Surname MacKinney - Meaning and Origin
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MacKinney: What does the surname MacKinney mean?
The last name MacKinney is a Scottish and Irish surname, derived from the Gaelic "Mac Coinnigh," meaning "son of Aggniun," which itself is derived from "eagle." The name often appears in records spelt as McKinney, Mackinney and McKenney, and is among the most prominent of the Irish surnames in Ulster. It is believed to have originated with the O'Connaghta clan, a group of Gaelic nobles originating from County Donegal, in modern day Northern Ireland.
The family name was first established as a personal name by an individual in the person of Aggniun M'Connig, who probably lived during the 12th century. His descendants then assumed the surname MacKinney, which they held for many generations thereafter. Ultimately, the clan branched out across Northern Ireland and Scotland, and many of its members spread out all over the world.
MacKinney is primarily a Scots-Irish surname, but it can also be associated with various other origins, such as Scandinavia, Wales, and England. It is even found among descendants of Norman immigrants, who adopted the name after arriving in England in the 11th and 12th centuries.
Throughout the centuries the bearers of the MacKinney name have been known for their courage, determination, and loyalty. In addition, the family is known for its commitment to freedom and justice.
Order DNA origin analysisMacKinney: Where does the name MacKinney come from?
The MacKinney surname is most commonly found today in Northern Ireland, Canada, the United States, and Australia.
In Northern Ireland, MacKinney is among the top fifty surnames found in the country today. This suggests that the name has been an Irish surname for some time, possibly hundreds of years. It likely has its origins in the anglicization of the old Irish and Scottish MacKenna.
In Canada, MacKinney is a relatively common name found mainly in Ontario and the Maritime Provinces. It is thought to be especially common in Cape Breton Island, where the original 'seeds' of the name were likely planted.
In the United States, MacKinney is less common than in Canada. It is found throughout the country, particularly in the Midwest and East Coast states, where many Irish and Scots-Irish descendants settled in the 18th and 19th centuries.
In Australia, MacKinney is among the more rare surnames, with most of those that bear the name having Scottish and Irish ancestry. It's possible that many Australians with the MacKinney name may have descended from more recent Irish immigrants.
No matter where it's found, MacKinney reflects a long and interesting history that reaches back centuries across the Atlantic.
Variations of the surname MacKinney
The surname MacKinney has various spelling variants and surnames of the same origin. These include McKinney, Mackinney, McKinnie, McKiney, and McKenney.
The surname MacKinney is of Scottish origin and is the anglicized form of the gaelic MacGiolla Fhionnghaile. This name originated from the first name Fionngheal, which can be translated as fair-shoulder. The elements that make up this name include "Mac," which denotes a son or descendant of, and "Giolla Fhionnghaile," which translates to "fair-shoulders."
The modern spelling variants of MacKinney, Mackinney, McKinnie, McKenney, and McKiney, all share a common origin. In Scottish dialect, the combination of the “Mac” prefix and the “Kinney” suffix is equivalent to the modern spelling McKinney. Over the centuries, the spelling of the name had shifted and changed due to regional dialects and accents.
The variations of the MacKinney surname are quite common in Scotland today. Although its spelling has evolved over time, the surname remains as a visible reminder of Scottish heritage. It is also found in Canada, the United States, Australia, and other English-speaking countries that were once part of the British Empire.
Famous people with the name MacKinney
- John MacKinney: American actor, singer and songwriter.
- Teresa MacKinney: American author and environmentalist.
- Judith MacKinney: American writer and art historian.
- Talia MacKinney: American classical pianist.
- John MacKinney: Canadian geologist and educator.
- Jonathan MacKinney: British actor and director.
- Declan MacKinney: British Actor.
- Bruce MacKinney: American writer.
- Jeff MacKinney: American comic strip artist.
- Lyle MacKinney: American actor.
- Von MacKinney: American actor and director.
- Laura MacKinney: British actress.
- Patrick MacKinney: American architect.
- Bill MacKinney: Canadian Musician.
- R. Dale MacKinney: Canadian Filmmaker.