believed to have originated in Scotland, where it was first found in Argyllshire where they were recorded as an ancient Highland family. The first recorded spelling of the McCarran family name is likely that of Calium McCarrane, who according to historical documents, appeared in 1406 in a dispute over a land donation. The McCarran lineage is now widespread among Scotland and Ireland.
The earliest records of the McCarran family name are of members of the MacCarranes of Gigha, including Donnchadh MacCarrane in 1502. In 1614, Captayne McCarrane of Yrgilshyre appeared in the roll of Scottish landowners, and an Alexander Mc Carran was a witness in 1676 to the charter of Wigtownshire.
Today, the McCarran surname continues to be a proud one, over 800 years after its first appearance in history. It is a representation of a strong lineage and a commitment former generations had to their belief system and their homeland.
Order DNA origin analysisMcCarran: Where does the name McCarran come from?
The last name McCarran is of Irish origin, and is most commonly found in Northern Ireland. It is derived from the Irish Gaelic expression “Mac Carráin,” which translates to “son of Carrán” — Carrán being a masculine form of an ancient term which means “little rock or small stone.” This Irish origin of the family name makes sense, as the surname is most common in present-day Northern Ireland.
However, the McCarran surname can also be found in other regions of the world. For example, a 1998 genealogical survey of the British Isles revealed that the McCarran name was particularly prevalent in Birmingham, listed as the 22nd most frequent name in the city. Additionally, the surname can also be found in the United States of America, where the late Senator Patrick McCarran was born in Nevada.
By using genealogical databases, such as Feudalaffinity.com or Ancestry.com, you can easily trace the McCarran family tree and discover the precise global distribution of the McCarran surname today, as well as its progression over time. It is clear to see, however, that the last name has its deepest roots in modern-day Northern Ireland, indicating the centuries-old Irish heritage it holds.
Variations of the surname McCarran
The variants of the surname McCarran include McCarron, MacCarron, MacCarran, MacCarrans, Maccarrane, MacCarrane, MacCarrons, Maccarran, Maccarron, and MacCarrran. Some variant spellings combine the Mac and Carran parts of the surname as McCarrin, McCarrun, McCarren, McCarronn, Maccarrin, Maccarrun, Maccarren, Maccarronn, and MacCarrin. Other common spellings and surnames of the same origin include Carran, Carron, Karrin, Karson, Karran, Karrun, Karren, Karronn, Carrana, and Karrana.
The origin of the surname McCarran is of Irish descent, derived from the Gaelic Mac Fhearchair, meaning “son of Fhearchair”. Fhearchair is an old Gaelic personal name meaning “valiant in battle”. In County Down, the earliest recorded form of the surname was Mac Carran and in County Monaghan it was Mac Fhearchair. There were also people of the same name who may have had either Scottish or Norse ancestry.
Due to its pervasiveness in Ireland, the surname spread to other countries, including England and America, and it has gained various spellings. Today, the surname is most commonly found in Ireland and America, specifically in the states of Virginia, California, and New York.
Famous people with the name McCarran
- Pat McCarran: Pat McCarran was an American Democratic Senator from Nevada who served from 1933 until his death in 1954. He was best known for passage of the McCarran-Walter Act, which basically was the framework for U.S. immigration policy for decades. He was also interested in the development of Nevada's economy and water infrastructure, and was an aviation enthusiast.
- Brian McCarran: Brian McCarran is a Nevada State Assemblyman since 2016. He represents District 25 in Washoe County. He has introduced bills that support water resources, working families and small businesses.
- Janet McCarran: Janet McCarran was the youngest daughter of Pat McCarran and wife of William McCarran. She was an avid supporter of the land, air and water conservation movement in Nevada. She was also a environmentalist who pushed for proper water resources management and mining reform.
- William McCarran: William McCarran was the husband of Pat McCarran's daughter Janet, and an interesting commentary on American industry. He was a businessman who was involved in many projects, from aviation to mining and different investments. He served on the McCarran Airport Authority board from 1960 to 1984.