MacClelland

MacClelland is a surname of Scottish origin. It is a patronymic form created from the Gaelic prefix Mac- meaning “son of” attached to Clelland or Cleland, placename elements that occur in southern Scotland. The name therefore signifies “son of Clelland” or “son of Cleland.”

Variants of the surname include McClelland, MacClelland, Clelland, and Cleland. Spelling variants arise from anglicization, regional pronunciation, and historical record-keeping practices, leading to multiple forms in modern usage.

Geographic distribution and demographic patterns show the name with strong historical ties to Scotland, particularly in the Lowlands and counties around Lanarkshire. In the modern era, MacClelland and its variants are found in countries with significant Scottish diaspora, notably the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Within these countries, bearers of the surname often appear in urban and suburban areas with longer-standing Scottish heritage.

The surname is used by individuals across a range of professions and communities. As with many Scottish names, its distribution today reflects broader patterns of migration and settlement rather than a single defining lineage.