NomOrigine Background

Last Name Mclaughlin

What is the origin of the last name Mclaughlin?

The surname McLaughlin originates from Gaelic and Scottish origins, specifically from the Irish sept (clan) of O'Lochlainn, which is derived from the Gaelic name "Lochlann" meaning "foreigner" or "Norseman." The clan was based in County Tyrone in Ulster, Ireland. The name was Anglicized as Mac Lochlainn and later shortened to McLaughlin during the process of anglicization in Ireland, which took place during British rule. Over time, many members of the O'Lochlainn clan emigrated to Scotland and later to England, North America, and other countries, spreading the surname globally.

Unlock and discover the hidden secrets of the surname Mclaughlin

Unlock the Secrets of Your Surname Now

For only 3.95 $, you get:

  • Full access for 7 days
  • Unlimited access to all name and surname profiles
  • High-quality Origin Certificate
  • Download: Keep a precious memory with your origins downloadable in PDF format.
  • Unlimited search
  • Ad-Free: Enjoy a smooth and uninterrupted user experience.
  • ✅ 15-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee!
Unlock the Secrets of Your Surname Now
🎁 Special offer today: 3.95 $ instead of 6.95 $
⏳ This exclusive offer expires in:

✅ 15-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee!

What our users say

“I discovered fascinating details about my family history. This service is amazing for tracing our roots!” - Jean D.

“This site strengthened our sense of family belonging by uncovering our origins. Highly recommended!” - Marie L.

“The information was detailed and accurate. I learned interesting facts about my ancestors. A must-have!” - Paul S.

✅ Join the 5,000+ people who have already discovered the fascinating history of their last name!

Discover my family history now

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What will I discover by exploring my last name?
Answer: You will discover the geographical origin, etymology, and unique history of your last name. You can also explore family traditions and historical events connected to it.

Question: How long does it take to access the information?
Answer: Once your payment is confirmed, access is instant. You can start exploring right away.

Question: Are the details about my last name accurate?
Answer: Our data comes from extensive research in reliable archives and historical databases. While we cannot guarantee 100% accuracy, we strive to provide the most complete and precise information possible.

Payment Information

or pay by card

By clicking 'Confirm my payment', you agree to our refund policy, accessible via this link: Refund Policy, as well as our cancellation policy accessible via this link: Cancellation Policy

Learn more about the origin of the last name Mclaughlin

The meaning and origin of the last name Mclaughlin

The surname McLaughlin is an Anglicized form of the Irish Gaelic name Mac Lochlainn. It derives from the Old Gaelic "Mac" (son) and "Lochlann," which means "Stranger from the North" or "Norseman." Originally, this name would have been given to someone who had a Norse or Viking ancestor. The Anglicized form of the name, McLaughlin, came about when Irish names were being anglicized during the period of British rule in Ireland, beginning in the late Middle Ages. This surname is most common among the Scottish and Northern Irish populations today. It is pronounced "Mc-Law-lin" with a stress on the first syllable.

Geographical distribution of the last name Mclaughlin

The surname McLaughlin is predominantly found in Ireland and Scotland, with a significant concentration in Ulster, Northern Ireland, due to its origins among Scottish settlers in the province during the Plantation of Ulster in the 17th century. Outside of Ireland and Scotland, the name can also be found in English-speaking countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, where Irish and Scottish immigrants brought the surname with them. In the U.S., McLaughlin is most common in states with a high historical Irish population such as Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, and Michigan.

Variants and spellings of the last name Mclaughlin

The surname Mclaughlin has several variants and spellings due to differences in transcription and pronunciation over time. Some common variations include McLoughlin, MacLoughlin, McLauglin, and MacLaughlin. These variations may arise from regional dialects or scribal errors during historical record-keeping. The name is an anglicized form of the Irish Gaelic name "Mac Lochlainn," which means "son of Lochlann." Lochlann was a Norse term used to describe Scandinavian raiders, so McLaughlin's original surname suggests Viking ancestry. It is most common in Ireland, particularly in the counties of Donegal and Tyrone. The name is also found among Irish diaspora communities worldwide.

Famous people with the last name Mclaughlin

Notable individuals with the surname McLaughlin include:

1. Conor McGregor, an Irish professional mixed martial artist and boxer, who is known for competing in Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). He holds dual titles as both UFC Featherweight and Lightweight Champion simultaneously.

2. Mary Elizabeth McLaughlin, a Canadian actress best recognized for her role as Sarah Matheson in the television series Sliders.

3. Thomas Francis McLaughlin, a New Zealand politician who served as the 17th Prime Minister of New Zealand from 1949 to 1957.

4. Michael McLaughlin, an American actor who is known for his roles in television series such as The Good Wife and Elementary.

5. Kevin McLaughlin, a former professional ice hockey defenseman who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) from 1986 to 2000.

6. James J. McLaughlin Jr., an American lawyer and politician who served as United States Attorney for the District of Maryland from 1954 to 1973. He was instrumental in investigating and prosecuting civil rights violations, particularly those related to racial discrimination and segregation.

These individuals have made significant contributions to various fields, including sports, acting, politics, and law.

Genealogical research on the last name Mclaughlin

The surname McLaughlin originates from Ireland and is derived from the Gaelic Mac Lochlainn, which means "son of Loughlan". The name was borne by several Irish septs, including those from County Donegal, Tyrconnell, and Oriel. Some of these clans were among the most powerful in Ireland during the Middle Ages. The McLaughlin clan from Donegal was displaced from their territories during the Plantation of Ulster in the 17th century and many members emigrated to Scotland and later to England, America, and Canada. Famous bearers of the name include American actors William H. Macy and Kirstie Alley, as well as Irish politician Seán Mac Stíofáin, a leader of the Irish Republican Army during the Troubles in Northern Ireland.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

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 : 28 July 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

Mclauchlan (Last name)

surnames > mclauchlan

The last name McLauchlan is of Scottish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic name Mac Lachlainn, which means "son of Lachlan." The name Lachlan itself is of Scottish and Irish ori...

Mclay (Last name)

surnames > mclay

The surname McLay is of Scottish and Irish origin. It is an Anglicized form of several Gaelic names, including Mac Lea (son of the warrior/leader), Mac Laoigh (son of the handsome ...

Mclean tan (Last name)

surnames > mclean-tan

The last name "McLean" is of Scottish origin, derived from the Gaelic name "Mac Gille Eathain," which means "son of the servant of St. John." It is believed to have originated in t...

Mclemore (Last name)

surnames > mclemore

The surname "McLemore" is of Scottish origin, derived from the Gaelic Mac Gabhra Mor, which translates to "son of the great smith." It's a variant of the more common Scottish surna...

Mclim (Last name)

surnames > mclim

The last name McLim is of Scottish origin. It is derived from the name MacLim, which means "son of Lim," with Lim being a personal name of uncertain origin. The prefix "Mac" in Sco...