How Do You Spell MACFARLANE?

Pronunciation: [mˈakfɑːlˌe͡ɪn] (IPA)

The spelling of the surname "Macfarlane" may seem confusing to those unfamiliar with Scottish names. However, it can be easily explained with the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcription. The first syllable "Mac" is pronounced as /mæk/, rhyming with "back". The second syllable "far" is pronounced as /fɑr/, rhyming with "car". The final syllable "lane" is pronounced as /leɪn/, rhyming with "main". Therefore, the complete name is pronounced as /mækˈfɑrleɪn/.

MACFARLANE Meaning and Definition

  1. Macfarlane is a surname of Scottish origin, commonly found in Scotland and other English-speaking countries. It is derived from the Gaelic name MacPhàrlain, meaning "son of Parlan." The Gaelic prefix "Mac" signifies "son of," while "Phàrlain" is a variant of "Parlan," which translates to "little Bartholomew" in English. Bartholomew is a biblical name of Hebrew origin, meaning "son of Tolmai."

    The name Macfarlane typically refers to individuals who are descendants or clansmen of a person named Parlan. It is a patronymic surname, denoting the family's ancestral connection to a forefather named Parlan. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of Macfarlane may have varied, with alternative forms including MacParlan, MacPharlane, and MacParland.

    Macfarlane is an ancient surname with a rich Scottish heritage, often associated with the Highlands and Clan Macfarlane. The clan is known for its historical presence in the West of Scotland, particularly around the Loch Lomond area. Members of the Macfarlane clan have played significant roles in Scottish history and have been associated with various cultural and social aspects of Scottish life.

    In contemporary usage, Macfarlane is a relatively common surname found among individuals of Scottish ancestry or Scottish descent around the world. It may serve as an identifier of someone's Scottish heritage and family lineage.

Common Misspellings for MACFARLANE

Etymology of MACFARLANE

The surname "Macfarlane" has Scottish origins. It is an anglicized form of the Gaelic name "Mac Phàrlain", which means "son of Parlan". "Mac" means "son of" in Gaelic, and "Phàrlain" is a personal name derived from "Partholón", who was a mythical figure in Irish legends. The Macfarlanes were clansmen from the region of Argyll in western Scotland. The name Macfarlane originated from the Gaelic patronymic system, where individuals were identified by their father's name. However, it is important to note that surname etymologies can sometimes be complex and have variations across different sources.

Similar spelling words for MACFARLANE

Plural form of MACFARLANE is MACFARLANES

Infographic

Add the infographic to your website: