Surname Clingan - Meaning and Origin

Clingan: What does the surname Clingan mean?

The last name Clingan is of Scottish origin and is derived from the Old Gaelic name "MacGille Fhaolain," which means "son of the servant of St Fillan." St Fillan was a well-known figure in Irish history who is remembered for his work in promoting Christianity. The majority of people with the surname Clingan are predominantly found in Scotland, particularly in regions that were heavily influenced by early Celtic or Gaelic cultures. The name has gone through a series of spelling variations over the centuries, including Clingan, Clingane, Clinghan, Clingin, and others. It's also believed to be associated with clan MacLellan in Scotland. However, the meaning of individual surnames can often be challenging and complex to trace accurately due to the evolution of languages and migration of peoples.

Clingan: Where does the name Clingan come from?

The surname Clingan is thought to originate from Scotland. It is an anglicised form of the old Gaelic "Mac Gille Fhionntain" or "MacGilliefhinntain". The name translates into "son of the servant of St. Fintan". St. Fintan was an early Irish saint who founded a monastery at Clonenagh in County Laois, Ireland.

The surname Clingan has variations which include Clinghan, Clingin, Clingen, Clingon, Clington, and Clingane. The earliest recorded spelling of this family name is probably that of Thomas Clingan, which was dated 1561 in Edinburgh, Scotland during the reign of Queen Mary, known as "Mary, Queen of Scots."

Although its roots are Scottish, the surname has spread throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland. Migration over the centuries has also established the surname in countries such as Australia, Canada, and the United States. Therefore, today, the last name Clingan can be found in various regions around the world, although it is still not very common. The highest concentration of people with the surname Clingan is found in the United States followed by England, according to Forebears surname directory.

Variations of the surname Clingan

The surname Clingan is Scottish in origin, and it is considered to be a habitational name from Clingan's Farm in the parish of Closeburn, in Dumfriesshire. It may also derive from the old Gaelic "MacGilleChunagain", a personal name that translates as "The son of the servant of Saint Canice (Cunan)".

There are several variations, spellings and associated surnames known to be of the same origin or having similar sound-based origins. These include Clingen, Clingen, Klingon, Klingan, Clingans, Clingane, Clinghan, Clingham, Clingerman and Klingaman.

In addition, names like Kilgannon, Glingan, and Glengon are also speculated to share the same origin due to phonetic similarities, suggesting a shared Gaelic derivation. It's also possible that some variations can be a result of regional accents and differences in the interpretation of pronunciation with the evolution of language.

Remember that surname variants can often result from simple misspellings, government record errors, and translation issues among individuals with different native languages. Over time, these slight changes can develop into distinct surnames.

Famous people with the name Clingan

• Kyle Clingan: An Australian cricketer who played for Queensland U-19 team.
• Scott Clingan: A former American football player.
• Connor Clingan: As of 2021, a highly sought-after high school basketball recruit.
• Mark Clingan: A prominent real estate industry leader in Australia.
• Owen Clingan: A well-known musician from Brooklyn, New York.
• Jodi Clingan: An Australian executive producer and television personality who has worked on multiple prime time TV shows.
• Peter Clingan: An experienced Australian percussionist and music educator.
• Rebecca Clingan: She was part of the cast of the film 'My Heart Can’t Beat Unless You Tell It To'.
• Samuel Clingan: A man who was recognized for his political contribution in County Tyrone, Ireland, during the early 18th century.
• Leslie Clingan: An American blogger famous for fashion and lifestyle content. It should be noted, though, that the Clingan surname is not particularly associated with high-profile celebrity status or international recognition.

Other surnames

Clingen