Surname MacLynchy - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'M'
MacLynchy: What does the surname MacLynchy mean?
The surname MacLynchy is a Scottish-Irish surname of Gaelic origin. It is derived from the Gaelic Mac Leinneachaidh, meaning "son of Leinneachaidh". Leinneachaidh itself is derived from the Gaelic leinneach, which means "sheltered". The surname MacLynchy may originally have belonged to a variety of different clans, but many of its bearers are now associated with the MacDonnell clan in Scotland and Ireland.
MacLynchy is a family name that evokes a proud heritage of Celtic ancestry, and is still seen as a strong and proud symbol of Scottish-Irish heritage. Many MacLynchys have a long association with the military and some have fought during wars such as the American Revolutionary War and the American Civil War. Additionally, many individuals with the surname have become prominent in politics, business, and the arts.
Today, MacLynchy is an uncommon but recognizable surname. Those lucky enough to bear it carry a symbol of strength, perseverance, and pride. Many still have an affinity for the Gaelic language and culture, and take great pride in their Irish and Scottish heritage. Although the original meanings of MacLynchy may have been all but forgotten, its legacy still lives on.
Order DNA origin analysisMacLynchy: Where does the name MacLynchy come from?
The last name MacLynchy is directly associated with Irish immigrants, particularly to Scotland and the United Kingdom. It is most common today in areas of the British Isles and the Irish diaspora.
An analysis of the 2016 United Kingdom census indicates that the most MacLynchy families were living in Scotland, particularly in the Shetland Islands. The Shetland Islands had the highest concentration of the MacLynchy surname of any area. The second highest concentration of this surname was located in Northern Ireland, in the counties of Belfast, Down, and County Armagh.
MacLynchy is also found in moderate numbers throughout all of Ireland, particularly in counties Dublin, Cork, and Kerry.
Scotland remains the area with the highest concentration of the MacLynchy surname. In Scotland, the largest clusters of the surname can be found in Glasgow, Aberdeen, and Edinburgh.
When looking at the Irish diaspora, the United States boasts the highest concentration of the surname outside of Europe.The great majority of MacLynchy families living in the United States are located on the East Coast. Specifically, New York, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania have the highest concentration of the surname.
Thus, the surname MacLynchy is most frequently associated with the British Isles and the Irish diaspora. Generally, the MacLynchy surname is most common in Scotland, Northern Ireland, and the East Coast of the United States.
Variations of the surname MacLynchy
The surname MacLynchy is of Irish origin and can have multiple spellings and variants. It is sometimes spelled MacLoughlin, MacLaughlin, or McLachlan. The surname can also have varied forms, such as MacLinchy, MacLinshee, MacLinshey, McLinchy, McLinchi, and McLinsky.
The surname MacLynchy originated from the Irish name Mac LOCHLAIN. LOCHLAIN is a Gaelic version of the word "Loughlin.” This originates from the Gaelic word "lochlann" which means "Norse-Viking" or "Norman-French.” This derived from the Gaelic phrase "Mac Lochlainn," which translates to "son of Lochlainn." MacLynchy was also derived from the town of Lochlainn, in County Mayo, Ireland.
The original MacLynchy family belonged to a clan in Donegal, a county in Ireland. This is evidenced by the many branches of the MacLynchy family, located all around the northern part of Ireland, most notably counties Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim and Mayo.
The main variant of MacLynchy is the shortened version, Lynch. This surname is derived from MacLynchy, and is found in nearly every county in Ireland.
The variations of MacLynchy varies greatly, depending on the geographical region of origin. For example, some people spell MacLynchy as MacLinchy, MacLinshee, MacLinshey or McLinchy, while others may spell it as MacLaughlin, MacLoughlin, or McLachlan.
No matter the spelling or variant, MacLynchy is an Irish surname of great significance and pride.
Famous people with the name MacLynchy
- Brendan MacLynchy, actor in the movie Madison and was in TV commercials growing up.
- Martin MacLynchy, professional ice hockey player.
- William MacLynchy, professional volleyball player.
- Alex MacLynchy, Olympic gymnast.
- Alec MacLynchy, musician and songwriter.
- Will MacLynchy, Australian actor.
- Siobhan MacLynchy, Irish fashion designer.
- Paul MacLynchy, American sociologist and author.
- Joseph MacLynchy, American country singer and songwriter.
- Michael MacLynchy, professional golfer.