Surname MacQuiggin - Meaning and Origin

MacQuiggin: What does the surname MacQuiggin mean?

The last name MacQuiggin is derived from the Gaelic MacUigin, which is a patronymic surname meaning “son of Uigin.” Uigin itself comes from a Gaelic word meaning “youthful.” The MacQuiggins originate in Scotland and Ireland, and those who bear this name likely have roots in both countries.

In Ireland, MacQuiggin is one of the most common and oldest surnames of County Limerick. They were noted as the McGuiggan family in 1654 when they became freeholders of that area. In Scotland, MacQuiggin is most often found in the counties of Ayrshire, Lanarkshire, and Dumfries-shire.

The family name is also associated with Viking ancestry in Ireland. It is believed that their descent includes two Viking chiefs, Macawore and Macgoris who were among hundreds of Viking settlers in Ireland in the 11th century.

Today, the MacQuiggin family is considered a proud and noble lineage. It is a name with both Celtic and Viking origins that bears a rich and storied family history. Individuals with this surname are believed to be independent and courageous, with a sense of pride and self-reliance.

MacQuiggin: Where does the name MacQuiggin come from?

The MacQuiggin surname is primarily found in Ireland today, more specifically in the Fair Head region of Antrim County. The surname likely descends from the O'Coiggin clan, who were of the Pictish-Scottish tribe of Cinnéide. Records suggest that the name was originally anglicized to MacQuiggin from the Gaelic name Mac Oigginn.

The migration of MacQuiggin families to Ireland began in the middle ages, and during the 1600s and 1700s they mostly settled in the northern province of Ulster. The majority of MacQuiggin families today are located in Belfast, County Antrim and County Down.

Overseas, the MacQuiggin surname is also found in the United Kingdom and the United States. The earliest records of MacQuiggin immigrants in the United States date from the mid-1800s, mainly in Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and New York.

The name MacQuiggin is rare but not unique today. If you do a quick online search, the surname can be found in family trees, genealogy databases, and other resources.

In general, the MacQuiggin surname is not common today, but those who bear it can be proud of their heritage. Whether in Ireland, the United Kingdom, the United States, or elsewhere, those with the MacQuiggin name can do some research into the history of their family and the people who once bore it.

Variations of the surname MacQuiggin

MacQuiggin is a surname of Gaelic origin. It originates from the Gaelic words Mac an Uiginn which translates to English as 'son of the stranger'. As it is of Gaelic origin, there are a variety of spelling variants and alternative surnames from which it originates.

The common variants of MacQuiggin include: MacQuiggin, MacQuiggan, MacGuggin, MacQuiggins. There are also a variety of variants of the same name with a hyphen such as McQuiggan, Mac-Quiggin, Mac-Quiggins, etc.

The surnames which are related to MacQuiggin are MacQuade, MacQuade, MacWade, MacVay, MacVaigh, MacVogue, McVay, McVigue, MacVedly and Veddy.

These surnames have also been slightly changed over the years, resulting in a range of similar names such as MacQujdam, MacQuaidy, MacQuates, MacWaddell, MacWharrie, MacVoid, McUade, MacVayl, MacVedey, or even the Anglicised versions such as MacGuiggan or MacGuigan.

Overall, while the surname MacQuiggin is Gaelic in origin it has a variety of spelling variants and associated surnames, ranging from MacQuade to MacWhearrie.

Famous people with the name MacQuiggin

• Nigel MacQuiggin: English rugby union player who represented Scotland in the Five Nations Championship in the late 1980s.
• Angus MacQuiggin: Scottish-born Canadian songwriter, producer, and philanthropist who is the owner of the record label MapleMusic.
• Ali MacQuiggin: British actor who has appeared in various television series and films, including the BBC's Doctor Who.
• Harry MacQuiggin: Canadian curler who was a member of the 1959 Brier-winning rink from Ontario.
• Derek MacQuiggin: Scottish author who wrote the children's book series Scottish Eagles.
• Kenneth MacQuiggin: Scottish novelist who wrote the popular historical novel The Fifteen Men of Angus.
• Juliana MacQuiggin: American actress who has appeared in such films as The Lake House, The Village, and The Adjustment Bureau.
• Ken MacQuiggin: Canadian filmmaker and adventurer who made the expedition documentary One Year In Paradise.
• Meg MacQuiggin: Australian playwright and stage manager who wrote the play The Women’s Room.
• Ian MacQuiggin: British painter and teacher who was known for his landscape and still life works.

Other surnames

MacQuigg