Surname MacCranie - Meaning and Origin
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MacCranie: What does the surname MacCranie mean?
The last name MacCranie is an Anglicized form of an old Irish surname. The Gaelic form of the surname, Mac Raithin, is derived from the word 'raithin' meaning 'small fort' or 'ring fort.' This refers to an ancient practice in which a small fort would be built around a wide area, usually as protection against invasion. The term is also used to refer to a type of fortification that was commonly built by the Celts.
The MacCranie surname is associated with County Cork, Ireland and historically with the townlands of Rahark and Clogher, although it is also found in other parts of Ireland. It is possible that the name may have also been used as a nickname in some parts of the country for a person who possessed a kind of stubbornness, perhaps given by their location near ancient fortifications.
The MacCranie name is generally associated with the Irish language. It is seen from the earliest records throughout the 17th century, with recorded variants from that era including McAreathin, McCranfell, McCrann, McCronin, MacCronin, and MacRann.
The MacCranie name is an important part of the Irish heritage and continues to be found among families in this part of the world. It carries a sense of protection and strength, relating to the ancient fortifications that the Celts once built. Its history is a reminder of the richness of Irish culture and of the power of family for generations.
Order DNA origin analysisMacCranie: Where does the name MacCranie come from?
The surname MacCranie is most commonly found in Scotland today. The surname is believed to be derived from the Old Gaelic Mac Graine, meaning "son of Graine". There are several different spellings of the name, including Mac Cranie, McCranie, MacCranie, McCraney, and McCrane.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, many individuals with the MacCranie surname left Scotland in search of better economic opportunities, which explains why the surname can today be found in many countries and regions around the world. In Scotland, areas where the name MacCranie is most likely to be found include Stirlingshire, the Borders, Highland, Glasgow, and Fife. In recent years, individuals with the MacCranie surname are also increasingly found in England, the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
The MacCranie surname has also been found in records as far back as the 11th century, when an individual by the name of Simon MacGraine was recorded in a charter of the Bishop of Aberdeen in 1428, and a person with the MacCranie surname appears alongside Simon in the record. In the following centuries, the MacCranie name has been passed down through generations, with various branches of the family found in different parts of Scotland.
Overall, the surname MacCranie is currently most frequently found in Scotland, but is also spread across many other countries and regions around the world due to emigration in past centuries.
Variations of the surname MacCranie
The MacCranie surname has several variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. These variants are closely related and stem from the same Gaelic origin.
The most common spelling of the surname, MacCranie, is a Irish form which is derived from the Gaelic word “MacCrann” which means “Son of the Chieftain”.
Other variations include: MacGrann, MacGraney, MacGrannie, MacGrannach, MacCranny and MacRannie. The Scottish variations are MacGrainey, MacGrainy, MacGrainey and MacGranie.
The English variations are MacCrainey and MacCraine.
The surname is also sometimes rendered as Cranney, Cranie, Cronney, Krann, and Krannie.
The surname has spread to other countries with emigration. In the United States, the surname often appears as Cranney, Crainey and Craine. In Canada, the surname is often seen as Crainie, Cranney and Craine.
The parish of Imacranie, located in Ireland, was likely named after its founding family which was likely the MacCranies. It is believed that the MacCranies descended from a branch of the O’Rourkes.
The prevalence of the surname MacCranie across the British Isles makes it difficult to identify specific geographical locations where the surname is common. However, Scotland, Ireland, England, Canada and the United States all have strong populations of this surname.
Famous people with the name MacCranie
- Colin MacCranie: Scottish right hand batsman and left arm orthodox off spin bowler
- Jamie MacCranie: Scottish professional rugby union footballer
- Euan MacCranie: British Paralympic cross country skier
- Duncan MacCranie: Scottish referee in Commando Comics
- Danielle MacCranie: Canadian actress, known for her role as Rossi in “The Bravest Knight”
- Natalie MacCranie: American singer-songwriter
- Mikale MacCranie: British actor, best known for his roles in “Stranger Things” and “Skins”
- Isla MacCranie: Australian actor, best known for her roles in “Nowhere Boys” and “A Place to Call Home”
- Sarah MacCranie: American voice actress, known for her work in the “Powerpuff Girls” series
- Fergus MacCranie: English actor, best known for his roles in “The Folly of War” and “The Queen’s Gambit”