Eachann Explained

Eachann is a masculine given name in the Scottish Gaelic. A similar and possibly related early form of the name was Eachdonn.^[1] The name is composed of two elements; the first element is each, meaning "horse". The second element is donn, which has been given two different meanings. One proposed meaning is "brown"; another proposed meaning is "lord".^[2] The early Gaelic form of the name, Eachdonn, was 'confused' with the Norse Hakon (which is etymologically unrelated).^[1]

Eachann has often been Anglicised as Hector (which is also etymologically unrelated to Eachann).

The Scottish Gaelic surname MacEachainn is a patronymic form of the given name (meaning "son of Eachann").^[3]

People with the given name

• Eachann Mac Goraidh MacAlasdair, chief of Clan MacAlister.
• Eachann Maclean, may refer to many people.

People with the given name as part of a patronymic name

• Goraidh Mac Eachann MacAlasdair, Chief of Clan MacAlister, son of Eachann Mac Goraidh MacAlasdair.
• Mairead inghean Eachainn, the spouse of Alexander Stewart, 1st Earl of Buchan, and mother of Alexander Stewart, Earl of Mar.

Notes and References

1. Web site: Learn about the family history of your surname . . 7 October 2010. which cited Book: Dictionary of American Family Names . . 0-19-508137-4 . for the surname "Hector".
2. Book: Dictionary of American Family Names . . 0-19-508137-4 .
3. Web site: Learn about the family history of your surname . . 7 October 2010. which cited Book: Dictionary of American Family Names . . 0-19-508137-4 . for the surname "McEachin".