Surname MacKuen - Meaning and Origin
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MacKuen: What does the surname MacKuen mean?
The last name MacKuen (also spelled MacKwain, MacKuin, and MacKeown) is a Scottish surname of ancient origin. It is derived from the Gaelic Mac Giolla Chomhghaill, which translates to "son of the servant of St. Cú Chuin".
St. Cú Chuin was a monk and abbot of Iona who lived in the seventh century and was renowned for his hospitality and holiness. His name became associated with the Mac Kuen family, and the surname MacKuen became their family badge of honour.
The MacKuens were lairds in the Scottish Highlands, and were related to many notable Highland families. Through generations, the Mac Kuens gained land, power, and influence. They held prominent positions and were known for their loyalty and generosity.
The MacKuens were also renowned for their bravery and service to their country. They fought in many of Scotland's battles, and provided heavy financial support to the Stuart cause during the Jacobite rising of 1745.
Today, there are still many Mac Kuens living in Scotland. They are a proud and loyal people who carry on the spirit of their ancestors. Though the name MacKuen is less common, those who bear it can still take pride in its meaning and its connection to Scotland's rich history.
Order DNA origin analysisMacKuen: Where does the name MacKuen come from?
The last name MacKuen is most commonly found in the United States and Canada today. It is also found in other countries, such as Australia, the United Kingdom, Ireland, France and Germany.
In the US, the highest concentration of MacKuen families is found in New Hampshire, where the first MacKuens in America settled in the early 1700s. Other states where the name is common include Massachusetts, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, New York, Maryland, and Virginia.
The MacKuen name has a storied and unique origin. Reportedly, it is derived from the Gaelic “MacDhubhain," literally meaning “son of a dark haired one.” The name has since been modified to fit the traditional English spelling.
In Canada, the MacKuens are most common in the province of Nova Scotia, where the first MacKuens settled in the early 1800s. The majority of this family still resides there today. Previously, MacKuens had arrived in Canada from French settlements in Louisiana prior to the Louisiana Purchase in 1803.
Although, the MacKuen surname is relatively rare when compared to more common variants like “McKenna”, one can still find many MacKuens across the United States, Canada, and other countries around the world.
Variations of the surname MacKuen
The MacKuen surname has many variant spellings and surnames of the same origin. These include Mackuen, MacKuin, MacKouen, MacKune, MacKunen, MacQuen, MacQuin, MacQuinne, Makkuen, Makkuin, MakKouen, MakKune, MakKunen, MakQuen, MakQuin, MakQuinne, and McKune.
The MacKuen surname has its roots in Scotland and Ireland. In Scotland, the MacKuen surname is an alternate spelling of the MacQuen and Mackie name, which derived from the Gaelic MacShuibhne, meaning "son of Suibhne". Suibhne is an old Gaelic personal name which means "noble" or "well-bred".
In Ireland, the MacKuen name is also an alternate spelling of MacFigin and Maccumhaill, both of which were derived from the Gaelic Mac Shuibhne. The ancient Mac Mirren clan from County Galway also claimed the MacKuen name, as they were documented in the 1659 census of Ireland as the McCown Clan.
Today, the MacKuen surname continues to be recorded in Scotland and Ireland, although many people with this surname have emigrated to North America and other parts of the world. It is not an overly common surname and can be spelt differently depending on the dialect and country of origin. Despite its varied spellings, the surname is still distinct in meaning and can easily be traced back to its Scottish and Irish roots.
Famous people with the name MacKuen
- Melissa McKuen: American voice actress and singer
- Henry McKuen: US Army Officer and Civil War Veteran
- John McKuen: American pioneer and missionary
- Alan McKuen: American tennis player
- Judith McKuen: American actress
- Brian McKuen: American business executive
- Sean McKuen: Composer and concert pianist
- Tammy McKuen: American country musician
- Kathleen McKuen: American politician
- William McKuen: US Congressman
- Frank McKuen: American politician
- Melissa McKuen: American equestrian
- Graham McKuen: British professional squash player
- Warren McKuen: American baseball player
- Brett McKuen: American racing driver
- Eric McKuen: Canadian figure skater
- Robert McKuen: American basketball player
- Bonnie McKuen: American jockey
- Matthew McKuen: British actor
- Clifford McKuen: American Marine Corps officer and Medal of Honor recipient