2007-02-09 12:18:07 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Arts & Humanities ➔ Genealogy
It can be either...or it can be English. People are making assumptions based on the prefix, but the problem is that our ancestors didn't sit still and mingled and migrated throughout the British Isles. Mc is also Irish, and many of the Irish were nobles who were English but gained their lands through inheritance and marriage.
The way that you know for sure is to find the passenger list records (usually but not always at either http://www.castlegarden.org or http://www.ellisisland.org ) or the Naturalization petition or Declaration of Intent for your immigrant ancestor. The other way is to search the census records to see what he listed as his country of origin. The shortcoming to census records is that they're not consistent from one census to the next.
2007-02-09 16:32:33 · answer #1 · answered by GenevievesMom 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
are you sure it isn't McClean? THAT would be irish. did he come to america? cause if he did he could have dropped the second C, so he could get work because of all the prejudice that surounded the irish when they immagrated to america (Irish Need Not Apply signs were posted in windows of many businesses)
most likely an irish name.
could be scottish if there was never a second C. not british tho. definately not.
2007-02-09 13:00:43 · answer #2 · answered by IrishDreamer 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The name is originally Scots Gaelic Mac Gille Eoin “Son of the servant of (St) John” and has various spellings; McClean, McLean, MacClean. It is a very common name in Scotland and in Northern Ireland.
"In June of 2007 the Clan Maclean will be holding its International Clan Gathering at Duart Castle on the Island of Mull. This is a superb chance for all Macleans (however they spell their name) and all members of the septs to visit the Maclean homelands, to meet other clan members and to join in the celebrations."
2007-02-10 05:58:15 · answer #3 · answered by alpha 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Names that start with the prefix Mc or Mac are Scottish
2007-02-09 12:57:19 · answer #4 · answered by katlvr125 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Scottish. I can tell, Mc is Scottish. The L in lean is exactly fitting with the Mc more like Scottish. Deff. Scottish.. =]
2007-02-09 12:26:37 · answer #5 · answered by Ali Knows Your Answer 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Probably a scotsman.
Could i point out to some people on this site that being British is not just being English,it is all of the 4 countries.
2007-02-11 22:38:38 · answer #6 · answered by Countess 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Probably Scottish, but if you know his full name DOB etc., you can find out for sure ate the link below - registration is free, you only have to pay for extra information.
2007-02-09 12:28:10 · answer #7 · answered by Paul The Rock Ape 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Normaly, Mc or mac is Scottish, O' is Irish.
2007-02-09 12:24:57 · answer #8 · answered by tattie_herbert 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
In order, Penelope, Morag, Siobahn, Bernadette.
2016-05-24 18:48:24 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