NameCensus.

UK surname

Mechan

An uncommon Scottish occupational surname derived from the Middle English word "mechane" meaning artisan or craftsman.

In the 1881 census there were 329 people recorded with the Mechan surname, ranking it #9,107 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 196, ranked #19,848, down from #9,107 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to London parishes, Govan Combination and Edinburgh. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include West Neilston and Uplawmoor, Annan East and Annan West.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Mechan is 466 in 1891. Compared with 1881, the name has fallen by 40.4%.

1881 census count

329

Ranked #9,107

Modern count

196

2016, ranked #19,848

Peak year

1891

466 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Mechan had 329 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #9,107 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 196 in 2016, ranked #19,848.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 466 in 1891.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Routine Occupations or Retirement.

Mechan surname distribution map

The map shows where the Mechan surname is concentrated in each census or modern distribution year. Darker areas mean a stronger local concentration.

Distribution map

Mechan surname density by area, 1881 census.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Mechan over time

The table below tracks recorded surname counts and rank from the 19th-century census years through the modern adult-register period.

Year Period Count Rank
1851 historical 172 #11,682
1861 historical 200 #12,005
1881 historical 329 #9,107
1891 historical 466 #7,861
1901 historical 320 #11,142
1911 historical 191 #15,392
1997 modern 218 #16,704
1998 modern 233 #16,459
1999 modern 222 #17,080
2000 modern 223 #16,978
2001 modern 207 #17,573
2002 modern 215 #17,487
2003 modern 217 #17,176
2004 modern 208 #17,758
2005 modern 202 #18,016
2006 modern 200 #18,294
2007 modern 205 #18,194
2008 modern 207 #18,243
2009 modern 215 #18,179
2010 modern 220 #18,265
2011 modern 214 #18,436
2012 modern 205 #18,909
2013 modern 195 #19,857
2014 modern 199 #19,775
2015 modern 196 #19,840
2016 modern 196 #19,848

Geography

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Where Mechans are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around London parishes, Govan Combination, Edinburgh, Dundee, Liff, Benvie and Invergowry and Greenock. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to West Neilston and Uplawmoor, Annan East, Annan West, Dennistoun and Borestone. Treat these as concentration signals, not proof that every family line began there.

Top historical parishes

Rank Parish Area
1 London parishes London 1
2 Govan Combination Lanark
3 Edinburgh Edinburgh
4 Dundee, Liff, Benvie and Invergowry Forfar
5 Greenock Renfrew

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 West Neilston and Uplawmoor East Renfrewshire
2 Annan East Dumfries and Galloway
3 Annan West Dumfries and Galloway
4 Dennistoun Glasgow City
5 Borestone Stirling

Forenames

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First names often paired with Mechan

These lists show first names that appear often with the Mechan surname in historical and recent records.

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Mechan

Modern surname records can be compared with neighbourhood classifications. For Mechan, this points to the kinds of places where the surname is most concentrated today.

These neighbourhood labels describe areas, not individual people. They are useful because surnames often cluster through family history, migration, housing patterns and local work. A surname can be strongest in one type of neighbourhood even when people with that name live across the country.

The UK classification gives the national picture. The London classification is more specific to the capital, where housing, age profile, tenure and population mix can look quite different from the rest of the UK.

UK neighbourhood type

UK Output Area Classification

Supergroup

Legacy Communities

Group

Routine Occupations or Retirement

Nationally, the Mechan surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Routine Occupations or Retirement, within Legacy Communities. This does not mean every Mechan household fits that profile, but it gives a useful signal about where the modern surname distribution is strongest.

Read profile summary

Group profile

These neighbourhoods are characterised by high proportions of single, often never-married adults of normal retirement age or older, including many that are in the most advanced age groups. Most adults are UK born and live at high residential densities, and many of the children living with parents are in adulthood. Individuals identifying as members of ethnic minorities are uncommon, but above average proportions of households include individuals that identify with different ethnic groups. Long-term disability is relatively common, and the dominant accommodation type is flats. Unemployment rates are high, with most of those employed working in routine occupations. Few individuals have high level qualifications. Car ownership is not high.

Wider pattern

These neighbourhoods characteristically comprise pockets of flats that are scattered across the UK, particularly in towns that retain or have legacies of heavy industry or are in more remote seaside locations. Employed residents of these neighbourhoods work mainly in low-skilled occupations. Residents typically have limited educational qualifications. Unemployment is above average. Some residents live in overcrowded housing within the social rented sector and experience long-term disability. All adult age groups are represented, although there is an overall age bias towards elderly people in general and the very old in particular. Individuals identifying as belonging to ethnic minorities or Mixed or Multiple ethnic groups are uncommon.

