The name MacLean is rendered in gaelic “MacGille
Eoin” or “son of the servant of St. John”. The
clan claims its descent from “Gilleathan Na Tuaidh”,
of the royal house of Lorn.
The Duart branch of the clan claim as their progenitor Lachlan
Lubanach, son of Iain Dhu MacLean of Mull, and a direct descendent
of Gillean.