McLane Family History

McLane Surname Origin

The McLane genealogy boasts a decidedly Scottish origin, where it was first found in the Western Isles, although it is seen in early Irish history as well.


McLane Genealogy, Meaning & History

McLane is an interesting surname with a colorful history and a huge range of spelling variations, including McLean, MacLean, MacLaine, Maclean and McCleane. The name is derived from an Old Gaelic name that means "son of the devotee of Saint John." In Scotland, the McLane family history can be traced directly back to Eachan Reaganach and his brother Lachlan, who descended from a famed warrior who lived during the 5th century. The clan primarily settled in the Western Isles, where they held a considerable amount of property, given to the family through the warrior, Gillian of the Battleaxe. Records of the name can also be found in the rolls of early Scottish history, with some McLane genealogy found in the Exchequer Rolls of Scotland in the early part of the 14th century.


McLane Immigration History

Eventually, the McLane family history traveled throughout Scotland and into Ireland and other parts of Europe. Records of the family in Ireland begin during the 17th century, with migration to other countries like Sweden showing up around the same time. The McLane genealogy did not migrate to America until a century later, with some of the earliest records of the McLane clan sailing to the New World in 1746, when Janet McLane first landed in Pennsylvania. Since that time, more McLane family members have come to the United States, and by the early part of the 20th century, the bulk of this clan was settled into northern states like New York, Pennsylvania and Ohio. Today, McLane families and others with spelling variations on the surname live throughout the United States and other parts of the world.


Famous People Named McLane

Donald McLean - Donald McLean (October 2, 1945 - ) is an American songwriter and performer who is best known for his 1971 album "American Pie," that contained the hit single with the same title.

Edward Beale McLean - Edward Beale McLean (1889 - July 28, 1941) was an American journalist who owned and published the Washington Post between 1916 and 1933.

Malcom McLean - Malcom McLean (November 13, 1914 - May 25, 2001) was an American entrepreneur and businessman who is often referred to as the "father of containerization" due to his development of the metal shipping container.

David McLean - David McLean (May 19, 1922 - October 12, 1995) was an American actor and heavy smoker who appeared in many Marlborough television advertisements before dying of lung cancer.

Norman McLean

Norman McLean (December 23, 1902 - August 2, 1990) was an American author who may have best known for his novel, "A River Runs through It," which was eventually made into a film directed by Robert Redford.


McLane Fun Facts

  • Number of McLane's in the US: 874477
  • Average Lifespan of McLane's: 87
  • McLane is the 5008th most common name in the US

Surnames Related To McLane


Click The Letter That Corresponds To Your Family Name

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

Find Records Now for Free

Start your free trial today to learn more about your ancestors using our powerful and intuitive search. Cancel any time, no strings attached.

Start free trial