MacGilleEòin

MacGilleEòin is a Scottish Gaelic surname. It is an anglicized form of the Gaelic *Mac Gille Eòin*, meaning "son of the servant of John". The personal name Eòin is the Gaelic form of John. The surname is patronymic, indicating lineage from an ancestor named Eòin. The name is most commonly found in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland, particularly in areas with strong Gaelic heritage. Variations in spelling can occur due to the challenges of transliterating Gaelic sounds into English. Common anglicized versions include McLean, although this is a distinct and more prevalent surname. However, MacGilleEòin and its variants are considered to be closely related, sometimes even interchangeable in historical records depending on the scribe. The clan associated with this surname is historically linked to the MacLeans, sharing common ancestral roots and territorial claims in certain periods. The name's origin points to a religious context, with "servant of John" likely referring to a follower of Saint John the Baptist. Over time, the patronymic structure became a hereditary surname passed down through generations.