Surname MacKeoan - Meaning and Origin
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MacKeoan: What does the surname MacKeoan mean?
The last name MacKeoan is derived from the Gaelic surname Mac Eoghain, which in turn is composed of two elements. The first part is the personal name Ainmire, which was the name of a 5th-century Irish King. The second element is the Gaelic word "ceann," meaning "head" or "chief." Together, the name translates to "Ainmire's descendant," indicating the family roots of an individual with the surname MacKeoan.
The MacKeoan surname is commonly found among Irish families, particularly in Ulster and surrounding areas. It is thought to be more than a thousand years old and has numerous branches settled in many different parts of Ireland. It is believed to have come into use in the 17th century, when surnames were generally adopted, and is still relatively common today.
The MacKeoans have a long and varied history in Ireland. From being part of the aristocracy to holding positions of power and authority, the surname has featured prominently in Irish culture and history. In various areas, the name has taken on a great many forms, including MacKeane, MacKeany, MacKeehan, and MacKeeon.
The MacKeoan family is a proud and respected one, and today its members enjoy a multitude of successes both in and outside of Ireland. With a long and varied history, this prominent Irish surname still retains its meaning and remains a symbol of proud heritage and ancestry.
Order DNA origin analysisMacKeoan: Where does the name MacKeoan come from?
The last name MacKeoan (also spelled MacKeon) is most commonly found in Ireland. The exact origin of the name is not known, though some reports suggest it may have come from the early Irish Gaelic and Old Norse roots. The name is also associate with a number of famous Irish families, some of whom have held prominent positions in politics, business, and the military.
Examples of MacKeoan families can be found in the United States, Canada, Australia, and England. In the United States, the name is most commonly found in major cities along the East Coast such as New York and Boston. It's also very common in the states of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. It is believed that many of these immigrants came to the US in the aftermath of the large Irish diaspora caused by the Great Famine in the mid-1800s.
In Canada, the name is most commonly found in parts of the Maritime Provinces, particularly Nova Scotia. Many of these immigrants were part of the wave of Scottish and Irish immigrants who arrived to Canada around the same time as those who arrived to the US. The name is also found in other parts of Canada such as Ontario and British Columbia.
In Australia, the name is mainly found around Melbourne and Sydney, which were the two main ports of entry for many of the Irish and Scottish people who immigrated to the country in the 19th century.
Overall, the last name MacKeoan is relatively uncommon, though it is found in a number of countries around the world.
Variations of the surname MacKeoan
The surname MacKeoan is primarily found in Scotland. Variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin are MacKeorn, MacKeown, MacKieown, and MacKieorn.
MacKeown is the most common variant of MacKeoan, and the spelling reflects the earlier Scottish form of the name. The ‘a’ at the end of the name changed to an ‘o’ over time, as linguistic change occurred in the English language.
The Gaelic root of the surname is ‘mac eoghain’ derived from the word for ‘son of Eoghain’. Eoghain is the Gaelic name for 'Owen', which was in use by the Gaels before the 11th century. The ‘omega’ (the 'oh' sound) was reduced to a ‘e’ (eh) sound in MacKeoan, and in some other variations it was changed to an o.
MacKieown is a variant of MacKeoan that reflects the clans' long migration from Scotland to areas such as Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. The ‘ea’ sound in the beginning of the name changed from an ‘e’ to an ‘a’.
MacKieorn is another variant of MacKeoan and is typically found in Ulster counties, such as County Inishowen and Dungannon in Ireland. Most spellings of this surname are now spelt as ‘macKeown’ or ‘macKeoan’ but it can still be seen in less-populated parts of Ulster and Counties Down.
The variations and spellings of the MacKeoan surname indicate the clans’ mobility over centuries and centuries of time while keeping their original surname intact. The name is a testament to the strength and resilience of the Scottish people and their families who have kept this surname alive, even to today.
Famous people with the name MacKeoan
1.Radha MacKeoan: Radha MacKeoan is an American actor known for her work in films such as Love and Lemons and Into the Dark. 2.Francis MacKeoan: Francis MacKeoan is an American director best known for his films such as A Family of Irregulars and Friday Night Lights. 3.Chad MacKeoan: Chad MacKeoan is an American singer-songwriter who has released numerous albums, including The Dawning and Show Me Home. 4.John MacKeoan: John MacKeoan is an American politician who represented the state of Massachusetts in the United States Senate from 1949 to 1953. 5.Anthony MacKeoan: Anthony MacKeoan is an American actor best known for his roles in films such as The Time Traveler’s Wife and The Edge of Love. 6.Emma MacKeoan: Emma MacKeoan is a British actress who is best known for her roles in films such as The Queen and Miss Potter. 7.Tim MacKeoan: Tim MacKeoan is an American actor and producer who has appeared in films such as Desperate Measures and Anatomy of a Love Seen. 8.Ray MacKeoan: Ray MacKeoan is an American screenwriter and producer best known for writing and producing the films Anything But Love and Dream Job. 9.Sam MacKeoan: Sam MacKeoan is an American voice actor who has lent his voice to films such as Howl’s Moving Castle and Toy Story 3. 10.Angel MacKeoan: Angel MacKeoan is an American fashion designer who has designed numerous celebrity red carpet looks, as well as dresses for Russia’s first lady.