Surname MacGuyn - Meaning and Origin
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MacGuyn: What does the surname MacGuyn mean?
The last name MacGuyn has Gaelic roots and appears to originate in Scotland. The Mac in MacGuyn is derived from the Gaelic 'Mac' meaning 'son of' or 'child of', indicating that the bearer of the last name is descended from a specific clan. The Guyn from MacGuyn is likely derived from 'dubhghuinn' meaning 'dark-haired one'.
Given the origin of the last name, MacGuyn likely originated from Scotland. It is often associated with Clan MacMhuirich and those of the MacGuin family. The MacMhuirichs are a branch of the once powerful Clan MacFarlane who are of Scottish and Irish Celtic origin from the Western Highlands. They were known to be bards and historians of the highest order, as well as Governors of the Isles of Isles and Lords of Lorne, Kintyre and Argyll.
MacGuyns were and still are known to be loyal and spirited, with a strong sense of honor and justice. They were known to be excellent fishers, farmers, shepherds, writers, historians and musicians. Even to this day, many of these traits still hold true.
The name MacGuyn is not common and so is rarely found outside Scotland and its former colonies. However, its presence in the United States is still notable and is a testament to the countless generations of hardworking and loyal MacGuyns.
Order DNA origin analysisMacGuyn: Where does the name MacGuyn come from?
The last name of MacGuyn is not particularly common today, but it is still found in parts of British Columbia, Canada. The origin of the name is thought to be derived from the Clan Gregor of Scotland. The mid-17th century saw the MacGuyn surname slowly emerging in the area surrounding present-day Victoria, BC, and nearby rural communities such as Sooke, Salt Spring Island, and Cowichan Lake.
At one time, there were numerous MacGuyns living in Cowichan on Vancouver Island and a number of them still live there today. In fact, many seniors in the area are MacGuyns, and are proud to carry on the name. MacGuyns also made their mark in the Victoria area, specifically in the surrounding small farming communities of Saanich, Sooke, and Metchosin in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
The name is also widespread in the United States, but particularly in the states of Nebraska, Texas, California and Oregon. It's possible some of these American MacGuyns are descendants of the ones who made their mark in Canada, although the connection between the two groups has never been firmly established.
Most MacGuyns today have strong family and community ties to their past, and will continue to pass down the surname to future generations.
Variations of the surname MacGuyn
The surname MacGuyn is of Scottish origin and is derived from the Gaelic form ‘Mac Duinnshléibhe’, meaning “son of Donn's slope”. The variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin include MacGown, MacGowne, MacGoun, Mackdown, Mageeown, Mageown, Magown, Maguinn and McGuinn.
The surname MacGuyn is derived from the Scottish highlands and was carried by settlers who first arrived in Ireland in the Early Medieval Period. This surname was fairly common in Scotland, but due to the displacement of people due to the Plantation of Ulster in the 17th century, it slowly spread across the country.
In Scotland, the variants and spellings of MacGuyn are pronounced as “McGune,” while in Ireland they’re usually pronounced as “MacGowne.” The most common spelling of the surname today is “MacGown,” though other spellings and variants are also occasionally encountered.
In addition to the variations listed above, the surname MacGuyn can also be found spelled as MacGhuyne, MacGowin and MacGhee in Scotland. The surname is also found as MacGooin, MacGoune, MacGuin and MacQuin in Ireland.
Lastly, some of the surnames of the same origin related to MacGuyn include McGown, McGowne, Giles, McGoland, MacGee, Gould, MacKaine and Moneghan.
All of these surnames and spellings of the same origin are derived from the Clan MacDuinnshléibhe who were descended from Donn, the king of Uí Néill.
Famous people with the name MacGuyn
- Cailin MacGuyn Rogers: American actress and fashion model
- Laird MacGuyn: British producer, composer, and musician
- Stuart MacGuyn: Canadian music producer and engineer
- Kim MacGuyn: Canadian actress and voice artist
- Connor MacGuyn: British film and television director
- Andrew MacGuyn: Canadian theatre director, writer, and producer
- Gavin MacGuyn: Scottish actor, screenwriter, and director
- Ryan MacGuyn: Canadian actor, director, and playwright
- Mark MacGuyn: British comedian and actor
- Jonathon MacGuyn: British television director