Septs of Clan MacLean
Auchaneson (and Variant: MacEachan)
Surname Origin & Association: Auchaneson is a Scots rendering of the Gaelic MacEachan, meaning “son of Eachann (Hector).” The name is directly associated with descendants of MacLean ancestors named Hector.
Historical Context: Documented as early as 1492, Auchaneson appears as a witness in MacLean clan alliances. The MacEachans were a cadet line of the clan, especially linked with the MacLeans of Lochbuie, also known as the Sìol Eachainn (“Seed of Hector”).
Beaton (and Variants: Bethune, Beath, Bey, MacBeth, MacVeagh, MacVey)
Surname Origin & Association: Beaton stems from the Gaelic Mac Beatha (“son of life”), referring to a family of hereditary physicians.
Historical Context: The Beatons served the MacLean chiefs of Duart as physicians and bards. Their role on Mull as healers and scholars spanned several centuries. Variants such as MacBeth and MacVeagh were also used.
Black
Surname Origin & Association: A descriptive surname for someone with dark hair or complexion, derived from Gaelic “dubh.”
Historical Context: Used as an English equivalent for Gaelic surnames like MacIlleDhuibh. Some MacLeans were known as “Dubh,” and their descendants used Black as a surname.
Clanachan (and Variant: Clannachan)
Surname Origin & Association: From Gaelic Mac Gille Onchon, meaning “son of the servant of Onchu.”
Historical Context: Originated in southwest Scotland; some families settled on MacLean lands and became integrated into the clan. Included as a minor sept of Clan MacLean.
Duart (and Variants: Dowart, Dowie, Duie)
Surname Origin & Association: A territorial name from Duart Castle, the MacLean chief’s seat. Dowie/Duie derive from Gaelic Mac Gille Dhubh.
Historical Context: Families named for their role at or near Duart Castle. Dowie/Duie also refers to retainers or followers of the Duart line.
Garvie (and Variant: Garvey)
Surname Origin & Association: From Gaelic O Gairbhith or Mac Gairbhith, meaning “descendant of Gairbhith.”
Historical Context: Possibly linked to Irish origin families or as a nickname for MacLeans known for rugged character. Found in Mull and surrounding areas under MacLean influence.
Gillan (and Variants: Gilland, Gillon, Gilzean)
Surname Origin & Association: From Gillean, the name of Clan MacLean’s founder. Derived from Gaelic Gille Eathain (“servant of [Saint] John”).
Historical Context: A shortened or alternate form of MacLean. Used especially in Lowland and colonial contexts. These surnames honor the clan’s progenitor.
Huie (and Variants: Hoey, Huey)
Surname Origin & Association: Derived from the Gaelic Aodh (Hugh), or from Mac Gille Aodh.
Historical Context: Huie/Hoey families in the Isles and Argyll may be descendants of MacLeans or allied followers. Recognized in sept lists for their historical association.
Lean (and Variants: Lane, Laine, Lain)
Surname Origin & Association: A shortened form of MacLean, often by dropping the “Mac.”
Historical Context: Used by MacLean descendants in English-speaking records. Lane and Lean were common among emigrant MacLeans.
Leitch (and Variants: Leach, McLeitch)
Surname Origin & Association: Occupational surname meaning “physician,” from Gaelic “liagh.”
Historical Context: Some Leitch families were descendants of the Beatons or served as clan doctors and clergy under the MacLean chiefs.
MacCormick (and Variants: McCormick, Cormack)
Surname Origin & Association: Gaelic Mac Cormaig, “son of Cormac.”
Historical Context: A group of Irish MacCormicks assisted the Maclaines of Lochbuie in regaining Moy Castle. They were rewarded with land and became a Lochbuie sept.
MacFadyen (and Variants: MacFadzean, McFadden, Paton, Patton)
Surname Origin & Association: From Gaelic Mac Pháidín, “son of little Patrick.”
Historical Context: Brought from Donegal to Argyll by MacLean chiefs. Later took the name Rankin. Served as hereditary pipers to the MacLeans.
MacFergan (and Variant: MacFergain)
Surname Origin & Association: Gaelic Mac Fhearghain, “son of Fergus.”
Historical Context: A minor Islay surname later linked to MacLeans by migration and loyalty. Recognized in clan records as a historical sept.
MacGillivray (and Variants: MacGilvra, McGilvray)
Surname Origin & Association: Gaelic Mac Gille Bràth, “son of the servant of judgment.”
Historical Context: An Argyll branch of Clan MacGillivray associated with the Macleans of Lochbuie. Integrated into clan life through service and marriage.
MacLergain (and Variant: MacLergan)
Surname Origin & Association: Possibly from Mac Giolla Fheargain, “son of the devotee of St. Fergan.”
Historical Context: Originally associated with Clan Donald on Islay. Some families became part of Clan MacLean and are listed among its septs.
MacRankin (and Variants: Rankin, Rankine)
Surname Origin & Association: Gaelic Mac Raing, “son of Rankin (Francis).”
Historical Context: Originally MacFadyens. Became hereditary pipers to the MacLean chiefs. A well-documented and honored MacLean sept.
References (APA)
Black, G. F. (1946). The Surnames of Scotland: Their Origin, Meaning and History. New York: New York Public Library.
Clan Maclean Association. (2023). Clan Maclean Septs. Retrieved from https://clanmacleanaustralia.com/clan-septs.php
Library Ireland. (1923). Rankin – Some Anglicised Surnames in Ireland. Retrieved from https://www.libraryireland.com/AnglicisedSurnames/Rankin.php
MacLean, J. P. (1914). An Historical Account of the Surname MacLean. Cleveland: Helman-Taylor Co.
Maclean, J. P. (1899). A History of the Clan MacLean. Cincinnati: Robert Clarke Company.
Maclean Sinclair, A. (1899). The Clan Gillean. Charlottetown: Haszard & Moore.
McLean, R. (2018). McCormacks, Sept of Whom? Retrieved from https://maclaine.org
Thomson, D. (1954). The Companion to Gaelic Scotland. Glasgow: Gairm Publications.
Wikipedia. (2023). Clan Maclean – Septs. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clan_Maclean