Surname MacQueine - Meaning and Origin

MacQueine: What does the surname MacQueine mean?

The surname MacQueine doesn't seem to have a specific, widely accepted definition. It appears to be of Scottish Gaelic origin, in which the prefix "Mac" signifies "son of." The second part, "Queine," could be a variation of "Queen," suggesting some kind of familial connection to a queen, or it might have other roots. However, surnames can often undergo significant changes over centuries and across different regions, which can make their meanings difficult to trace accurately. It's also important to note that the interpretation of surnames can depend on their cultural or historical context. As such, there might be other possible meanings for the surname MacQueine unknown due to the lack of substantial records or research. If you're interested in this surname's meaning, you might want to explore more specialized resources or experts in Scottish genealogy and language.

MacQueine: Where does the name MacQueine come from?

The surname MacQueine is of Scottish origin, more specifically Celtic. It is a variant form of the patronymic surname MacQueen, which itself means 'son of Queen'. The surname MacQueen and its variations were first found in the Hebrides region of Scotland.

The use of this surname indicates the person's descent from a family who were part of the Scottish Clan MacQueen. This clan is among the many Scottish clans who held high ranks in the ancient Scottish kingdom and claimed descent from the royal lineage.

Today, the surname MacQueine is not very common. According to available data, it is least common in the United States and more specifically, in the state of Oklahoma. However, it is still seen in Scotland and other countries where Scottish descendants have settled, such as Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Its presence in these countries, although not widespread, still indicates a continued lineage from the ancient Clan MacQueen.

Variations of the surname MacQueine

The surname MacQueine originates from Scotland. It has several variations and alternate spellings due to the evolution of the language, dialect, phonetic prospects, and transcription errors over the centuries. Some common variants include McQueen, MacQueen, McQuin, MacQuin, McQuein, and MacQuein.

McQuinn and MacQuinn are also used, especially in Ireland, where "Mc" and "Mac" are interchangeable, both signifying "son of." Furthermore, there are similar names like McKean, McAne, MacKane, Macean, and MacKean that may be linked.

The "Mc" or "Mac" prefix can sometimes be omitted, leading to further variants like Queen, Quin, and Quain. Some surnames may have also been Anglicized or Americanized over time.

These alternate spellings and variations can in turn influence derived surnames or patronymics. For instance, the patronymic forms (son of) like MacQueeny, McQueeny, MacQueeney and McQueeney are also found.

In some cases, the surname has been translated to English or other languages, resulting in equivalent surnames like King (as "Queen" in MacQueine can mean "King").

Remember, different spellings can still have the same phonetic similarity. The surname distribution and spelling can vary significantly based on the geographical location and historical context.

Famous people with the name MacQueine

• Duncan Macqueine (1741–1818): Scottish religious writer
• Neil MacQueine (born 1964): Australian musician
• John MacQueenie (1744–1830): Scottish politician
• Hamish Macqueenie (1858–1922): Scottish actor
• Richard Macqueenie (1850–1920): English entomologist
• Thomas Macqueenie (1843–1919): Canadian clergyman
• Duncan MacQueine (1772–1850): Scottish poet
• William Macqueine (1791–1850): Scottish politician
• John Macqueine (1812–1907): British educator and writer
• Alan Macqueine (born 1946): British journalist and broadcaster

Other surnames

MacQuein