What does the name McFarlane mean?

The name McFarlane primarily means "Bartholomew's son."

Origin and Meaning

The distinguished name McFarlane, often found as a surname, is deeply rooted in Irish and Gaelic heritage. It is derived from the Gaelic "Mac Pharlain," which directly translates to "son of Parlan." "Parlan" is the Gaelic equivalent of the given name Bartholomew.

Historically, surnames beginning with "Mac" (or "Mc") are patronymic, indicating "son of." This convention was common in both Irish and Scottish Gaelic cultures to denote lineage and family connections. Thus, McFarlane signifies a descendant of someone named Bartholomew.

Breaking Down the Name

• "Mc" / "Mac": This prefix is a common Gaelic element meaning "son of." It indicates a direct lineage.
• "Farlane": This part of the name is an Anglicized form of the Gaelic "Parlan," which is the equivalent of the biblical name Bartholomew. Bartholomew is an Aramaic name meaning "son of Talmai" (where Talmai means "furrowed" or "brave").

Name Details at a Glance

For a quick overview of the name McFarlane's key attributes, refer to the table below:

This name connects individuals to a rich genealogical past, often linked to historical clans and regions in Ireland and Scotland. For further details on name origins and meanings, you can explore various name meaning resources.