Surname MacVann - Meaning and Origin
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MacVann: What does the surname MacVann mean?
The last name MacVann, from the Irish language, translates to "son of John". It is derived from the root of the Anglicized name MacShimíd which comes from the Gaelic Mac an Mhadraigh, meaning "son of the devotee of Saint". In Ireland, the name is typically found in areas of Ulster, mostly in present-day counties of Donegal and Monaghan. This suggests that the family has a long history in Ireland, possibly tracing back to the Ulster Plantation of the Middle Ages.
MacVann families are often associated with those from the Irish clans of McShane, MacAnampy, and MacMillan. These clans were typically found in the County of Ulster and were among the many that were forced to migrate to Scotland or Northern Ireland due to the upheavals of the 17th-century. In Scotland, some MacVann families have combined with families from the clan McSwan, allowing for an even further spread of the family’s name throughout the country.
Today, the name MacVann is used throughout Ireland and Scotland. However, it is especially common in Australia and North America, where it has crossed over borders due to many Irish immigrants in the 19th and early 20th Century. The name is also prevalent in parts of Canada, New Zealand, and South Africa.
The MacVanns were historically known for their strong sense of loyalty and fair-mindedness. Along with this, they were known as learned people with excellent skills in problem-solving. This helped them to establish themselves wherever they settled, and is why the MacVann name continues to be found across the globe today.
Order DNA origin analysisMacVann: Where does the name MacVann come from?
The last name MacVann is most common in Ireland today. According to the Irish Times newspaper, MacVann is the 928th most popular surname in Ireland and is believed to have originated in Ulster, with links to the ancient Gaelic and Scots cultures.
Records from the early 1700s show the MacVann surname as being one of the most common names in Northern Ireland, particularly in the counties of Antrim and Down. Research suggests that MacVann is derived from the Gaelic name MacGilleMhaolMhuaidh, which translates roughly as the son of the beloved servant.
Today, the MacVann surname is widely dispersed throughout Ireland, as well as in other countries such as the United Kingdom, Australia, the United States, and Canada. There are many localities with significant concentrations of the surname, such as Letterbreen in County Fermanagh, Ireland, where it is the most common name.
The MacVann name often appears in Irish genealogical records, and there are several historical MacVann families, many of whom left Ireland in the 19th and early 20th centuries to settle in the British Commonwealth of Nations or in the United States. The Association of Irish MacVann Families has gathered together information from various sources to help chart the history of the surname.
Variations of the surname MacVann
The surname MacVann is an ancient and distinguished surname that originated in Scotland. It is an anglicized form of the Gaelic "Mac a'bhainn," meaning "son of John." Variants of this surname include MacVane, MacVain, MacFane, McVann, McVane, MacVan, MacVin, MacVane, Mac Vaughn, and MacVinnie. It is possible that some of these variants have merged with other, similar, Scottish surnames such as MacVinish, MacVicar, MacVittery, McAvanach, and McAveny.
Variants of the name can be found in other places as well. In Ireland, MacVann is sometimes found spelled as Mac Bhain. In Wales the spelling may be MacVen or MacAen. In England the name is often spelled MacVon and MacVein or MacVonn.
There are many given names which are related to the surname MacVann. These include M'bain, Mac b·Fhainne, Mac Bhainne, MacBhainn, and MacBeinn. Other spellings include MacVainey, MacVainy, and MacVane.
In Scotland MacVann is also a sept of the clan Chattan, meaning "children of St. John" or "children of Fionn", with the surname reflecting this origin. The spelling traditions of the Highlands and Islands of Scotland have resulted in a variety of variant spellings and pronunciations. As a result, many variations may be found in other countries as well.
Famous people with the name MacVann
- Colin MacVann: Canadian politician and lawyer from British Columbia
- Shea MacVann: American Glamour and Fashion Model
- Carrie MacVann: American singer, songwriter, and actress
- Index John MacVann: Jamaican engineer who led the engineering team responsible for the construction of the Greater Montego Bay by-pass
- Iain MacVann: Scottish footballer who played for Aberdeen
- Katherine MacVann: British actress who portrayed Queen Cersei in the television series Game of Thrones
- Rob MacVann: former basketball player turned coach, best known for his time with Florida State and Louisville
- Blair MacVann: Canadian actor who is best known for his roles in films such as Juno, Inception, and Star Wars: The Last Jedi
- Tristan MacVann: American actor who appeared in films such as25th Hour, Dark Water, and The Great Debaters
- Colin MacVann: Former Canadian Prime Minister and global leader in the telecommunications industry