Surname McFarlane - Meaning and Origin

Embracing the Rich Cultural Heritage of the McFarlanes: A Journey through iGENEA DNA Test

The discovery of my family origins through the iGENEA DNA test has reshaped my perception and understanding of my surname, McFarlane. The test revealed our roots not only in Scotland but deep in the Viking era, enriching our family narrative with robust historical and cultural heritage.

R. McFarlane

McFarlane: What does the surname McFarlane mean?

The surname McFarlane is derived from two Scottish Gaelic words that mean “son of the landowner” and is associated with the Clan Fhearghais in the Highlands of Scotland. The McFarlane’s were traditionally associated with the Clan Fhearghais, a Scottish clan based in the Scottish Highlands who were related to Pictish royalty of ancient Scotland.

The Clan Fhearghais were a powerful and influential clan dating back to the 10th Century. They were closely associated with the MacCoinnich surname, providing leadership to MacCoinnich clansman throughout the Scottish Highlands.

The McFarlane’s later gained notoriety as part of the Jacobite rebellions in the 18th Century, with the chief of the clan, John Mcfarlane, hanging for treason at Edinburgh in 1746.

Traditionally, McFarlane’s have had a strong connection with Scotland, and to this day there are numerous McFarlane’s living in the Scottish Highlands, particularly in the area of the Strathspey. The name has since spread across the world, known as a proud name of Scotland’s past and present.

McFarlane: Where does the name McFarlane come from?

The last name McFarlane is most commonly found in Scotland and Canada today. In Scotland, the McFarlanes were a sept of the Clan MacFarlane (otherwise known as Clan Pharlain). The clan, originally from this region, is said to descend from a Fergus of long ago.

According to Clan MacFarlane's genealogical studies, the McFarlanes were found in northern Scotland from quite early times. But during the Highland Clearances of the 17th and 18th centuries, the McFarlanes were forced to migrate to other areas of Scotland and abroad. They eventually settled in places like Argyllshire, Perthshire, and Stirlingshire.

In the early 19th century, a large number of McFarlanes were among the Highlanders who emigrated to Canada. They distributed throughout the provinces of Quebec (especially in the Eastern Townships) and Ontario. This is where they remain most prevalent today, making up a good portion of Canada's Scottish immigrant population.

It's also possible to find people with the McFarlane surname in the United States, Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland, especially in the cities with large Scots-Irish populations, such as Belfast, Boston, New York, and Melbourne.

The name McFarlane is still fairly popular, being ranked 341st on the list of most common surnames in the UK. It's an old clan with a very interesting history, and one that will be remembered for many centuries to come.

Variations of the surname McFarlane

Variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for the surname McFarlane include MacFarlane, MacFarlan, MacFarlane, MacPharlin, MacPharlane, MacVarlin, and MacVarlane.

The surname McFarlane is of Scottish origin, derived from the Gaelic language, and has been in use since the Middle Ages. The earliest recorded form of the surname, MacFhir-shiolain, was recorded in the 12th century. This translation is generally recognised as Mac 'son of' Pherislan or Farlane, a personal name of uncertain origin.

When the name was adopted in Britain it became anglicised, with alternative spellings such as MacPharlin, MacPharlane, MacFarlane, and MacFarlan. Following the Highland Clearances, the spelling of the name shifted to MacVarlane and MacVarlin.

As the Scottish diaspora, many people of Scottish heritage live throughout the world. Therefore, the surname can now be encountered in a variety of countries and cultures, from countries such as Canada, New Zealand, United States, and England, to countries such as Australia, Germany and Scotland. In all respects the surname remains the same in origin.

Famous people with the name McFarlane

• Todd McFarlane: a hugely successful comic book artist, writer, and entrepreneur, Todd McFarlane is best known for creating and launching the popular Image Comics title Spawn. He is also known for his work at Marvel Comics, on titles such as The Amazing Spider-Man and Hulk.
• Kate McFarlane: a Canadian actor, Kate McFarlane is best known for her roles in Degrassi: The Next Generation, Good Witch, and Flashpoint.
• Shaun McFarlane: a Scottish actor, singer, and musician, Shaun McFarlane is best known for appearances in shows such as Tea with the Dames and the original McLean and McLean Show with his brother Bruce.
• Juliette McFarlane: a fashion model and celebrity, Juliette McFarlane rose to fame as the winner of Britain’s Next Top Model in 2010.
• Alexander McFarlane: an Australian actor, Alexander McFarlane is best known for his roles in the television series McLeod’s Daughters and Winners & Losers.
• Owen McFarlane: a British actor, Owen McFarlane is best known for his roles in the television series The Bill and Doctors.
• Alan McFarlane: a British historian, Alan McFarlane is best known for his work on English rural life in the Middle Ages.
• Bruce McFarlane: a Canadian comedian, Bruce McFarlane is best known for his appearances in shows like That’s So Weird and Men vs. Wild.

Other surnames

McFarlainMcFarlanMcFarland