NomOrigine Background

Last Name Macan

What is the origin of the last name Macan?

The last name Macan is of Irish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic name "Mac Cana", which means "son of Cana". The name Cana itself is a personal name of uncertain origin, but it is thought to possibly be a form of the name "John". The Macan surname is found mainly in the northern part of Ireland, particularly in County Tyrone.

Please wait, data loading. It may take 1 minute or 2...

Learn more about the origin of the last name Macan

The meaning and origin of the last name Macan

The surname Macan is of Gaelic origin, derived from the ancient Scottish and Irish name MacCoinnich, meaning "son of Coinneach." The name Coinneach is a Gaelic personal name meaning "handsome" or "comely." The Macan surname is commonly found in Scotland and Ireland, with variations such as McKain, McKean, and McCann. It is believed that the Macan family were originally part of the ancient clan MacDonnell of Glengarry in Scotland, with some branches of the family settling in Ireland over the years. The surname Macan signifies a strong family connection and a proud heritage, with its roots deeply embedded in the rich history and culture of the Scottish and Irish peoples.

Geographical distribution of the last name Macan

The last name Macan is of Croatian origin and is primarily found in Croatia, particularly in the regions of Dalmatia and Istria. It can also be found in neighboring countries such as Slovenia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, where Croatians have historically settled. In addition, some individuals with the last name Macan can be found in the United States, Canada, Australia, and other countries where Croatian immigrants have established communities. While the surname Macan is not as common as some other Croatian surnames, it is still a distinctive and recognizable name that carries with it a sense of heritage and cultural identity for those who bear it.

Variants and spellings of the last name Macan

The last name Macan can be spelled and presented in a few variations, including Macann, Macaan, Macanne, Macaanen, Macanen, Macanin, and McAn. These variations may differ depending on personal or family preferences, historical origins, or regional influences. The name likely originated from Gaelic or Celtic roots, meaning "son of the bear." Over time, different branches of the Macan family may have adopted slightly different spellings of the surname, leading to the variations we see today. Despite the different forms of the name, individuals with any of these spellings may still be connected to the same ancestral lineage and share a common history. The variations in spelling add a layer of complexity and richness to the family history of those with the last name Macan.

Famous people with the last name Macan

There are several famous individuals with the last name Macan, including golf course architect Robert Trent Jones Jr., who is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in modern golf course design. His innovative designs have been featured at prestigious courses around the world, including Chambers Bay and Poppy Hills. Another notable figure with the last name Macan is musician and songwriter Sam Macan, who gained fame as the lead vocalist and guitarist for the alternative rock band NoMoreKings. His catchy tunes and clever lyrics have garnered a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim. Both Robert Trent Jones Jr. and Sam Macan have made significant contributions to their respective fields and continue to leave a lasting impact on the worlds of golf and music.

Genealogical research on the last name Macan

The last name Macan is of Irish origin and is believed to be derived from the Gaelic word "Mac Aodhagain," meaning son of Aodhagain. The name may be associated with the Mac Eoghain clan, which was prominent in County Down in the north of Ireland. Records show that the Macan surname has been present in Ireland since at least the 17th century, with individuals bearing the name found in various counties across the country, including Dublin, Cork, and Galway. Descendants of the Macan family have since spread to other parts of the world, including the United States, Australia, and Canada. Genealogical research on the Macan surname may uncover connections to other Irish surnames, such as McCann or McKean, as well as provide insights into the family's history and heritage.

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 April 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

Mac d (Last name)

surnames > mac-d

The last name "MacD" is of Scottish origin, derived from the patronymic surname meaning "son of D." It is a common prefix in Scottish surnames, denoting descent from a specific anc...

Mac-araeg (Last name)

surnames > mac-araeg

The surname Mac Araeg has its origins in Ireland. It is derived from the Gaelic name "Mac an Ríogh", meaning "son of the king". This surname was traditionally borne by descendants...

Macabalan (Last name)

surnames > macabalan

The last name "Macabalan" is of Filipino origin. It is derived from the port district in Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines. The name is likely to have originated from the local plac...

Macabansag (Last name)

surnames > macabansag

The last name Macabansag is of Filipino origin. It is derived from the Tagalog word "kabansag" meaning "famous" or "renowned."

Macabante (Last name)

surnames > macabante

The last name Macabante is of Filipino origin. It is derived from the Tagalog word "kabante," meaning brave or courageous.

Macabebe (Last name)

surnames > macabebe

The last name "Macabebe" has its origin in the Philippines, particularly in the town of Macabebe in the province of Pampanga. The surname is often associated with families of Kapam...

Macabidang (Last name)

surnames > macabidang

The last name "Macabidang" is of Filipino origin. It is derived from the Tagalog word "kabidang," which means "partner" or "companion." This surname is commonly found in the Philip...

Macabinlar (Last name)

surnames > macabinlar

The last name Macabinlar has its origin in the Philippines. It is derived from the word "kabinlar," which means "north" in the Maranao language, a language spoken by the Maranao pe...

Macabontoc (Last name)

surnames > macabontoc

The last name Macabontoc is of Filipino origin.

Macabou (Last name)

surnames > macabou

The last name Macabou is a name that comes from the Caribbean culture, and more specifically from Martinique. It is probably of Creole origin and can have African roots. Unfortunat...

Macadag-um (Last name)

surnames > macadag-um

The last name "Macadagum" is of Filipino origin. It is derived from the word "kadagum," which means "bravery" or "courage" in the Maguindanao language spoken in the Philippines.

Macadenden (Last name)

surnames > macadenden

The surname Macadenden is of Scottish origin. It is believed to be derived from the Gaelic personal name Mac Adain, meaning "son of Adam." The name is thought to have originated in...

Macadow (Last name)

surnames > macadow

The surname Macadow is of Scottish origin. It is derived from the Old Gaelic name Mac Adaim, meaning "son of Adam." The name Adam itself comes from the Hebrew name Adām, which mea...

Macafe (Last name)

surnames > macafe

Macafe is a variant of the surname Macafee, which is of Scottish origin. It is believed to be a Gaelic surname derived from the personal name "Caoimhin," which means "handsome" or ...

Macahis-abraham (Last name)

surnames > macahis-abraham

The last name "Macahis Abraham" appears to have a diverse origin. The surname "Macahis" traces back to the Philippines and is of Filipino origin. On the other hand, "Abraham" is of...