Surname MacWhannell - Meaning and Origin
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MacWhannell: What does the surname MacWhannell mean?
The last name MacWhannell is a Scottish name meaning “son of Gillean.” Gillean is an old Gaelic name, derived from the masculine etymology Gil meaning ‘servant’ or ‘devotee’ combined with the popular suffix ‘an’ which means ‘son of’.
The name is believed to have originated with an ancestor whose life was devoted to religious pursuits and who was a servant of God. As such, MacWhannell is an apt name for people from a religious background and beliefs, and those who strive to do the work of the Lord with their lives.
In some cases, the name could refer to a family from an area called Whannell, which is an old parish in County Fermanagh Ireland.
The name MacWhannell is also anglicised from the Old Gaelic Mac Choinnich, which in turn became anglicised to MacWhannell. This phrase means “Son of the Fair Saint” or “Son of the Bright One”, recreating the ancient and religious origins of the name.
In modern day Scotland, the name MacWhannell has been used in various locations and is still used among those in religious organisations or family lines. It is seen as a proud, old Scottish name and carries with it a sense of religious piety, devotion, and a strong connection to those of the family’s past.
Order DNA origin analysisMacWhannell: Where does the name MacWhannell come from?
The last name MacWhannell is a Scottish surname that is most commonly found in Scotland and England. It is rare to find it elsewhere in the world, though there are a few MacWhannells in Canada, Ireland, and Australia.
The original form of the name MacWhannell comes from the Scottish Gaelic Mac Fhionghaile, which means son of Fingal. The name Fingal is derived from the Irish name Fionnghall, which means "fair stranger." This could be interpreted to mean visitor from a foreign land, which was likely how the MacWhannell family settled in Scotland.
It is thought that the MacWhannell family originated in Scotland in the late 14th century. They were very influential in the local Scottish area, even acquiring large pieces of land. The family then spread out to different parts of Scotland over the centuries, where the name is still common today.
The MacWhannell surname is now most commonly found in Scotland, England, Ireland, Canada, Australia, and the United States. In the United States, the surname is most commonly found in Pennsylvania, New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Virginia, Maryland and Washington D.C. However, the numbers of individuals who carry the MacWhannell name are relatively small. As a result, the MacWhannell family remains an elusive and unique one.
Variations of the surname MacWhannell
MacWhannell is an Irish surname derived from the Gaelic personal name "Mac Fhionnghaile," or "son of Fannal," with "Fannal" coming from the root word "fionn," meaning "young and fair." In terms of spelling, there are several variations, including MacWhinney (also anglicized as MacWhinnie), MacQuinney (often found in Scotland) and MacFinlay (which is more common in Scotland). There are also some less common variants, such as MacFannell, MacVannell and MacWhannell. In terms of surnames, there are several slightly changed versions, such as Whannell, Whinney, Quinney and Finlay, which are all related to the original Irish-Gaelic spelling. All of these surnames should be properly documented to determine the exact origin of each individual's family.
Famous people with the name MacWhannell
- Gavin MacWhannell: Gavin MacWhannell, a Canadian celebrity chef, has appeared on multiple Food Network shows, such as Top Chef Canada and The Chef's Table. He also owns several restaurants, including Habitat and the Halifax Steel and Oyster Co.
- Tia MacWhannell: Tia MacWhannell is an award-winning Canadian actress known for pursuing philanthropic causes. She has appeared in a variety of television series, including Lost Girl and Reign.
- Robert MacWhannell: Robert MacWhannell is a Canadian comedian, author and actor. He was a regular on CBC Radio's The Debaters, has had guest starring roles in Canadian television shows such as 4Kids and Away and has appeared in films as well.
- Catherine MacWhannell: Catherine MacWhannell is a Canadian entrepreneur and activist. She has used her significantly large influence to advocate for social change and environmental protection. In addition, she also founded a mental health charity, FAdmin.
- Jody MacWhannell: Jody MacWhannell is a Canadian filmmaker. His documentaries have touched on a variety of topics, such as the Canadian music industry, social commentary and the environment. His films have appeared nationally, including in the CBC and Global TV networks.