McLane is a unique and distinctive given name of Irish origin. It is derived from the Irish surname "Mac Lean," which means "son of Lean." Lean was a personal name in Ireland, believed to have been brought over by Norse settlers during the Viking Age.
The prefix "Mac" in the name McLane signifies "son of," indicating that it was originally a patronymic surname. This means that the name was passed down from father to son in families, with each generation adding their own prefix to indicate their lineage.
Despite its Irish origins, McLane is not a particularly common name in Ireland today. However, it has gained popularity as a given name in other parts of the world, particularly in English-speaking countries like the United States and Canada.
One notable figure with the last name McLane is the American actor Michael McLane, who was active during the silent film era in the early 20th century. Whether or not his family name has any connection to the Irish surname Mac Lean is unknown.
In summary, McLane is a unique and distinctive given name of Irish origin that means "son of Lean." While it may not be particularly common today, it has gained popularity as a given name in various parts of the world. Its origins can be traced back to the Viking Age in Ireland, and its meaning provides insight into the naming practices of that time period.
The name McLane has seen a varied pattern of popularity over the past few decades in the United States. Between 1993 and 2023, there have been a total of 121 babies named McLane at birth.
The highest number of births with the name McLane occurred in 1996, with 14 newborns sharing this unique moniker. This peak was followed by a decline, with only 9 births in 1997 and 1998, and then a further decrease to 6 births each year from 1999 to 2005.
After a brief hiatus, the name McLane re-emerged in popularity, with 5 births recorded in 2006. This trend continued, with fluctuations in numbers ranging from 5 to 7 births per year up until 2008.
However, it seems that the name McLane has once again started to gain traction in recent years. There were 5 births in 2015, followed by an increase to 6 births each year between 2016 and 2019. The popularity of the name McLane continues into the current decade, with 6 births recorded in both 2022 and 2023.
Overall, while the name McLane may not be one of the most popular choices for newborns in the United States, it has maintained a consistent presence over the years. Parents who choose this name may be drawn to its unique sound and spelling, or perhaps they are honoring family history or paying tribute to personal heroes named McLane. Whatever the reason, the name McLane continues to be given to new additions to American families.