Surname MacGinn - Meaning and Origin
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MacGinn: What does the surname MacGinn mean?
The last name MacGinn is an Anglo-Norman surname. The origin of the name is believed to come from two Old French words, “mac” meaning “son” and “gud” signifying “warrior” or “good”. Thus, the surname MacGinn generally means “son of the good or brave warrior”.
The first recorded use of the surname MacGinn dates back to the 12th century in Scotland when a member of the Clan Mackinnon, a Highland Scottish clan, adopted the surname for themselves. Since then, the surname has become an international name with many non-Scots from countries such as Ireland, Canada, the United States and England also using this last name.
The origin of the name is believed to stem from the fact that during the 12th century, brave warriors were highly-regarded in clans. As such, any of the warriors who went on to father a son could proudly take on the surname MacGinn as a way to discriminate themselves as being of good and brave stock.
Today, the surname MacGinn continues to be used proud door not only Scots but people from many other countries as well. It is a reminder of a proud lineage of strong warriors who were valiant enough to make a lasting mark in history.
Order DNA origin analysisMacGinn: Where does the name MacGinn come from?
The last name MacGinn is most commonly found in the country of Scotland. It is historically a Scottish name, and is derived from the Gaelic MacFhionghuin, which translates to ‘son of Fionghuin’.
The surname is still reasonably common in Scotland, particularly in the areas of Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dumfries and Galloway. It is particularly clustered around the city of Perth.
It is also often found in other countries with Scottish diaspora, such as Canada, the United States, Australia and New Zealand. It is a rare last name in Britain, but in countries with heavier Scottish immigration such as the US and Canada it is more commonplace.
In terms of other countries, the name can often be found in Monaco and the South American countries of Argentina and Chile. There are also isolated examples of the name in countries such as France, Germany and Sweden.
MacGinn has also been present in the English peerage. The spelling of the surname has varied from generation to generation, with forms such as MacGin, MacGinnis, MacGyne, MacGehin and so forth all being possible variants.
It is an interesting last name, with a colourful history, and it is still reasonably common in many countries around the world today.
Variations of the surname MacGinn
MacGinn is an Irish surname derived from the Gaelic name MacAonghosa meaning "son of Aonghus". Variations of this surname include MacGinnis, MacGinniss, MacGinnes and MacGinney. In some cases, the Irish spelling of the surname is shortened to Ginn or Ginnes. Some families have anglicised their surname to McGinn, McKenna, McGrath or Kinney.
In Scotland, MacGinn is sometimes found as MacGwin, McEwen and McQueen. These are all variations of the same concept, as McEwen is derived from MacAonghusa, and McQueen is related through the Scots Gaelic Mac Mhaighen, which is a cognate of MacAonghusa.
In Armstrong County, Pennsylvania, MacGinn/McGinn is found as a German or Swiss name after a Swiss-German family of the name immigrated there in the eighteenth century.
Although distinct, the surname MacGinn is related to other Irish and Scottish surnames including MacAonghusa, McKenna, McEwen, and McQueen. Commonly used variations of the surname include MacGinnis, MacGinniss, MacGinnes and MacGinney, as well as variants from other countries like McGinn, McGrath or Kinney.
Famous people with the name MacGinn
- Edie MacGinn: Edie MacGinn is an actor who has appeared in projects such as The Lottery and The Glorias.
- Ian B. MacGinn: Ian B. MacGinn is a writer and director who has worked on projects such as Broadway Melody and The Devil's Reign.
- Cass MacGinn: Cass MacGinn is an actor who has starred in films such as Neighbors and Little Fishes.
- Tory MacGinn: Tory MacGinn is a director, producer, and cinematographer who has worked on projects such as The Last Exorcism and Nathan and the Monsters.
- Gilbert MacGinn: Gilbert MacGinn is an American businessman and entrepreneur who founded the MacGinn Group, a financial services and investment company.
- Grant MacGinn: Grant MacGinn is a prominent American business attorney who has worked on high-profile cases for Fortune 500 companies.
- Craig MacGinn: Craig MacGinn is a British actor best known for his work in films such as The Darkest Hour and Prometheus.
- Callum MacGinn: Callum MacGinn is a professional golfer who plays on the PGA Tour.
- Robert MacGinn: Robert MacGinn was an American writer, producer, and director who worked on films such as Ishtar and The Bedroom Window.
- Ciera MacGinn: Ciera MacGinn is a singer and actress who has starred in television shows such as Sleepy Hollow and 9-1-1.