Surname MacPherson of Barra - Meaning and Origin
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MacPherson of Barra: What does the surname MacPherson of Barra mean?
MacPherson is a Scottish surname that originated from the Gaelic language. It means "son of the parson". The prefix "Mac" means "son of" and it is hypothesized that the "Pherson" part comes from a colloquial spelling of "parson", which refers to a Christian clergy member.
The phrase "of Barra" indicates a geographical location - the island of Barra in Scotland - signifying that the person or family comes from that place. This is a traditional way of distinguishing between different branches of a clan, as many Scottish surnames are linked to specific regions or territories.
Therefore, "MacPherson of Barra" essentially refers to a descendent of a clergyman from the island of Barra. It's also possible that the person might be a member or a descendant of a prominent branch of the MacPherson clan located in Barra.
Order DNA origin analysisMacPherson of Barra: Where does the name MacPherson of Barra come from?
The last name MacPherson is of Scottish origin, specifically from the Gaelic name 'Mac a' Phearsain,' which means 'son of the parson.' It's notable that the parson referred here was Muriach, a parson of Kingussie in the 12th century. Despite this, the term MacPherson of Barra specifically refers to a branch of the MacPherson clan who settled in the Isle of Barra in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland.
Barra itself is a rugged island steeped in ancient history, with ties to the powerful Clan MacNeil. Significantly, the name MacNeil is the 8th most common surname on Barra, the 9th being MacPherson.
Today, you can find the surname MacPherson in countries where large numbers of Scots have emigrated, such as Canada, the United States, and Australia. However, the biggest concentration of people named MacPherson still live in Scotland and particularly in the Highlands and Islands where the clan traditionally resided.
Variations of the surname MacPherson of Barra
The surname MacPherson originates from Scotland and is derived from the Gaelic language. The name translates to "Son of the Parson." It indicates descendancy from clerics or members of the clergy who later became secular landholders.
The variations and spellings of this surname are vast due to the varied recording methods employed by scribes when this surname was first used; spelling was not yet standardized, and so names often appeared different each time they were recorded. Variations of the surname MacPherson include, but are not limited to, MacPherson, McPherson, Macpherson, M'Pherson, and MacPhersone.
Moreover, some MacPherson families anglicised their surname to Pearson or Peterson. The 'Mac' or 'Mc' prefix in these surnames is commonly spelled either way and does not affect the origin or interpretation of the name.
Another factor influencing the variations of the MacPherson surname is the geographical dispersal of families bearing this name. For instance, the MacPhersons of Cluny are a renowned branch of the MacPherson clan from the Scottish Highlands. There are also MacPhersons from the island of Barra, hence the term "MacPherson of Barra." The MacPherson surname can also be found in other countries due to migration, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Famous people with the name MacPherson of Barra
- Donald Macpherson of Barra: Donald Macpherson was a 15th century nobleman from the ancient Hebridean island of Barra. He is known to be the last of the so-called Old Islesmen, of whom his father Ranald was the first in 1427.
- Sir Donald Macpherson of Barra: Born in 1811, Sir Donald was a notable businessman from Barra. He was known for forming close business ties with Edinburgh and London, where he owned two ships. He was highly respected by the locals for his ethics and commitment to the islands.
- Sir Norman Macpherson of Barra: Born in 1842, Norman was the third generation of the family to be knighted. A Barrachian himself, he was known for his philanthropic works, and contributed greatly to the improvement of the island. His works were praised by the locals, especially his donation of a hospital.
- Francis Macpherson of Barra: Francis was born in 1890, and was a naval veteran of the First World War. He was highly respected for his bravery, and went on to have a successful career as a lawyer in Edinburgh. His estate was left to the people of Barra, and is still a popular visitor attraction today.
- William Macpherson of Barra: Known as ‘Macpherson of Barra’, William was a Scottish politician and barrister born in 1895. He represented the Highlands & Islands constituency from 1934-1955 and was an ardent supporter of home rule. He was nominated as the Lord Provost of Edinburgh from 1959-1972, making him the first ever Highland Lord Provost.