McFarlane Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname McFarlane come from? What does the surname McFarlane mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name McFarlane and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname McFarlane Origin: What does the last name McFarlane mean?
The surname McFarlane has Scottish origins, with records dating back to the early 1400s. It is believed to have originated as a Scottish surname, closely associated with Scotland for centuries. Over time, the McFarlane surname spread globally, with significant concentrations found in the United States and Scotland by the 20th century. The name has maintained prominence in countries like the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, indicating a widespread presence.
YourRoots data confirms the historical presence of the McFarlane surname in Scotland and its subsequent global spread. The surname's evolution over the centuries has resulted in its recognition in various countries worldwide, showcasing its enduring legacy and cultural significance across different regions. Today, individuals with the McFarlane surname can be found in diverse locations, highlighting the family's rich heritage and continued presence in modern society.
McFarlane Last Name History: Where did the last name McFarlane come from?
Origin of Mcfarlane Surname: Where does the last name Mcfarlane originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Mcfarlane first appeared in records from Scotland around the early 1401.0. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact Mcfarlane spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Mcfarlane: What does the Mcfarlane surname history look like in the early days?
The Mcfarlane surname remained closely associated with Scotland from the 1401.0–1801.0 period. YourRoots data also shows Mcfarlane family records in countries like the United States, indicating global spread over the centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Mcfarlane surname today?
By the 20th century, the volume of records with the Mcfarlane surname grew significantly in Scotland and the United States. The Mcfarlane surname remains prominent in these regions. It appears in many countries, including the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Explore McFarlane last name heritage and McFarlane surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With McFarlane Surame?
Todd McFarlane
Todd McFarlane (Mar 16, 1961 - ) is a Canadian comic-book creator best known for his work on The Amazing Spider-Man and as the creator of the superhero series Spawn. He co-founded Image Comics and set a record with 1.7 million copies sold of Spawn's debut issue. McFarlane also founded McFarlane Toys and Todd McFarlane Entertainment. He produced the film adaptation of Spawn in 1997 and will direct the reboot film "King Spawn" in 2025. McFarlane's early life involved a passion for drawing and baseball, eventually leading him to a successful career in the comic book industry.
Colin McFarlane
Colin Andrew Ignatius Peter McFarlane (born Sep 15, 1961) is a British actor, narrator, and voice actor known for his roles in Christopher Nolan's *The Dark Knight Trilogy* and the STARZ series *Outlander*. His voice work includes characters in *Bob the Builder*, *Thomas & Friends*, and *Fireman Sam*. McFarlane has appeared in popular TV shows like *Doctor Who*, *Torchwood*, and *EastEnders*, as well as films such as *Batman Begins* and *The Dark Knight*. With a diverse career spanning film, television, and voice acting, McFarlane has established himself as a versatile and talented performer.
Brendan McFarlane
Brendan McFarlane (1951 – 21 Feb 2025) was an Irish republican activist known for his involvement in the Provisional IRA and key events during The Troubles in Northern Ireland. He gained notoriety for his role in the Bayardo Bar attack and the Maze Prison escape. Despite his controversial past, McFarlane's actions have left a lasting impact on Irish history and conflict resolution efforts.
Leslie McFarlane
Charles Leslie McFarlane (October 25, 1902 – September 6, 1977) was a Canadian journalist, novelist, screenwriter, and filmmaker known for ghostwriting many of the early Hardy Boys books under the pseudonym Franklin W. Dixon. Raised in Haileybury, Ontario, McFarlane freelanced as a writer before joining the Stratemeyer Syndicate, where he wrote numerous Hardy Boys novels and also contributed to The Dana Girls series. Despite his initial reluctance, he became a prolific writer, balancing his work with filmmaking and television projects. His legacy includes the Leslie McFarlane Public School in Whitby, Ontario, and his diaries and early material archived at McMaster University. McFarlane's impact on popular juvenile literature and Canadian cinema is still celebrated today.
Ian McFarlane
Ian McFarlane (born 1959) is an Australian music journalist, historian, and author best known for his work on the Encyclopedia of Australian Rock and Pop. He has written extensively on Australian music history, contributing to publications like The Australian and working with record labels like Raven Records and Aztec Music. McFarlane's detailed research and comprehensive coverage of Australian music have made him a respected figure in the industry. He continues to be a prominent voice in music journalism, with his encyclopedia being updated for a second edition in 2017.
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