MacLean

[CelticRadio]

Background: The clan Gillean of the Macleans is a clan included by Mr Skene under the head of Moray. The origin of the clan has been much disputed; according to Buchanan and other authorities it is of Norman or Italian origin, descended from the Fitzgeralds of Ireland. "Speed and other English historians derive the genealogy of the Fitzgeralds from Seignior Giralde, a principal officer under William the Conqueror". Their progenitor, however, according to Celtic tradition, was one Gillean or Gill-eoin, a name signifying the young man, or the servant or follower of John, who lived so early as the beginning of the 5th century. He was called Gillean-na-Tuardhe, i.e. Gillean with the axe, from the dexterous manner in which he wielded that weapoin in battle, and his descendants bear a battle-axe in their crest. According to a history of the clan Maclean published in 1838 by "a Sennachie", the clan is traced up to Fergus I of Scotland, and from him back to an Aonghus Turmhi Teamhrach, "an ancient monarch of Ireland". As to which of these account of the origin of the clan is correct, we shall no pretend to decide. The clan can have no reason to be ashamed of either.

Variations: Beath, Beaton, Bey, Black, Clanachan, Garvie, Gillan, Gilland, Gillian, Gillon, Gilzean, Huie, Lean, MacBay, MacBeath, MacBeth, MacBey, MacBheath, MacClane, MacClean, MacCormick, MacFadyen, MacFadzean, MacFayden, MacFetridge, MacGillivray, MacGilvra, MacILdowie, MacIlduff, MacIlduy, MacIlvora, MacLaine, MacLean, MacLergain, MacLergan, MacPhadden, MacRankin, MacVay, MacVeagh, MacVey, Padon, Paton, Patten, Patton, Peden, Rankin, Rankine.

More Info: http://heraldry.celticradio.net/search.php?id=108

Discussion of this family is welcomed.

[oldraven]

My Mother was a MacLean, and I have been looking lately at where I come from. In that time, I came accross a book that may be helpful to anyone with reasons for entering this thread. It's called "The History of the Clan Gillean" and was written by Father Sinclair (a local Celtic hero, mentioned in my signature) around the turn of the century. It's incredibly thick, and is made from images (scans) of his own personal copy, which has handwritten ammendments found throughout.

If you post here, send me a p.m. and I'll try to find what you're looking for.

[oldraven]

Sorry, that would be Reverend Sinclair, not Father.

[Druid_of_Ark]

I have some McLain McLane names in my history I am wondering if these are variant spellings or seperate clans intirely. I will provide more if I find it, or if you find it please let me know.