McFarland
What is the origin of the last name McFarland?
Meaning and origin
Over time, "MacPharlain" evolved into different spellings, including MacFarlane and McFarland, as families migrated and settled in various English-speaking countries. Today, Mcfarland remains a popular surname predominantly found in Scotland, Ireland, and their diaspora.
The longer story
The surname Mcfarland is a Scottish and Irish surname with deep historical roots. It is derived from the Gaelic language and has multiple variations and spellings, including MacPharlain, MacParisland, and MacFarlane. The name Mcfarland can also be seen as a toponymic surname, as it originated from the names of places in Scotland and Ireland. The analysis of this surname reveals intriguing insights into its etymology, distribution, and historical significance.
The etymology of the surname Mcfarland can be traced back to its Gaelic origin. The prefix "Mac" indicates "son of," indicating that the bearers of this surname are descendants of an ancestor named Farlan. The name Farlan itself has uncertain origins, but it is thought to be derived from the Gaelic word "fearghal," meaning "man of valor" or "brave warrior." This suggests that the early bearers of the Mcfarland name were associated with bravery and strength.
The distribution of the Mcfarland surname reveals its prevalence in both Scotland and Ireland. In Scotland, it is most commonly found in the region of Argyll, where it can be traced back to the medieval Clan MacFarlane. The clan played a significant role in Scottish history and was associated with the lands around Loch Lomond.
Surname origins are rarely settled: one spelling can have several sources, and families often took a name for reasons nobody wrote down. Check it against the sources below before you rely on it.
Similar spellings
#835
McFarland was the 835th most common surname in the 2010 US Census, with 41,300 people, about 14 in every 100,000.
Who carries it
Surnames like McFarland
Names it is linked with, then names with the same origin and a similar standing.
Check the sources
- Forebears: where McFarland is found around the world
- The Internet Surname Database: a second opinion on the origin
- US Census Bureau: the 2010 surname figures used here
For a name you are serious about, compare the dictionaries: Reaney and Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames; Hanks, Dictionary of American Family Names.