McLean

MacLean, Maclean, McLean, McClean, McLaine, and McClain is a Gaelic surname (MacGill-Eain in Scottish Gaelic, Mac Giolla Eoin in Irish Gaelic). There are several different origins for the surname McLean/MacLean, however, the clan surname is an Anglicisation of the Scottish Gaelic Mac Gille Eathain. It means "son of Gillean" (Gillean meaning "the Servant of John"), named for Gillean of the Battle Axe who came from Ireland about 1200. The family grew very powerful throughout the Hebrides and Highlands through alliances with the Catholic Church in the 9th century, the MacDonalds in the 13th century, and the MacKays and MacLeods in the 16th century. Many early MacLeans became famous for their honour, strength, and courage in battle.