McFarlan is a surname of Scottish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic word "Mac Pharlain," meaning "son of Parlan." The name Parlan is believed to be a variation of the name Bartholomew, which is of Hebrew origin and means "son of Talmai."
As a surname, McFarlan has been predominantly found in Scotland and Ireland, commonly spelled with variant spellings such as MacFarlan, McFarland, MacFarlane, and McFarlin. The prefix "Mc" or "Mac" signifies "son of" in Gaelic, indicating a patronymic surname.
Those bearing the surname McFarlan are likely to trace their ancestry back to clans or families originating in Scotland. Clan MacFarlane, for example, has a rich history in the western Scottish region of Argyll, where they held territories around Loch Lomond. The clan played a significant role in Scottish history including its involvement in various battles such as the Battle of Largs in 1263.
In modern times, individuals with the name McFarlan can be found worldwide due to migration. It is a relatively uncommon surname compared to more widespread Scottish surnames, but still retains its cultural and historical significance. Today, individuals with the surname McFarlan may be located in various professions and walks of life, carrying on the legacy of their ancestors.
