Surname MacGreene - Meaning and Origin

MacGreene: What does the surname MacGreene mean?

The last name MacGreene is a patronymic surname of Gaelic origin. The name is derived from both Irish and Scottish Gaelic languages and is composed of two elements: 'mac' and 'Greene'. The prefix ‘mac’ is derived from the Gaelic words ‘mac’ or ‘mhic’ which is an abbreviation of ‘mac an Ghabhail’ translating to ‘son of the stranger’. The suffix ‘Greene’ was derived from the Gaelic word ‘grein’ which translates to ‘green’. This suggests that MacGreene is a surname originating from the island of Ireland, most likely from the west of Ireland (Connacht Province) or the neighboring Abberton district of Scotland.

The last name MacGreene is typically found in many countries of the British Isles including: Ireland, Scotland, England, Wales and the Isle of Man. It is frequently found in families originating from Northern Ireland, specifically in the counties of Antrim, Donegal and Tyrone.

The MacGreene family name is a testament to the rich and diverse cultural heritage of the British Isles. The last name MacGreene is derived from a rich and complex linguistic background that is deeply intertwined with the history and culture of the British Isles and the Irish people. The name is a source of pride for those who bare it and it is a reminder of the vibrant and turbulent history of the British Isles.

MacGreene: Where does the name MacGreene come from?

The last name MacGreene is more commonly found in Scotland and Ireland, although it may also be found in other countries throughout the world. In Scotland, the name is most strongly associated with the Outer Hebrides, particularly the Isle of Islay, where the name was originally derived from Greenfield—the primary family who owned the land as far back as the 14th century. In Ireland, the name is most commonly found in County Galway and County Mayo.

The surname also pops up in records throughout the United Kingdom, where the spelling has sometimes been anglicized to MacGrain or MacGreen. It has also been adopted by some families in the United States who are descendants of Scottish or Irish immigrants. In some cases, individuals in the late 19th and early 20th centuries Americanized the spelling of the name from MacGreene to McGreen.

Due to its popularity in Scotland and Ireland, people with the last name MacGreene can also be found throughout the English-speaking world, including Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The surname may also be found in other parts of the world due to immigration, as well as from descendants of those who took the name after its original derivation.

Variations of the surname MacGreene

The variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for the surname MacGreene include McGreene, Macgrene, Mcgrene, MacGran, McGran, MacGreen, and McGreen. These variations all evolved from the earliest form of the surname, which is Mac Crainn.

The MacGreene name is usually of Irish or Scottish origin, though some families were found in England. The families with this surname typically have their roots in the Uí Ráille Fhalach tribe of the Heberian dynasty. The genealogist Edward MacLysaght stated that this surname is found most commonly in Connacht, specifically in the counties of Leitrim and Mayo.

The MacGreene surname is related to other Gaelic surnames such as MacKrann, MacCrann, Cramond, and Crane, as all these spellings resolve to the Gaelic roots mac or mac-in, meaning “son of”, and crann, meaning “tree”.

Nowadays, there are many spelling variations around the world, including Greene, O’Greene, MacGrain, MacGreany, MacGreaney, and MacGrainey. These days, the surname MacGreene is quite rare, but some families still carry the name, and some have spread to other countries.

Famous people with the name MacGreene

• Edith MacGreene, American poet and author of Doubter's Almanac.
• Colin MacGreene, Canadian actor and comedian.
• Clara MacGreene, American civil rights activist and co-founder of the National Organization for Women.
• Mary MacGreene, American Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist.
• Jack MacGreene, American football player for the San Francisco 49ers.
• Abigail MacGreene, Scottish-born philanthropist and socialite.
• Jonathan MacGreene, American lawyer and former White House Counsel.
• Ryan MacGreene, Canadian Olympic gold medal-winning figure skater.
• Naomi MacGreene, British fashion designer and former winner of the Fashion Stars award.
• Steve MacGreene, American pop singer and songwriter known for hit songs like "The Road to You" and "Tonight".

Other surnames

MacGreen