Surname MacKoon - Meaning and Origin
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MacKoon: What does the surname MacKoon mean?
The last name MacKoon is of Scottish origin and is derived from the Gaelic Mac Dhùghaill, which translates to "son of Dougall". The name Dougall itself comes from the Old Norse personal name Dugald, composed of the elements dubh, meaning “dark”, and gall, meaning “stranger”.
As a patronymic, MacKoon literally means "son of Dougall", so it is likely to have first been a name applied to the male descendants of Dougall or a nickname referring to those with some connection to Dougall or someone with similar characteristics. It may have been used as a reference to anyone who was dark-haired or an outsider to the local area.
MacKoon people are believed to have been mainly seafaring folk, perhaps as fishermen, boat builders, or sailors, and this is reflected in the various spellings of the name. Variations of the name include MacCown, MacCowan, MacCube, and MacKuen, among others. Some of these variations could be traced to local dialects or accents.
Since the 17th century, the MacKoon clan has spread out to establish settlements in many parts of the world, though they are still mainly found in Scotland. Today, MacKoons can be found throughout Scotland, the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. They remain proud of their roots and maintain their customs and traditions, while giving back to their communities; their known kindness, strong family values and industrious nature being widely admired.
Order DNA origin analysisMacKoon: Where does the name MacKoon come from?
The MacKoon surname originated in Scotland and is thought to have derived from the Gaelic Mac Dhughaill. The name is concentrated mostly in counties Armagh and Monaghan, in the Ulster province of Northern Ireland. It is also found in some areas in central Scotland and northeast England.
The name is rare in the United States, but can be found in certain Southern states, and in Pennsylvania, where it is most commonly seen today. There are other concentrations in British Columbia, Ontario and Manitoba, Canada, indicating that the MacKoon's have continued to spread throughout the world.
Research into family trees can be used to trace any individual bearing the MacKoon surname and can be helpful in uncovering family stories and legends, as well as helping to trace the origin of the surname. Genealogical records highlight the fact that despite the small population size, the MacKoon name has spread considerably since the earliest documented records which date back to the early 1600s.
Although today the name is quite rare, it is still a name that carries a great deal of history and is one that is still respected and remembered in many parts of the world.
Variations of the surname MacKoon
The variants, spellings, and surnames of MacKoon are McKune, MacCoon, MacQuinn, Mackun, MacKune, MacKown, MacQueeney, Mackuney, MacCune, Macintosh, and MacCuney.
MacKoon is a surname of Gaelic origin, with its homeland being Scotland. It is most commonly a variant of MacDuncan or MacDuff, with the Sutherlandshire area of Scotland being the primary spot where this name is found. The name itself is derived from the Gaelic term "Mac Dhomhnuill" meaning "son of Donald" which is a personal name that derives from an ancient Celtic name.
Variant spellings of MacKoon are often associated with different clans within the Scottish heritage. MacKune and MacCoon were generally associated with the Clan MacSweeny while MacQueeney, Mackun, and MacKown were connected to Clan MacQueen. MacKuney and MacCune were typically associated with Mackenzie Clan, Macintosh with Clan MacLaren, and MacCuney with the MacDonalds Clan.
Some of these names still exist today although many of the international variants have been shortened or blended together with other surnames of a similar nature, with the focus more on ease of use than on its history. It should be noted that whilst spelling variations of MacKoon are common, some may be more accurate when compared to authentic documents such as birth certificates. In addition, surnames such as MacKune and MacCoon may be interchanged in some instances, meaning its usage does not necessarily indicate an individual is of a certain Clan.
Famous people with the name MacKoon
- David Mackoon: successful entrepreneur and businessperson.
- Cameron Mackoon: award-winning television producer.
- Maggie Mackoon: renowned fashion designer.
- Jennifer Mackoon: former professional wrestler and current professional boxing promoter.
- Chelesa MacKoon: popular singer-songwriter.
- Robert MacKoon: actor and philanthropist.
- Stephen MacKoon: actor and comedian.
- Jonathan MacKoon: Emmy Award winning screenwriter.
- Mary MacKoon: professional artist and sculptor.
- Emma MacKoon: Grammy Award winning classical pianist.