London neighbourhood type

London Output Area Classification

Supergroup

The Greater London Mix

Group

Skilled Trades and Construction Workers

Within London, Mechan is most associated with areas classed as Skilled Trades and Construction Workers, part of The Greater London Mix. This gives the surname a London-specific profile rather than forcing the capital into the same pattern as the rest of the country.

Read profile summary

Group profile

These scattered, peripheral and often low residential density neighbourhoods house more workers in skilled trades and construction. Few households rent social housing and there are few students. Multiple car ownership is higher than the Supergroup average, perhaps because of poorer public transport connectivity. Incidence of mixed or multiple ethnicity is below the Supergroup average, and the absence of individuals identifying as Pakistani or Other Asian groups is also less pronounced. Flatted accommodation is less dominant than elsewhere in the Supergroup.

Wider London pattern

A Supergroup embodying London's diversity in many respects, apart from low numbers of residents identifying as of Bangladeshi, Indian, Pakistani or Other (non-Chinese) Asian ethnicity. There is lower than average prevalence of families with dependent children, while there are above average occurrences of never-married individuals and single-person households. The age distribution is skewed towards younger, single residents and couples without children, with many individuals identifying as of mixed or multiple ethnicity. Social rented or private rented housing is slightly more prevalent than average, and many residents live in flats. Individuals typically work in professional and associated roles in public administration, education or health rather than in elementary occupations in agriculture, energy, water, construction or manufacturing. Incidence of students is slightly below average. Individuals declaring no religion are more prevalent than average and non-use of English at home is below average.

Healthy neighbourhoods

Access to healthy assets and hazards

Mechan is most concentrated in decile 1 for access to healthy assets and hazards. This places the surname towards the less healthy end of the index.

Lower deciles point towards weaker access to healthy assets or stronger exposure to local hazards. Higher deciles point towards stronger access and fewer hazards.

1
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

Mechan falls in decile 1 for neighbourhood deprivation. This puts the surname towards the more deprived end of the index.

Decile 1 represents the more deprived end of the scale. Decile 10 represents the less deprived end.

1
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

The modern neighbourhood pattern for Mechan is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of 50-60 mbit/s.

The scale below places that band in context, from slower local download bands through to faster ones.

8
Slower band Faster band

Area snapshot

Ethnic group estimate

Most common ethnic group estimate
White - British

This describes the area pattern most associated with Mechan, not the ethnicity of every person with the surname.

Meaning and origin of Mechan

The surname Mechan has its origins in Scotland, with records dating back to the 16th century. It is believed to be derived from the Scottish Gaelic word "meachan," which means "the son of the champion" or "the son of the hero." This suggests that the name may have been given to the son of a respected warrior or leader in the Highlands.

The earliest known record of the name is found in the Register of the Privy Council of Scotland in 1585, where a certain John Mechan is mentioned. Other early records include a reference to a William Mechan in the parish registers of Kilsyth, Stirlingshire, in 1642.

In the 17th century, the spelling of the name varied, with forms such as Mechan, Mechane, and Mechane appearing in various documents. These variations likely reflect the influence of regional dialects and the inconsistencies in the written recording of names during that time.

One notable bearer of the name was John Mechan (c. 1620-1685), a Scottish Presbyterian minister who served as the minister of Banchory-Devenick, near Aberdeen. He was known for his strong opposition to Episcopacy and his refusal to conform to the policies of the re-established Episcopal Church after the Restoration of the monarchy in 1660.

Another significant figure in the history of the Mechan name was James Mechan (1778-1858), a Scottish businessman and philanthropist from Glasgow. He made his fortune in the textile industry and contributed generously to various charitable causes, including the founding of the Mechan Free Church School in Glasgow.

In the 19th century, the name Mechan began to appear in various parts of the British Empire, reflecting the migration of Scottish families to other parts of the world. For example, there are records of a William Mechan (1820-1895) who was a prominent businessman and public figure in Melbourne, Australia.

Other notable bearers of the name include:

1. Robert Mechan (1824-1901), a Scottish-born architect who worked primarily in New Zealand and designed several notable buildings, including the Auckland Art Gallery.

2. John Mechan (1855-1932), a Scottish-born farmer and politician who served as a member of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Canada.

3. George Mechan (1865-1947), a Scottish-born businessman and philanthropist who made significant contributions to the development of the city of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

4. William Mechan (1880-1961), a Scottish-born artist and painter known for his landscapes and portraits, particularly those depicting scenes from the Scottish Highlands.

While the name Mechan is not among the most common surnames globally, it has a rich history and has been borne by individuals who have made contributions in various fields, reflecting the strong Scottish heritage associated with this name.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Mechan families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Mechan surname. Use the location tables for concentration, then the name and occupation tables for the people behind the surname.

Top counties

Total is the county count. Frequency and index adjust for local population size, so they are better concentration signals. Lanarkshire leads with 90 Mechans recorded in 1881 and an index of 8.72x.

