Surname MacQuain - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'M'
MacQuain: What does the surname MacQuain mean?
The surname MacQuain is of Scottish origin, deriving from the ancient Gaelic "Mac Cuain" which translates to "Son of Cuàn." "Cuàn" is a personal name believed to mean "born of the yew" or "yew-born", with "yew" being a type of tree. The name itself suggests someone who is resilient, reliable, and long-lived, characteristics of the yew tree, which can survive for centuries. As with many traditional Gaelic surnames, MacQuain likely started as a patronymic, passed down from the original "Cuàn" to their descendants. Over time, this evolved into a surname shared by a wider family group, not necessarily directly related. Notable people with this surname, often with varying spellings, include Scottish scholars and authors. It is found mostly in Scotland, although the MacQuain clan, like other Scots, may have spread throughout the world due to emigration during the last few centuries. Therefore, bearers of the MacQuain surname today can be of various nationalities.
Order DNA origin analysisMacQuain: Where does the name MacQuain come from?
The surname MacQuain is of Scottish origin, deriving from the Gaelic name "Mac Ghille Fhaolain" which means "son of the servant of St Fillan". St Fillan was a 7th-century missionary of Irish descent, who is venerated as a saint in Scotland. Over centuries, the name went through a variety of translations and phonetic transcriptions, leading to different spellings – MacQuain is one of those variants.
Like many Scottish surnames, MacQuain can be seen today in places around the world due to immigration and diaspora, particularly in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. However, it is not a common surname today according to global distribution data.
In the United Kingdom, particularly Scotland, the name might be slightly more common, but as with many such surnames, there has been much dilution and dispersion, making the name relatively rare in modern context. Despite this, those carrying the surname MacQuain can generally trace their genealogical roots back to Scotland.
Variations of the surname MacQuain
The surname MacQuain is of Scottish origin and belongs to the category of patronymic surnames, derived from the personal name of an ancestor. This surname has various forms owing to phonetic transliteration from Gaelic, geographical movement, and personal preference.
Several variants and similar spellings of the surname MacQuain include McQuain, MacQuaine, McQuaine, MacCuain, McQuainn, and MacQuane. Additional versions might include McQuane, MacCwain, McCwain, or even McWain.
The root of these surnames, "Cuain," is a Gaelic personal name which in itself might appear as Quain or Quaine in a stand-alone context. Therefore, it is also possible that someone might carry the surname Quain or Quaine without the Mac or Mc prefix, but still be of the same lineage.
The prefix Mac or Mc in the surname means ‘son of’. Therefore, these surnames essentially mean 'son of Quain'. The difference between Mac and Mc is mainly regional and stylistic - both carry the same meaning.
Finally, given the migration patterns of the Scottish people, particularly to Ireland, Canada, and America, it's possible that variants of the surname may exist in these places following adaptation to new languages or spelling standards.
Famous people with the name MacQuain
- Gordon MacQuain: Gordon MacQuain is a Grammy-nominated Columbia Records recording artist, producer, and songwriter hailing from rural Nova Scotia, Canada. He is best known for his critically acclaimed hit pop/soul single "Runaway".
- Takena MacQuain: Takena MacQuain is an American actress, singer, and model. She is best known for her roles in television shows and movies such as “High School Musical: The Series”, “Gossip Girl”, and “Whip It”.
- Mike MacQuain: Mike MacQuain is an American stand-up comic and actor. He has appeared in various television shows and movies, such as “30 Rock”, “The Neighbors”, and “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”.
- Angela MacQuain: Angela MacQuain is a British artist, most known for her unique and intricate paper-cut artwork. Her work has been featured in galleries and publications around the world.
- Zach MacQuain: Zach MacQuain is an American musician, songwriter, and producer. His debut album, “Folded Skies”, was released in 2018 and was critically acclaimed for its blend of melodic and experimental electronic music.
- MacQuain Thomas: MacQuain Thomas is an American singer and songwriter. He is best known for his relatable and emotional lyrics, which have been featured in various television shows and movies, including “Grey’s Anatomy” and “The Originals”.