Surname MacCainsh - Meaning and Origin

MacCainsh: What does the surname MacCainsh mean?

The surname MacCainsh is of Scottish origin and is derived from the old Gaelic form of the word MacAdain, which mean ‘son of Adam’. The term Adam is derived from the Hebrew language and means ‘man’. There are several variations of the name, including MacCainsh, MacAdin, MacCaines, and MacCains, and all are derived from the same root.

The earliest records of the MacCainsh name date back to the 13th century, when a prominent family of Scottish warriors and noblemen used this particular surname. This particular Clan held a prominent history and often followed the local Chieftain families, acknowledging their authority in the region. Their presence in Scottish clans history was significant and they were quickly recognised by the other clans as a powerful force to contend with.

The area that the MacCainsh name originates from is mainly the Highlands and Islands, where they frequently associated with the Clan MacIntyre. This particular clan often had a rivalry with the MacDonalds and Campbells, leading to conflicts on the border regions.

Today, the name MacCainsh is still relatively common in Scotland, and also in other parts of the world. Some people of this name have emigrated to North America, where some families have adopted the Anglicised form of the name – MacKenzie. Those who bear this surname can be proud of their long family history and connection to Scotland’s colourful past.

MacCainsh: Where does the name MacCainsh come from?

The surname MacCainsh is of Scottish origin, and most commonly found today in Scotland and Ireland. It is believed that the surname originates from Scotland's Gaelic MacGalla Aonghais, meaning "the son of Anglois” or “the son of the priest.”

The name is extremely uncommon even in Scotland and Ireland, where it is believed to have originated in the 11th century. It is understood that the family moved to Ireland in the 13th century and subsequently spread to Ulster, the northernmost province of Ireland.

Many MacCainsh families moved to Canada, the United States and Australia throughout the 19th century, especially during the Highland Clearances, when smaller farms and villages were cleared as part of a land reform policy.

Today, the surname MacCainsh is rare and only found sporadically in the countries in which it is most commonly found. However, Malta has seen a recent emergence of the surname, especially among the Maltese-Australian diaspora. There, the name is very common among Maltese-Australians of Scottish descent.

Overall, the surname MacCainsh is relatively uncommon in 2020. It is most commonly found in Scotland, Ireland, Canada, the United States, Australia and Malta.

Variations of the surname MacCainsh

The surname MacCainsh is an Anglicization of the Scottish Gaelic Mac Eanruig, which is a patronymic name meaning “son of Henry.” Other variants and spellings of the surname include, but are not limited to: Mac Eanruig, MacEanruic, Mackainsh, McCainsh, McKainsh, McCanrish, MacAnrish, McKannis, and MacInnes.

The Mac surname has taken on other surnames depending on how they were Anglicized. For example, the Gaelic surname Mac Neise/MacNiece changed to MacSkill and eventually to MacMinnis, MacMillan, and MacMullan. Similarly, Clan MacEanruig changed to MacInnes, MacInish, MacInnesh, and MacIntosh.

The variations in spellings can be found in census and other records throughout the years. Therefore, when trying to trace an ancestor with the surname MacCainsh, it is important to remember that the name may have been spelled differently in earlier records.

In addition to variations in spelling, many families with the MacCainsh surname have dropped the Mac or Mc prefix and simply use Cain or Caines and there are some families who have altered the surname to simple Connor.

Overall, the surname MacCainsh can be linked through shared language, culture, and history to many other Gaelic surnames and spelling variations. As such, understanding the different variations can help genealogists trace their family ancestries and histories more accurately.

Famous people with the name MacCainsh

• Meghan McCain: politician and author
• William Einstein Maccainsh: Canadian author, historian and civil servant
• Alexander MacCainsh: founder of the MacCainsh Foundry
• Anne MacCainsh: Australian journalist and media mogul
• Joseph MacCainsh: 19th century American pioneer
• Dennis MacCainsh: Scottish actor
• Isabella MacCainsh: Scottish photographer
• Andrew MacCainsh: American educator and politician
• Chris MacCainsh: Canadian cyclist
• William MacCainsh: Canadian actor and author
• Jason MacCainsh: Australian actor and artist
• Kayla MacCainsh: American entrepreneur
• David MacCainsh: British musician
• Barry MacCainsh: Canadian poet
• Samuel MacCainsh: Artist from Canada
• Victoria MacCainsh: Professional race car driver
• Donald MacCainsh: British footballer
• Richard MacCainsh: American poet
• Matthew MacCainsh: Australian filmmaker
• Stephanie MacCainsh: American singer and songwriter

Other surnames

MacCain