Surname MacMinn - Meaning and Origin
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MacMinn: What does the surname MacMinn mean?
The last name MacMinn is an anglicized version of the Gaelic surname MacMeamhna, meaning "son of the bear." It is derived from the repository of ancient Gaelic clan names, the MacMeamhna. It is believed to have originated in Ireland and Scotland and to have been associated with the Clan Campbell of Argyll and the Clan MacDonald of Clanranald.
The MacMinn surname is associated with warrior-like qualities such as strength, tenacity, and courage, which are associated with the qualities of a bear. In Scotland, MacMinns were known to settle in the lands of Lorne, where the family were granted magical powers from a wish-granting Fairy Queen.
Within Irish clans, the MacMinns were credited with strong leadership, which made them respected and a constant presence within local governments. This was most likely due to their impressive capacity for business organization, making them successful economic leaders.
The MacMinns were also noted for their loyalty. They were known to fiercely defend their communities from external threats, which made them popular and highly sought after during medieval wars.
Today, the name MacMinn can still be seen within Scottish and Irish communities. It is a reminder of a powerful and respected family once known for their bravery and honor. It serves as a reminder of the ancient and long-lasting legacy of the MacMinn people.
Order DNA origin analysisMacMinn: Where does the name MacMinn come from?
The last name MacMinn is a fairly rare but widely dispersed surname. It is common in Ireland, the United Kingdom, USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
In Ireland, records suggest that the name began with Mac Mael Eoin, or son of John of the tribe of Mael Eoin in County Clare. The MacMinns were a notable and influential family of the Burren, County Clare with many branches throughout Munster in the 14th century.
In the United Kingdom, records show that the first recorded use of the surname MacMinn dates back to 1711 in Scotland. The name is found mainly in Scotland and Northern England, specifically on the northeast coast counties of Durham, Northumberland, and Lancashire.
In the United States, records show the name MacMinn started to be used in the late 19th century. Many of them emigrated from the UK, Ireland, Canada and Australia, and MacMinns are now found all over the United States.
In Canada, one of the first MacMinns to arrive was James MacMinn, who moved from New York to Prescott County, Ontario, in the early 19th century. Now the MacMinns are widespread in the country.
In Australia, the first recorded use of the name dates back to 1840 with the arrival of William MacMinn, who settled in Sydney. The MacMinn name is mainly centred around New South Wales and Queensland,although there are a few scattered about the other states.
In New Zealand the surname also started to be used in the 19th century with the arrival of settlers from the United Kingdom and Ireland. The MacMinn surname is more commonly found in the South Island of New Zealand than in the North Island.
Overall, MacMinn is a widely dispersed surname that has a strong presence in Ireland, the United Kingdom, USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Variations of the surname MacMinn
The surname MacMinn can be spelled in various ways including MacMin, MacMinn, MacMynn, MacMyn, McMinn, McMinns, and McMynn. It can also be found under the variants MacMinny, MacMynne, and MacMynney.
Originally, the MacMinn surname would have been Mac Min. The spelling ‘MacMynn’ is also quite common as "Mynn" is an anglicisation of the original Gaelic ‘Minn’.
The MacMinn surname is derived from the Irish Mac Conmin, which means ‘son of Conmin’. The prefix ‘Mac’ as used in Irish and Scottish surnames is derived from the Gaelic word for ‘son/offspring’. The second element of the name, ‘Conmin’, was at one point a very common name in Ireland before it eventually gave way to its anglicised version ‘Conmee’.
The surname MacMinn also has several variant spellings and surnames of similar origin. The Irish name MacCormack or MacCormick is often seen as a variant of MacMinn, particularly in Ulster. Similarly, the Scottish surname McMinn is also thought to be a variation of MacMinn.
Variations of the MacMinn surname can be found around the world. In some cases, the variation comes from the introduction of other languages, such as when the surname MacMinn is found as ‘Makman’ in Russia and Ukraine.
In the United States, variations of the surname MacMinn can be found as McMinn, MacMan, MacManus, MacMinnis, and Minnis. All of these spellings are thought to be derived from the original Irish name Mac Conmin.
Famous people with the name MacMinn
- Jake MacMinn: Professional American ice hockey player.
- Roslyn MacMinn: American jazz vocalist.
- Will MacMinn: Television and film actor.
- Stephen MacMinn: American football coach.
- Christopher MacMinn: Award-winning director and editor.
- Terry MacMinn: American basketball player.
- Matthew MacMinn: Professional American soccer player.
- Jordan MacMinn: Popular TikTok personality.
- Garry MacMinn: American poet.
- Steven MacMinn: American bass guitar player.
- Margaret MacMinn: Award-winning American author.
- J.D. MacMinn: Grammy Award-nominated country artist.
- Kenneth MacMinn: Recording artist and songwriter.
- Patricia MacMinn: American painter and sculptor.
- Paula MacMinn: American jazz singer.
- John MacMinn: Canadian-born professional lacrosse player.
- Anna C. MacMinn: Award-winning American children's author.
- Catherine MacMinn: Award-winning Canadian radio personality and actress.
- Michael MacMinn: Professor of law at the University of Connecticut.
- James MacMinn: American inventor, entrepreneur, and politician.