The Buchanan Family History

What Does the Buchanan Surname Mean? Historical Origins Explained

The surname Buchanan, of Scottish origin, is derived from the geographical area known as Buchanan located in Stirlingshire, Scotland. The individuals bearing this name were historically referred to as Buchan. In the Gaelic language, the terms ‘both-chanain’ and ‘buth chanain’ signify the residence or dwelling of a canon, a title commonly associated with religious leadership. There are several variations of the surname Buchanan, including Buchanon, Bohannon, Buchanen, Buchannen, Buchannon, Buchannan, Bucanon, and Bucanion. Within England, the Buchanan lineage is predominantly found in the northern regions, particularly in counties such as Lancashire, Yorkshire, Durham, and Northumberland, with a notable presence in the city of London. In Wales, Buchanan families can be found in both the northern and southern coastal areas. In Scotland, the name Buchanan is widespread across the entire country, with the highest concentrations located in Lanarkshire, Midlothian, Dunbartonshire, Stirlingshire, and Renfrewshire. In the United States, Buchanan families are primarily situated in the eastern and southern regions, with significant populations in Texas, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, North Carolina, Illinois, Ohio, and California. Noteworthy individuals associated with the Buchanan surname include Kenneth Buchanan, a celebrated Scottish boxer; James Buchanan Jr., the 15th President of the United States; Colin Buchanan, a Scottish actor; Edgar Buchanan, an actor known for his work in film and television; Robert Williams Buchanan, an English poet and novelist; Jensen Buchanan, an actress; Franklin Buchanan, an admiral in the Confederate Navy during the Civil War; and Angela ‘Bay’ Buchanan, who served as Treasurer of the United States.