History and Significance of the Surname Buchana

The Origins of the Surname Buchana

The surname Buchana is of Scottish origin, derived from the Gaelic name "O Buachalla," meaning "descendant of the cowherd." It is believed that the Buchana family originally lived in the Scottish Lowlands, near the town of Stirling. The surname has been recorded in various spellings over the years, including Buchanan, Buchannan, Buchanon, and others.

The Buchana Family in the United States

In the United States, the Buchana surname is relatively common, with an incidence rate of 148 according to data. Many individuals with the Buchana surname can trace their ancestry back to Scottish immigrants who settled in areas such as New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia in the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, descendants of these early settlers can be found throughout the country, with concentrations in states such as Texas, California, and Florida.

The Buchana Family in Tanzania, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Outside of the United States, the Buchana surname is also prevalent in East Africa, particularly in Tanzania and Uganda. According to data, the incidence rates of the Buchana surname in Tanzania and Uganda are 76 and 70, respectively. The surname is believed to have been introduced to the region by Scottish missionaries and traders in the 19th century.

In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Buchana surname has an incidence rate of 41. It is likely that individuals with the Buchana surname in this region are descended from Scottish settlers who arrived during the colonial period. The surname may also be found among the local population, as intermarriage between Scots and Congolese individuals was not uncommon.

The Buchana Family in India, Liberia, and Brazil

In India, the Buchana surname has an incidence rate of 37. It is possible that individuals with this surname in India are descended from Scottish soldiers or traders who arrived in the country during the British colonial period. The surname may also have been adopted by individuals of Indian descent who have Scottish ancestry.

In Liberia, the Buchana surname has an incidence rate of 16. It is likely that individuals with this surname in Liberia are descended from freed American slaves who settled in the country in the 19th century. The surname may have been introduced to Liberia by Scottish missionaries or traders who were active in the region.

In Brazil, the Buchana surname has an incidence rate of 8. It is possible that individuals with this surname in Brazil are descended from Scottish immigrants who arrived in the country during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The surname may also have been adopted by individuals of Brazilian descent who have Scottish ancestry.

Other Regions with the Buchana Surname

In addition to the countries mentioned above, the Buchana surname can also be found in a number of other countries around the world. These include South Africa (incidence rate of 5), Rwanda (incidence rate of 4), Belgium (incidence rate of 3), Argentina (incidence rate of 1), Algeria (incidence rate of 1), Guyana (incidence rate of 1), Honduras (incidence rate of 1), Indonesia (incidence rate of 1), Mexico (incidence rate of 1), the Netherlands (incidence rate of 1), and Norway (incidence rate of 1). In each of these countries, individuals with the Buchana surname may have diverse backgrounds and family histories, reflecting the global nature of human migration and interaction.