Surname MacMenzies - Meaning and Origin
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MacMenzies: What does the surname MacMenzies mean?
The surname MacMenzies is a Scottish name, derived from the Scottish Highland clan MacMhuirich (son of the sea). According to an ancient legend, MacMhuirich was given the nickname Son of Muireach when a boat brought him to the island of Iona. This nickname eventually formed the basis for the name "MacMenzies".
Due to their prominent position within the Isles of Scotland, the original family of MacMenzies have traditionally held an important role within the Highland clans. This was especially true during the Clan wars between the Stuart and MacDonald clans. During this period, the MacMenzies served as a powerful ally of the MacDonalds, and provided troops for their cause.
Today, the name MacMenzies is still widely used in Scotland and can also be found in other parts of the United Kingdom, including Northern Ireland. In addition, there are also many bearers of the name MacMenzies in the United States and Canada. Those who carry this surname can be proud to share in the legacy of the highland clans, the rich Scottish heritage, and the warriors of MacMenzies.
Order DNA origin analysisMacMenzies: Where does the name MacMenzies come from?
The MacMenzies surname is most commonly associated with the Highland region of Scotland. Although the name is not as common today as it was historically, it can still be found in Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Canada.
The name MacMenzies, or variations of it, likely originates from the Scottish Mac Fhionghuin family of the extinct Clan MacMillan. The Clan MacMillan was one of the great Highland clans, with followers from the Argyll and Midlothian regions of Scotland. The family crest features a wildcat rampant holding a cross Cross raguly. This crest, along with other variations, can be found on coats of arms and other heraldry associated with the MacMenzies name.
Today, there are still many areas of Scotland where the MacMenzies name is more common. In the coastal town of Oban, for example, the name is still well-known. In recent years, there’s been an increase in the number of people around the world bearing the MacMenzies name. Canada has been home to many immigrants with the MacMenzies surname, while Northern Ireland and other parts of the UK also hold significant numbers.
Overall, the MacMenzies name is still around today, although it’s not as widespread as it once was. Nonetheless, this ancient and noble surname still draws attention in numerous areas around Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Canada.
Variations of the surname MacMenzies
MacMenzies is a Scottish surname derived from MacMhèinn, an Anglicized form of the Old Gaelic MacMaoithinn, meaning ‘son of the beloved one’. There are several variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin.
The variant spellings of MacMenzies include MacMensie, MacMeansie, MacMenser, and MacMenser. The most common alternative spelling is MacKenzie, which is a frequent surname throughout the United Kingdom.
Surnames with the same origin as MacMenzies include Mckenzies, MacMunro, MacDonal, MacKinnett, MacKinneicht, MacKinnen, MacKinnell, and Kinghtingle.
The other variant forms of the surname MacMenzies include MacMinnies, MacMynnis, MacMinins, MacMenys, MacMeins, MacMennies, MacMinness, and MacMinns.
MacMenzies is an uncommon surname, with only 253 people carrying the surname in Scotland, according to the 2001 census. However, the many variants and surnames of the same origin, such as MacKenzie, are much more common.
Famous people with the name MacMenzies
- Flora MacMenzies: Scottish botanist, sometimes referred to as the 'foundress of botanical nomenclature'.
- Ian MacMenzies: Former mayor of Caithness in Scotland, who in 2013 was elected as a Member of the Scottish Parliament for the Highlands and Islands region.
- Kenneth MacMenzies: Scottish professor of surgery at the University of Glasgow, appointed to the Royal College of Surgeons of Scotland in 1984.
- Seth MacMenzies: Scottish explorer and travel writer, best known for his 1927 account of his exploration of Svalbard.
- Sir Finlay MacMenzies: Scottish soldier and naturalist, who served as a captain in the Royal Navy during the Napoleonic Wars.
- William MacMenzies: Scottish missionary who traveled to the New Hebrides Islands in the mid-1800s and worked with the London Missionary Society there.
- Iain MacMenzies: Scottish boxer who won the WBC bantamweight world title in 2005.
- Bob MacMenzies: Scottish comedy actor, best known for his roles in several popular television shows, including Doctor Who and Outlander.
- Anna MacMenzies: Scottish singer and actor, best known for her role in the television show Outlander.
- Kate MacMenzies: Scottish actor who made her television debut in the show Sam & Cat in 2013.