Mclaine

 Mclaine is a spelling variation of MacLean, MacLaine, McLane (etc.) all of which are common Scottish and Irish surnames originally derived from the Old Gaelic clan name Mac Gill-Eain (Irish-Gaelic: Mac Ghoilla Eoin) meaning “son of the servant to [Saint] John.” The Gaelic “Mac” and “Mc” prefixes denote “descendent of” or “son of” while the Scottish/Irish “gill/ghoilla” means “servant, devotee, follower of” – finally Eain/Eoin are Old Gaelic forms of the English name John (cf. Ian/Seán) in reference to St. John.  The name John, in turn, comes from the Hebrew יוֹחָנָן (Yochanan) meaning “Yahweh (God) is gracious/generous.”  The Clan MacLean is one of the oldest Scottish Highland clans hailing from Argyll (Western Scotland) and the Inner Hebrides and ultimately descended from a 5th century King of Dál Riata (the oldest Gaelic kingdom of Scotland). This particular clan became known for their courage, honor and strength in battle – first against competing local clans and later against English rule. Much of their power was gained through strategic alliances with the Roman Church in the Early Middle Ages – hence their adoption of the “devotee of St. John” moniker (in reference to St. John the Baptist and St. John the Apostle).   Their clan motto is “Virtue Mine Honor.”