Surname Macpherson - Meaning and Origin

Embracing the Macpherson Heritage: A Reflective Journey through My iGENEA DNA Test Results

iGENEA DNA test has significantly influenced my perception, offering me a deep connection with my surname, Macpherson. It unraveled not only the historical richness of the clan but also instilled a sense of unity, pride, and a more profound understanding of personal traits and strengths.

I. Macpherson

Macpherson: What does the surname Macpherson mean?

The last name Macpherson is of Scottish origin and it carries the meaning "son of the parson." It is derived from the Gaelic Mac a' Phearsain which translates to "son of the parson." The term "parson" was commonly used to denote a priest or a minister responsible for taking up the church services in Christianity. This surname suggests that the initial bearers of this name may have been descendants of a clergyman or men of religious order. The name has various spelling versions such as McPherson, MacPherson, M'Pherson, MacFerson and several others. The Macpherson clan’s roots can be traced back to the ancient Pictish tribes of Scotland, particularly in Badenoch or North Scotland. The clan also has a significant history and influence in Scotland's Highland region. The Macpherson family crest bears the motto "Touch not the cat bot (without) a glove" symbolizing the clan's historic courage and spirit.

Macpherson: Where does the name Macpherson come from?

The surname Macpherson originates from Scotland, specifically the Highlands. It derives from the Gaelic name "Mac-a-Phearsoin" which translates to "son of the parson." The parson referred to here was Muriach, a 12th Century Cisterian monk. Macpherson is associated with Clan Macpherson, also known as Clan Mhuirich, which is part of the larger Clan Chattan or Clan of Cats.

The Macpherson name is still common in Scotland today, especially in places like Inverness and Badenoch where the clan traditionally held lands. However, due to historical events such as the Highland Clearances, many Macphersons emigrated to different parts of the world. As a result, the surname is also quite common in countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, where many Scottish people settled.

Regardless of where they currently reside, many Macphersons continue to take pride in their Scottish heritage and maintain connections to the Macpherson clan. There's even a Clan Macpherson Association that hosts a gathering in Scotland every year, welcoming Macphersons from around the world.

Variations of the surname Macpherson

The surname Macpherson has Scottish origin, tracing back to the Gaelic language. It signifies 'Son of the Parson'. There are several spelling variants of Macpherson, reflecting the phonetic translations of the name over time and regions. These alternative spellings include MacPherson, McPherson, M'Pherson, and Macperson.

The name can also be anglicised to different forms such as Pearson, Peterson or Person, still maintaining the same 'son of the parson' meaning. Other versions of the Macpherson surname include the Irish variant Mac a' Phearsain and the Scottish Gaelic MacPhearson.

In some cases, the name may have been abbreviated to 'Mac' or 'Mc' which can also be a common variant of the surname. Some other surnames of the same origin with a slightly different meaning include MacFee, MacDuff, MacCulloch, and MacKellar, all linking to the prefix ‘Mac’ - meaning 'son of' in Gaelic.

The different spellings and variants reflect the cultural, regional, and linguistic influences that have interacted with this surname over centuries. Despite these variations, all these forms link back to the same root: 'the son of the Parson'.

Famous people with the name Macpherson

• Elle Macpherson: An Australian supermodel, actress, and entrepreneur known as "The Body."
• Ewan Macpherson: A Scottish guitarist and member of the folk band Shooglenifty.
• Hamilton Macpherson: An American football player who played for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
• James Macpherson: An 18th-century Scottish poet best known for translating and compiling the Ossian cycle of epic poems.
• Michelle Macpherson: A Canadian curler who won the Canadian Junior Women's Curling Championships.
• James A. Macpherson: A Canadian superintendent of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
• Kevin Macpherson: A notable American landscape painter.
• Archibald Norman Macpherson: An England international football referee.
• Sue Macpherson: An Australian nurse who received the Florence Nightingale Medal.
• Robert Macpherson: A 19th-century Scottish photographer active in Rome, Italy.
• John Ronald Macpherson: A British Army officer and Victoria Cross recipient.
• Andrew Macpherson: A photographer and director known for his work in the entertainment industry.
• Alister Macpherson: A former Australian rules footballer.
• Drew McPherson: A former Australian rules footballer.
• George Macpherson: An American voice actor known for his work in anime.

Other surnames

MacPherson of Barra