Surname MacMunn - Meaning and Origin
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MacMunn: What does the surname MacMunn mean?
The last name MacMunn is an anglicized form of the Scottish Gaelic patronym MacMhathain. The name MacMhathain is derived from the old Gaelic personal name Mathghamhain. The literal translation of the name Mathghamhain is ‘bear little’, meaning ‘son of the bear’.
This suggests that the MacMunn family may have descended from the old Celtic clans of Scotland; clans such as the MacDonalds, McLeods, and Lamonts had strong bear allegiances symbolizing strength and courage. The surname probably would have originated in Argyll or the surrounding areas of Scotland.
The MacMunn family would have been a proud and noble lineage, often associated with loyalty and honor above all. Those bearing the name MacMunn may have held historically influential positions within their communities. Beyond that, the name MacMunn is incredibly unique, suggesting a well-established heritage.
This is further evidenced by the fact that in the 1800s MacMunn became a common name amongst Scottish expats. This meant that many of those who left Scotland chose to keep the name in honor of their heritage, sharing it with others across the world.
Order DNA origin analysisMacMunn: Where does the name MacMunn come from?
The last name MacMunn is believed to have originated in Scotland, and historically, it was most common in the Scottish Highlands and Northern Isles, as well as in Ireland. It is believed that the name MacMunn was derived from the Gaelic Mac Moyn, which literally translates to “son of Mon” or “son of Mona” - an ancient term for a God-like being.
Today, the MacMunn name is still predominantly found in Scotland and Ireland, particularly in the Northern Islands and the Scottish Highlands. The name has, however, spread to other parts of the British Isles in recent years, with many instances of the name appearing in England, Wales, and even the Republic of Ireland. In Scotland, the name is most commonly associated with the Dingwall area of the Highlands, where the name has been around since the 16th century.
In recent times, the MacMunn name has been spotted in various countries across the globe, as it has spread with immigration and travel. The United States, Australia, New Zealand, and various parts of Africa have seen a rise in the number of people with this surname, as migrants have moved to new parts of the world, bringing their surnames with them. Additionally, due to intermarriage and the adoption of different last names, the name MacMunn is found throughout the world - although its prevalence is still most notable in Scotland and Ireland.
Variations of the surname MacMunn
The surname MacMunn has a variety of spellings and variants that all share a similar origin. Some of the more common variations include MacMunn, MacMan, MacManus, MacManus and MacMann.
MacMunn is an Irish name and is related to the Gaelic name Mac Munn, meaning “son of the man”. It often refers to a family of warriors, as “Munn” is a name for a warrior in Gaelic. It is found almost exclusively in the counties of Donegal, Mayo, and Derry in Ireland, but there are also MacMunn families in Scotland and the United States.
Due to the popularity and spread of the MacMunn name, many other surnames with similar spellings have arisen, such as Mannion, Monagh, Munnion, Monaghan, and many others. These surnames all have similar origins, and all originated from Gaelic roots.
In brief, the surname MacMunn and its variations have an interesting origin and a variety of spellings. It is associated with Irish warriors, and it is quite popular in the Donegal, Mayo, and Derry regions of Ireland. It has also spread to other countries and has spawned many other surnames with similar spellings.
Famous people with the name MacMunn
- Sir Benjamin MacMunn: Sir Benjamin MacMunn KCIE DSO was a British army officer in colonial India, especially in the Northwest Frontier Province.
- Lindsay MacMunn: Lindsay MacMunn was an English actor and theatre director who had roles in films such as Ninotchka and The Women and had an extensive career in the theatre.
- Ewen MacMunn: Ewen MacMunn was a British actor, known for his roles in a number of television shows like Rumpole of the Bailey, Goodnight Sweetheart and Eastenders.
- John MacMunn: John MacMunn was a Scottish-born Whig politician who sat in the House of Commons from 1841 to 1846.
- Robert MacMunn: Robert MacMunn was a 19th-century Scottish-born artist and engraver who lived in New Zealand and England.
- Thomas MacMunn: Thomas MacMunn was a 19th-century British Army officer and colonial administrator, as well as a senior figure in the Indian Army.
- Ann MacMunn: Ann MacMunn was a Scottish-born actress best known for her work in The Ruling Passion, Stonehedge, and Death of a Hero.
- Isabelle MacMunn: Isabelle MacMunn was a British actress who appeared in films such as The Devil's Disciple and How Green Was My Valley, as well as several plays on the London stage.
- William MacMunn: William MacMunn was a 20th-century English television and film actor, best known for his roles in British spy shows of the 1960s. 10.Thomas MacMunn Forbes: Thomas MacMunn Forbes was a British author known for writing about the eyewitness accounts of the Indian Mutiny of 1857.