Family History and Genealogy Resources by Surname
McLean Surname Origin
MacGillean. From a Highland chieftain of the name of Gillean, who was the progenitor of this family. This Gillean was a celebrated warrior, and was called Gilleanni-Tuoidh, from his ordinary weapon, a battle-ax, which in the Gaelic is Tuoidh, which his descendants wear to this day in their crest, betwixt a laurel and a cypress branch. The posterity of this Gillean were therefore called Mac Gillean, in all ancient documents, and now of modern date McLeans. 'Magh Leamhna,' in the County of Antrim, the estate of the McLeans or Macklins.
Source: An Etymological Dictionary of Family and Christian Names With an Essay on their Derivation and Import; Arthur, William, M.A.; New York, NY: Sheldon, Blake, Bleeker & CO., 1857.
McLean Surname Meaning and Family Facts
There is more to McLean family history than the origin of your surname:
A McLean Family History Thought:
'Study the past if you would divine the future.' --Confucius