Surname MacElhinny - Meaning and Origin

MacElhinny: What does the surname MacElhinny mean?

The MacElhinny surname is a sept of the Scottish Clan MacKenzie. The surname is derived from the Gaelic word "Mac-eil GHIunnaidh" which broadly translates to "Son of the servant of (Saint) Kenneth". This is a reference to Saint Kenneth who was a prominent figure in the Clan MacKenzie and an ancestor of the family.

The MacElhinny family has been traced back to the 12th century in Scotland with references to members of the group in the early 1500s. Throughout the ages, they have had a significant presence in the Western Highlands and mainland Scotland.

The MacElhinny have had a long-standing relationship with clan MacKenzie and were well respected for their loyalty to the clan. Throughout the centuries, members of the family have fought alongside their clan allies in important battles such as the Battle of Flodden in 1513 and the Battle of Prestonpans in 1745.

Through war and peace, the MacElhinny have retained their proud heritage and regard for their Clan MacKenzie roots. They have been the proud proprietors of MacElhinnys in Scotland for generations, but today this name can be found throughout Scotland, Ireland, and the United States.

Overall, the MacElhinny surname is steeped in history as a loyal sept of Clan MacKenzie and a symbol of the Western Highlands of Scotland.

MacElhinny: Where does the name MacElhinny come from?

The MacElhinny surname is mostly found in Scotland today, particularly in the counties of North Ayrshire, East Ayrshire, and Dumfries and Galloway. There are also a number of MacElhinny families located in Ulster, Northern Ireland and other parts of Britain. Worldwide, the MacElhinny name is especially common in Canada, the United States, and Australia.

The MacElhinney surname is derived from the Irish Gaelic "Mac Giolla Eoin". This translates to "son of the disciple of St. John". Eoin being the Irish gaelic for John. The MacElhinney surname is more or less the same name as MacIlhenny, and is often referred to interchangeably.

The earliest recorded references of the name come from Scottish records from around the 14th to 16th centuries. The earliest MacElhinneys were located in Ayrshire, along the border with Dumfries and Galloway. Other records indicate the MacElhinneys were a circa 1000 AD sept of the Clan Lamont, however their origin most likely lies with the Irish saint, Saint Colomb or Columba.

The MacElhinneys were mostly concentrated in Scotland until the 1600s when many began to migrate elsewhere, most notably to North America. By the 1820s, MacElhinneys and related names such as MacIlhenney/MacIlhenny had arrived in Canada and the United States. At this point, evidence of the name is seen dispersed across North America. From there, migration of MacElhinneys to other countries began. Today, many of the MacElhinneys in Canada, the United States, Australia, and elsewhere can trace their roots back to early Scottish and Irish settlements.

Variations of the surname MacElhinny

MacElhinny (or Mac Elhinny, MacElhingy, MacElhiney, McElhinny, MacIlhiney, MacIlfiney, MacIlvainey) is a Scottish surname of Irish origin which means “son of Elhinney”. Elhinney can be derived from either the personal name Ailbhe (Old Irish) meaning 'elf-like' or Oilliphéin (Modern Irish) meaning “desiring-peace”.

The spellings and variants of MacElhinny have evolved over time and there are several possibilities. Some of the most common variations are MacElhinny, Mac Elhinny, MacElhingy, MacElhiney, McElhinny, MacIlhiney, MacIlfiney and MacIlvainey. Some less common variants of the name are MacElhenny and McIlhenney.

Although the name can appear with a “Mac” or “Mc” prefix, the most common prefix today is “Mac”. It is possible that some bearers of the name had the prefix “Mc” in the past but it is not known for certain.

As with any surname, there can be variations in the spelling over the course of time, particularly when the surname is passed down through generations of the same family. It is likely that many families with the surname MacElhinny may have relatives who spell their names differently.

In summary, the most common spellings and variants of the name MacElhinny are MacElhinny, Mac Elhinny, MacElhingy, MacElhiney, McElhinny, MacIlhiney, MacIlfiney, MacIlvainey, MacElhenny and McIlhenney.

Famous people with the name MacElhinny

• Mary MacElhinny: an American painter, known for her vibrant and bold abstract artwork and her exploration of color and texture.
• John MacElhinny: a contemporary artist and sculptor best known for his installation art. His work uses found objects and existing materials to create thoughtful reflections on modern life.
• Joseph MacElhinny: a highly acclaimed early American painter and printmaker credited with influencing the Hudson River School of landscape painting.
• Hugh MacElhinny: a Scottish artist, composer and author. He is best known for his surrealist paintings and musical arrangements.
• Donald MacElhinny: a professor of statistics at Indiana University and a researcher in the field of psychology. He wrote several books about the effects of social intelligence in decision-making.
• Bart MacElhinny: an American professional golfer who won several PGA tournaments during his career. He is best remembered for his competitive spirit and dedication to the game.
• James MacElhinny: an American tenor and composer known for his operatic performance style.
• Laura MacElhinny: a Scottish cabinetmaker and furniture designer who crafted beautiful and intricately carved furniture pieces.
• Angus MacElhinny: a former prosecutor and judge in Scotland who had a distinguished career in public service and was renowned for his fair treatment of defendants.
• Ewan MacElhinny: an award-winning Scottish actor best known for his roles in the long-running BBC drama series River City.

Other surnames

MacElhillMacElhinney