Surname MacLeren - Meaning and Origin
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MacLeren: What does the surname MacLeren mean?
The surname MacLeren appears to be a variant or misspelling of the traditional Scottish surname McLaren, considering its phonetic similarity. McLaren is of Gaelic origin and is derived from the term "MacLabhrainn," which means "son of Labhrainn" or "son of Lawrence." Therefore, it is a patronymic surname associated with the descendants of a person named Lawrence. Also, the name McLaren is linked to the Highland Scottish clan Clan MacLaren, noted for its historical significance and Highland heritage. The clan's roots trace back to the Dalriadic Kingdom of the Western Scottish Highlands in early medieval times. Therefore, the last name MacLeren, as a derivative of McLaren, likewise carries these associated meanings and historical landmarks.
Order DNA origin analysisMacLeren: Where does the name MacLeren come from?
The last name MacLaren is of Scottish origin, more specifically from the Highland region. The name is derived from the Gaelic term "Mac Labhruinn" which means "son of Labhran", with Labhran being a Gaelic form for Lawrence. The core of the MacLaren clan was in Balquhidder in Western Perthshire around 800 AD and remained dominant there for centuries.
Today, the surname MacLaren is still mainly common in Scotland, particularly in areas of its historical stronghold in Western Perthshire. Popularity of the surname also extends to other English-speaking countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, primarily due to Scottish emigration over the centuries. However, the variant spellings of the surname such as McLaren, McClaren, MacLaurin, and others are frequently found across the globe as well.
Variations of the surname MacLeren
The surname MacLeren is of Scottish origin. Some common variations include McLaren, MacLaren, Maclaren, McLarin, MacLaurin, MacLarin, and McLaurin. Sometimes the "Mac" or "Mc", which means "son of" in Gaelic, might be dropped, resulting in variations like Laren, Lauren, or Laren.
The name might also be Anglicized or Americanized into forms like Lauren, Lorren, Lawren, or Lawrence. Each of these variations essentially carries the same etymology and ancestry as the original Scottish name.
There are also similar names with a different prefix, such as O'Laren or O'Lorren, which are of Irish origin and not directly related to the Scottish MacLarens. While these names are spelled similarly and might be confused with MacLeran, they have a different origin and meaning. In the same way, French names like Le Ren or Dutch names like Van Laren might also be similar in spelling but have a distinct origin and history.
Famous people with the name MacLeren
- Emma MacLaren: British actress best known for roles in Shaun the Sheep Movie 2: Farmageddon and 22 July.
- James MacLaren: Scottish priest and theologian, founder of the Free Church of Scotland in 1843.
- Robert MacLeren: Canadian actor, known for his roles in Longmire and The Good Wife.
- Tim MacLeren: British actor best known for his roles in Sherlock and In the Flesh.
- Paula MacLeren: Canadian actress, model and TV host, best known for roles in Supernatural and Man of Steel.
- Will MacLeren: British actor, known for roles in Midsomer Murders and The Bill.
- Alan MacLeren: Scottish poet, author of novels, short stories and plays.
- Anne MacLeren: British actress, best known for her roles in Silent Witness and Emmerdale.
- Andrew MacLeren: Canadian businessman, founder of MacLeren Financial Group.
- Duncan MacLeren: Scottish actor, known for roles in Iron Jawed Angels and The Office.