County Total Index
Lanarkshire 90 8.72x
Angus 75 25.38x
Midlothian 33 7.72x
Lancashire 27 0.71x
Renfrewshire 26 10.52x
Dunbartonshire 14 16.33x
Northumberland 8 1.69x
West Lothian 7 14.57x
Hampshire 6 0.92x
Staffordshire 6 0.56x
Cheshire 5 0.71x
Gloucestershire 5 0.80x
Surrey 5 0.32x
Durham 4 0.42x
Middlesex 4 0.13x
Ayrshire 2 0.84x
Dumfriesshire 2 2.84x
Northamptonshire 2 0.67x
Yorkshire 2 0.06x
Kent 1 0.09x
Perthshire 1 0.70x
Royal Navy 1 2.63x
Sussex 1 0.19x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Dundee in Angus leads with 40 Mechans recorded in 1881 and an index of 36.26x.

Place Total Index
Dundee 40 36.26x
Govan 34 13.33x
Liff Benvie 30 66.87x
Barony 23 8.81x
Cramond 14 432.10x
Glasgow 11 6.01x
West Greenock 10 22.54x
Maryhill 8 39.62x
North Leith 8 40.44x
Kirkliston 7 250.00x
Byker 6 25.58x
Kirkdale 6 9.42x
Kirkintilloch 6 51.50x
Tipton 6 18.20x
Bothwell 5 17.87x
Bristol St Augustine 5 49.51x
Cambusnethan 5 21.82x
East Greenock 5 21.42x
Edinburgh Canongate 5 45.96x
Hyde 5 24.06x
Mains 5 199.20x
Neilston 5 40.29x
St Helens 5 105.26x
Egham 4 41.93x
Everton 4 3.32x
Paisley Middle Church 4 27.80x
Row 4 36.07x
Broughton In Salford 3 8.67x
Blackburn 2 1.99x
Bonhill 2 14.53x
Bury 2 4.63x
Cadder 2 26.25x
Dalry 2 17.81x
Dumfries 2 28.78x
Hamilton 2 6.95x
Old Kilpatrick 2 19.74x
Peterborough 2 9.21x
Westoe 2 3.72x
Whitworth 2 28.78x
Windle 2 9.39x
Ashford 1 39.68x
Bickerstaffe 1 40.32x
Blairgowrie 1 17.67x
Clifford Cum Boston 1 35.21x
Croydon 1 1.16x
Deptford St Paul 1 1.19x
Duddingston 1 11.66x
Edinburgh Greenside 1 17.70x
Edinburgh New North 1 26.88x
Edinburgh Old 1 38.61x
Edinburgh Tolbooth 1 40.16x
Garston 1 8.95x
Haltwhistle 1 43.48x
Manchester 1 0.59x
Middle Greenock 1 14.81x
New Shoreham 1 31.06x
Normanton 1 10.53x
Port Glasgow 1 8.37x
Prescot 1 14.60x
Preston 1 0.99x
Royal Navy 1 3.08x
South Leith 1 2.08x
Southampton St Mary 1 2.43x
St Marylebone London 1 0.59x
St Pancras London 1 0.39x
Towerof London London 1 99.01x
Wallsend 1 6.64x
West Derby 1 0.90x
Widnes 1 3.66x
Wigan 1 1.89x

Top female names

These are the female first names most often recorded with the Mechan surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.

Name Count
Mary 7
Bridget 5
Margaret 4
Ann 3
Lizzie 2
Sarah 2
Anne 1
Annie 1
Catherine 1
Emily 1
Hannah 1
Helen 1
Jane 1
Jemima 1
Julia 1
Margrett 1
Marley 1
My.Ellen 1

Top male names

These are the male first names most often recorded with the Mechan surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.

Name Count
William 8
John 7
James 6
Patrick 5
Charles 3
Thomas 2
Arthur 1
Denis 1
Edward 1
George 1
Henry 1
Humphrey 1
Michael 1
Patsy 1
Patt 1
R.W. 1
Walter 1

FAQ

Mechan surname: questions and answers

How common was the Mechan surname in 1881?

In 1881, 329 people were recorded with the Mechan surname. That placed it at #9,107 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Mechan surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 196 in 2016. That gives Mechan a modern rank of #19,848.

What does the Mechan surname mean?

An uncommon Scottish occupational surname derived from the Middle English word "mechane" meaning artisan or craftsman.

What does the Mechan map show?

The map shows local surname concentration for the selected year. Darker areas have a stronger concentration of Mechan bearers relative to the surrounding population.

What records is this surname page based on?

The historical counts come from census surname records. The modern counts and neighbourhood summaries come from later surname distribution records. Counts are recorded bearers in those records, not a live estimate of everyone with the name today.