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McLean
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MacLean, also spelt Maclean and McLean, is a Scottish Gaelic surname (Mac Gille Eathain, or, Mac Giolla Eóin in Irish Gaelic), Eóin being a Gaelic form of Johannes (John). The clan surname is an Anglicisation of the Scottish Gaelic "Mac Gille Eathain", a patronymic meaning "son of Gillean". Gillean means "the Servant of [Saint] John [the Baptist]"),[1] named for Gilleathain na Tuaidh, known as "Gillian of the Battleaxe", a famous 5th century warrior.[2]
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Language(s) | Gaelic |
---|---|
Origin | |
Meaning | Son of Gillean |
Region of origin | Scotland |
Other names | |
Alternative spelling | Maclean |
Variant form(s) | MacLean |
Short form(s) | M'Lean |
Related names |
Eachan Reaganach and his brother Lachlan were descended from Gilleathain na Tuaidh, and are the progenitors of the clan. The family grew very powerful throughout the Hebrides and Highlands[2] through alliances with the Catholic Church in Scotland in the 9th century, the MacDonalds in the 13th century, and the MacKays and MacLeods in the 16th century.[3] Other spellings of the name include McClean, MacLaine, McLaine, McLain, MacLane, and many others.[2]
Duart Castle is the seat of Clan MacLean.[4]