This famous surname part of the clan Logan, derives from the ancient gaelic 'MacGill-Fhinnein, translating as 'The son of Finnans friend (or possibly) servant'. The original name holder was believed to be the founder of a premedieval school at Moville, Strongford Lough, County Down, Ulster. Certainly the Scottish connection with the North of Ireland goes back to pre-history, and is not simply a 16th century 'colonisation or plantation' as claimed by so-called Irish nationalists. The name of 'Maclennan' was originally one associated with Mull, but now seems to be more prominent in the North East of Scotland. This maybe as a result of the 1745 Invasion by Bonnie Prince Charlie, as it is known that members of the clan played extensive roles in support of his cause. The fate for many Highlanders was transportation to the colonies, particularly Nova Scotia, but those that remained were forbidden to use the gaelic form of the name, the clan members, or at least those held to have rebelled, being exciled to different areas of Scotland. In the modern idiom the surname can be found spelt as Maclennan, MacClennan, McClenan and McLennan. Examples of the early name recordings include Gilmory M'Lenane of Edirallekach in 1483, Adam M'Clenane of Culroos in 1586, whilst Alexander M'Lennan of Lochbroom, was taken prisoner during the '45. Later examples are those of William Maclennan of Frazerburgh on September 19th 1782, and Margaret McLennan who married John McAndrew at Old Machar, Scotland on December 27th 1845. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Kessanus Macclenane, which was dated Circa 1250, the charters of Cartonvenach, during the reign of King Alexander 11 of Scotland, 1249 - 1286. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.

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