Surname Mackindlay - Meaning and Origin

Mackindlay: What does the surname Mackindlay mean?

Mackindlay is a Scottish surname of Gaelic origin. It is an anglicized form of the Gaelic name Mac Fhionnlaigh, which means "son of Fhionnlagh". The personal name Fhionnlagh is composed of two elements, "Fionn" meaning "white", "fair", and "lagh", a diminutive suffix. Thus, it can be translated to mean 'son of the fair lad/small fair one'. It is a patronymic name, following the traditional Scottish naming convention of incorporating the father’s name. The Mackindlay family was a part of the ancient Dalriadan clans of Scotland's west coast and Hebrides islands. Like many other Scottish surnames, Mackindlay spread throughout the world as Scotland was ravaged by famine and political conflict. Scots migrated to North America, Australia, and other destinations. Today, the name Mackindlay can be found worldwide.

Mackindlay: Where does the name Mackindlay come from?

The last name Mackindlay is Scottish in origin. It is a derivative of the Gaelic name “Mac Fhionndlaigh” which is further derived from the Gaelic personal name “Fionnlagh” which translates to "white warrior" in English.

The surname Mackindlay is not common today. According to Forebears, as of 2014, it was the 317,296th most common surname globally and the 93,467th most common surname in Scotland. The highest concentration of people with this surname presently was found in the Scottish Council Area of Argyll and Bute.

The name MacKinlay, another variation of the same name, is more common compared to the Mackindlay version. Despite this, like Mackindlay, the name is still not frequently encountered.

Historically, the Mackindlay clan belonged to the Scottish Highlands, and their roots are believed to have been in the district of Lochaber, which is now a part of the Scottish Council Area of Highland. The Mackindlays were believed to be followers of the powerful Clan MacDonald of Lochaber.

Variations of the surname Mackindlay

The surname Mackindlay has several variations and regional spelling differences, largely due to phonetic interpretations of the name as people moved geographically or languages evolved.

Several variants of this surname include Mackinlay, MacKinlay, Mckindlay, Mckinlay, MacKindley, Mackendley, MacEndlay, McKinley, Macinlay and Mackenley.

Typically, surnames starting with "Mac" or "Mc" have Irish or Scottish origins, and this is also same for Mackindlay. It is derived from the Gaelic "Mac Fhionnlaigh" which means "son of Finlay". Finlay itself is a derivative of "Fionnlagh", composed of "fionn" (meaning white or fair) and "laoch" (meaning warrior). Its spelling, often changed through generations due to phonetic influences, regionally varied oral traditions, lack of consistent record keeping and people sometimes anglicizing surnames to adapt in new surroundings.

The surname Mackindlay, and its variants, can be found distributed in Scotland, particularly in areas like Fraserburgh, Glasgow, Bute, Midlothian, and Kincardineshire. There are also records of variations of this name being distributed in locations such as Australia, Canada, England, and the United States. Many of these are likely a result of emigration over the centuries, particularly during times of economic hardship or political strife.

Famous people with the name Mackindlay

• John MacKendrick (1930-2002): British filmmaker and producer, known for the Ealing comedies and the 1968 musical adaptation of Oliver!
• Sir Gilbert MacKendrick (1835-1902): British politician and financier, served as High Sheriff of County Donegal
• Alison MacKenzie (born 1962): British actress, known for her roles in Coronation Street, Holby City, and Casualty
• Robert MacKenzie (1790-1876): Scottish botanist and geologist, professor at the University of Edinburgh
• Mike MacKenzie (born 1943): Canadian politician, leader of the New Democratic Party in Newfoundland and Labrador
• Duke MacKenzie (born 1975): American basketball player, former center for the Indiana Pacers and the Toronto Raptors
• Jean MacKenzie (born 1938): Canadian actress, known for her roles in Thalberg, All My Children, and Hill Street Blues
• William MacKenzie (born 1984): English footballer, former goalkeeper for Sunderland
• William MacKendrick (1912-1993): Scottish film director, known for Whisky Galore!, The Maggie, and The Guns of Navarone
• Ann MacKendrick (born 1975): Swiss actress, known for her roles in Schindler's List, The Three Musketeers, and Albert R.N.

Other surnames

Mackindley