MacColl
MacColl is a Scottish surname. It is a patronymic name, derived from the Gaelic personal name "Colla," which is believed to mean "hazel." "Mac" in Gaelic means "son of," thus MacColl translates to "son of Colla" or "descendant of Colla."
The name is most commonly found in the Highlands of Scotland, particularly in Argyll and the Hebrides. Clans associated with the surname MacColl include Clan Donald and Clan MacLean, among others, as many Highland families were closely allied.
Notable individuals with the surname MacColl include:
- Ewan MacColl (1915-1989): A British folk singer, songwriter, playwright, and actor. He was a key figure in the British folk music revival.
- Kirsty MacColl (1959-2000): A British singer and songwriter, daughter of Ewan MacColl, known for hits such as "A New England" and "Fairytale of New York" (with The Pogues).
Variations of the name include McColl, McCole, and McCaul. The name has spread beyond Scotland due to emigration.