Surname MacKennan - Meaning and Origin
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MacKennan: What does the surname MacKennan mean?
The surname MacKennan is an Anglicized version of the Irish or Scottish Gaelic patronymic name MacCeathain, meaning "son of Cathan." It is derived from the personal name Caithan, which is most likely derived from the Irish or Scottish Gaelic cait, meaning "warlike," or "vigorous."
The MacKennan surname appears to have originated on the Isle of Islay in western Scotland in or around the 13th century. The MacKennan family were gardeners, farmers, and seafarers in their home area before migrating to the mainland in the 1500s. Throughout the centuries, the MacKennan family has become accepted as an important part of Scotland’s history and culture.
Today, the MacKennan surname is found throughout Scotland, Ireland, the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The surname is most commonly centered on the Ulster counties of Ireland and Scotland’s Central Lowlands. It continues to represent a proud and connected ancestral heritage.
The MacKennan name is associated with a strong sense of identity, family loyalty, and courage. The Mac Kennans are a strong clan to this day and are remembered for their courage and valor in the face of adversity.
Modern day MacKennans carry the significance of their heritage, and remain a proud symbol in the collected history of Scotland. The MacKennan name continues to represent a strong identity and a sense of family loyalty, passed down through generations.
Order DNA origin analysisMacKennan: Where does the name MacKennan come from?
The last name MacKennan is most commonly found in Ireland and Scotland. It is particularly prominent in Ulster, which is a large province in the northern part of Ireland. Historically, this name has been particularly associated with County Londonderry in Northern Ireland, where the majority of MacKennans still reside today. There are also a good number of MacKennans in Scotland, particularly in the south of the country as well as in the Shetland and Orkney Isles.
The name can also be found in other parts of Europe, particularly in cities such as Doire (Derry) in Northern Ireland, as well as in cities such as Glasgow and Edinburgh in Scotland. Furthermore, the name is also found in small numbers in other parts of the world, particularly the United States, Canada, and Australia.
Although no records exist of how the MacKennans came to be, it is likely that some of them descended from Scots-Irish settlers who migrated from Ulster to other parts of Europe, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Overall, the last name MacKennan is still relatively common throughout Ireland and Scotland today, where it is estimated that there are more than 500 people bearing this name, as well as numerous others who have MacKennan ancestors. It is likely that many more people will keep this name alive for centuries to come.
Variations of the surname MacKennan
The surname MacKennan is derived from the Gaelic name Mac Fhionghuin which translates to “son of the fair-born”. Variants, alternate spellings and other surnames from the same origin include MacKenan, MacKinnon, MacKinon, MacKennon, MacKannan, MacCannan, MacKennon, and McKinnon.
The surname MacKinnon is the Anglicized form of the original Gaelic name MacFhionghuin. This version of the surname is derived from the old Irish Gaelic word for “service” or “attendance”. The spelling of the surname was first recorded as MacKinnan in 1497 and later as McKinian in 1678.
The variant spelling MacKenan has also been used by people with this surname. This is a variant of the surname MacKinnon and derived from the Irish Gaelic words “mac” and “cenn”, meaning “son of the head”. The spelling was first recorded in 1531 and was used by the family of MacKenan of Cavan.
The variant spelling MacKinon is another version of the surname MacKinnon and is derived from the Irish “mac” meaning “son” and “kin” meaning “head”. The spelling was first recorded in Ireland in 1653.
The MacKannan spelling is a variant of MacKinnon and is derived from the old Gaelic words “mac” and “phiogn”, meaning “son of the chief”. The spelling was first recorded in 1560 in Ireland.
The MacKennon spelling is a variant of MacKinnon and is derived from the Irish Gaelic words “mac” and “coinn”, meaning “son of the chief”. The spelling was first recorded in 1532 in Scotland.
The surname McKinnon is a variant of MacKinnon derived from the Gaelic words “mac” and “fhionghuin”, meaning “son of the fair-born”. The spelling was first recorded in 1618 in Scotland.
As Gaelic surnames go, MacKinnon, MacKenan, MacKinon, MacKannan, MacKennon, and McKinnon are closely associated and all derived from roughly the same Gaelic roots. Although the spelling of the surname may vary, all forms are related in origin and have the same meaning.
Famous people with the name MacKennan
- Catriona MacKenna: Scottish author of historical fiction novels.
- Jennifer MacKenna: Actor.
- Liam MacKenna: Actor.
- Thomas MacKenna: Irish actor who appeared in the 1969 film The Italian Job.
- Michael MacKenna: Artistic director and founder of the acclaimed Kaleidoscope Theatre Company.
- Sean MacKenna: American actor known for his appearance on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.
- Jacob MacKenna: Australian Rugby Union player.
- Greer MacKenna: Writer.
- Jay MacKenna: Musician and musical producer.
- Shaun MacKenna: Voiceover artist.
- James MacKenna: British poet and writer.
- Ryan MacKenna: English television presenter and actor.
- Eric MacKenna: Broadcast engineer.
- Alanna MacKenna: Professional basketball player.
- Siobhan MacKenna: Irish actress.
- Gordon MacKenna: Professional ice hockey player.
- Charlotte MacKenna: Irish actress.
- Ken MacKenna: American film actor.
- Paddie MacKenna: Folk musician.
- Aline MacKenna: Model and entertainer.