Summary

The surname Macpherson is of Scottish origin and is derived from the Gaelic name 'Mac a' Phearsain', meaning 'son of the parson'. It is a patronymic surname that was traditionally used to identify the descendants of a religious figure or a parson. The Macpherson clan is associated with the Scottish Highlands and has a rich history dating back centuries.
There are
5579
Macphersons in the USA
Macpherson is the
6140th
most common last name in the USA

Historical figures and celebrities called Macpherson

SirAndrew

Scottish military general who played a significant role in the Jacobite rising of 1745.

RobertMacpherson

Scottish poet known for his contributions to the Romanticism movement, specifically the creation of Ossianic poetry.

AlexanderMacpherson

Scottish politician who served as a Member of Parliament during the early 19th century.

DuncanMacpherson

Renowned Canadian editorial cartoonist famous for his satirical and political illustrations.

JohnMacpherson

British colonial administrator who served as the Governor-General of Bengal during the late 18th century.

Macpherson Genealogy

OriginsThe surname Macpherson has Scottish origins.
Geographic DistributionThe Macpherson surname is commonly found in Scotland, particularly in the Highlands and the Hebrides.
VariationsVariations of the Macpherson surname include MacPherson, McPherson, and Macphersone.
Migration and ImmigrationMigration and immigration of Macpherson descendants occurred during various periods. Some notable migrations and immigrations took place during the Scottish Highland Clearances in the 18th and 19th centuries, where many Highlanders were forced to leave their ancestral lands. Macphersons also migrated to countries like Canada, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand seeking new opportunities and a better life.