MacLeod

MacLeod is a Scottish surname derived from the Gaelic MacLeòid, meaning "son of Leod." The given name Leod appears in medieval Gaelic sources, and the surname is formed in the patronymic style common to Gaelic naming. The spelling MacLeod and McLeod, as well as the Gaelic MacLeòid, are common variants.

Clan MacLeod is a Highland Scottish clan traditionally associated with the Isle of Skye and the western seaboard of the Outer Hebrides. The chief's line is the MacLeods of MacLeod, historically seated at Dunvegan Castle on Skye. The clan includes several branches, such as MacLeod of Harris and MacLeod of Lewis, reflecting its historical presence across the Inner and Outer Hebrides. Throughout its history, the clan participated in the complex inter-clan politics and regional conflicts that shaped the western Highlands.

In modern times, MacLeod is a common surname in Scotland and among people of Scottish descent worldwide. It is widely found in Canada, the United States, Australia, New Zealand, and other countries of the Scottish diaspora. The name remains linked to regional heritage through clan associations and family histories, while its bearers contribute to diverse aspects of contemporary society.

Notable individuals and places bearing the name MacLeod appear in historical and contemporary contexts, underscoring the name's enduring presence in Scottish culture and beyond. This article focuses on the origin, clan structure, and modern distribution of the name.