Surname MacLaw - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'M'
MacLaw: What does the surname MacLaw mean?
The last name MacLaw appears to be of Scottish origin, deriving from the Gaelic MacLabhruinn. "Mac" or "Mc" is a common prefix in many Scottish and Irish surnames meaning "son of". However, the meaning of "Law" is not explicitly clear.
It may be an anglicized form where "Labhruinn" might have morphed into "Law." Labhruinn is believed to mean "of the clerics" or "servant of Saint Laurence." Hence, MacLabhruinn would mean "son of the servant of Saint Laurence," which might have evolved into MacLaw over time.
However, without additional historical and genealogical studies, the exact meaning, origin, and evolution of MacLaw remain uncertain. As with many surnames, variant spelling and regional dialects can significantly change the name's appearance and meaning.
It is also possible that "Law" in MacLaw stems from the profession, similar to other occupational surnames such as "Smith" or "Taylor". In that case, MacLaw might be interpreted as "son of the law," possibly denoting a family history in law enforcement or legal work.
In conclusion, while the exact origins and meaning of MacLaw cannot be precisely determined without comprehensive information, possible interpretations may include "son of the law" or "son of the servant of Saint Laurence."
Order DNA origin analysisMacLaw: Where does the name MacLaw come from?
The last name MacLaw does not appear in many documented surname databases, suggesting it is quite rare or possibly a variant of another surname. Its form though, suggests it might have roots in Scotland or Ireland, characterized by the prefix 'Mac,' meaning 'son of' in both Gaelic languages. It could possibly be a variant of the surnames McLaw, McLaws, or MacLea, which have Scottish origins. Without clear documentation or evidence, it's difficult to definitively determine its origin and prevalence. Specific populations or regions where this surname is common today cannot be confidently identified due to the name's rarity. Some surnames may have different variations that have evolved over time depending on the language, geographical location, and external influences, making the tracing of its exact origin and prevalence challenging. Extensive genealogical research would be required to establish a more conclusive understanding of the surname MacLaw. Keep in mind that people with this surname, like any other, can be found worldwide due to global migration patterns.
Variations of the surname MacLaw
The surname MacLaw appears to be of Scottish or Irish origin but it is relatively rare, making finding a plethora of variations difficult. The 'Mac' prefix in the surname traditionally indicates son of, and is popularly found in both Scottish and Irish surnames.
A possible variant is McLaw. The surname may have possibly evolved from a much more common surname, such as McLean, McClure, McLoughlin, or MacLeod. Slightly altered versions could be Macklaw, Micklaw, or Micklow.
Another potential spelling variation could be MacClaw, as 'C' is often interchangeable with 'K' sound in the Celtic languages.
Sometimes, the "Mac" or "Mc" prefix may be omitted entirely, resulting in simply Law or Lawes as plausible variations. Similarly, names such as 'Lawson' could theoretically be related, indicating 'son of Law'.
It is important to note that family names can be corrupted in a lot of ways over time, including through translation and relocation. The most reliable way to determine connected surnames would be through genealogical research or a professional service specialising in surname origin and family trees.
Famous people with the name MacLaw
- Jason MacLauchlan: Actor, best known for roles in Twin Peaks, Desperate Housewives, and Scrubs
- Jolene MacLaughlan: Actress known for her role as Jasmine Dubrow on S.W.A.T.
- Anna MacLaughlin: Canadian actress and voice actress
- Iain MacLachlan: Writer and director
- Michael MacLachlan: Actor, known for his role in Contagion
- Peter MacLachlan: New Zealand actor, best known for his role in Westside
- John MacLaughlin: Professional golfer
- Robert MacLachlan: Aerospace engineer and astrophysicist
- Charlotte MacLachlan: British actress, known for her roles in Les Misérables and The Night Manager
- Brad MacLaurin: Canadian television personality and motivational speaker