Surname Maginn - Meaning and Origin
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Maginn: What does the surname Maginn mean?
The last name Maginn is of Irish origin and is derived from the GaelicÓ Maodhaighín, meaning “descendant of Maodhaighín”. Maodhaighín is a Gaelic personal name with the same Irish root as ‘Highness’. It is believed that the Maginns may have descended from an ancient Irish king.
The Maginns primarily settled in the Ulster provinces of Ireland, specifically in counties Tyrone, Londonderry, Cavan and Monaghan. The Maginn name is often associated with Ulster's traditional Irish culture and is found throughout the Ulster area, although variations of the name can be found in other parts of the British Isles.
The Maginns throughout history have been active in many distinct fields. They were well-versed in Irish culture and language and held an influential presence in the Irish church. They have also been affiliated with politics, as several members of the family achieved seats in the Irish Senate.
Today, the Maginn name is synonymous with entertainment. Irish entertainer Séamus Mac Giolla Eoin, better known as Tommy Makem, is an iconic figure in the Irish entertainment industry and a member of the Maginn clan. In addition, Ringo Starr drummer Alan White was also a Maginn, and continued to use the Maginn name for his grandson, Zachary Maginn White.
The last name Maginn, both historically and, today, continues to maintain a strong connection to Irish culture and heritage as a valued part of the Irish people. It stands as a tribute to the heritage of those who carried the name and who have left a lasting mark on Irish culture and society.
Order DNA origin analysisMaginn: Where does the name Maginn come from?
The last name Maginn appears to be of Irish origin and can be found today primarily in the United States, Canada, and Ireland. It is most common in small towns in the United States and Canada where Irish-Americans have settled.
In the United States, Maginn is most often found in the Midwest and Pacific Northwest. The highest concentrations occur near Omaha, Nebraska; Des Moines, Iowa; and Portland, Oregon. The name is also found in cities around the Great Lakes region such as Detroit, Michigan; Chicago, Illinois; Buffalo, New York; and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
In Canada, Maginn is most common in Ontario and Quebec with a notable presence in the Maritime provinces. It is also present in some of the more heavily Irish-settled parts of Canada such as Newfoundland and Labrador.
Ireland has a sizable population of people with the Maginn surname. It is mainly concentrated in Ulster, particularly in Counties Monaghan, Fermanagh, and Armagh. Since the nineteenth century, many Irish immigrants bearing this surname have made their homes in the United States, Canada, Australia, and other countries.
Variations of the surname Maginn
The surname Maginn is an anglicised form of the Gaelic name Mac Giolla Mhicí, meaning "son of the devotee of the son of Adam". Variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin include McGinn, McGill, MacGill, MacGille, and McGille.
McGinn is derived from Mac Giolla Mhicí, and is a very popular variant found mainly in Ireland and Scotland. The Gaelic form of this surname is Mac Giolla Mhicí, which translates to "son of the devotee of the son of Adam". McGinn is usually pronounced ‘Mc-gin’ and is found mainly in County Donegal in Ireland and in the Highlands of Scotland.
McGill is another variant of Mac Giolla Mhicí. It is mainly found in Ulster in Northern Ireland and is pronounced ‘Mc-Gill’. This variant is also found in Scotland, usually within the counties of Inverness, Ross, and Sutherland. This surname can also be spelled MacGill or McGill.
MacGille is a variant of the surname that is most frequently found in Scotland. This variant is declared to be one of the rarest variants in the United Kingdom. MacGille is pronounced ‘Mac-Gill’ and is also found in County Donegal in Ireland.
McGille is a variant of Mac Giolla Mhicí. It is a more modern interpretation of the surname, and is found in several locations worldwide. McGille is pronounced ‘Mc-Gilluh’ and is most commonly found in Canada, specifically in the province of Nova Scotia. It is mainly found in the eastern side of the country.
Famous people with the name Maginn
- Barry Maginn: Former Member of the Irish Parliament (1960-1973)
- Rosaleen Maginn: American television actress, appearing in shows like Gilmore Girls and Strong Medicine
- James Maginn: Northern Irish actor, appearing in films like Behold the Lamb and The Flying Scotsman
- Joe Maginn: American actor known for his work on Project X, My Date with the President’s Daughter and Overdrive
- Rene Maginn: Irish diplomat and former Irish Ambassador to Turkey
- John Maginn: U.S. Navy Rear Admiral (Ret.) and former Executive Director of the U.S. Naval Institute
- Jerome Maginn: American politician, former Mayor of Omaha, Nebraska
- Christina Maginn: British actress, writer, and producer, noted for her role in the hit show, Coronation Street
- Stephen Maginn: English author, professor, and independent scholar
- Frederick Maginn: Irish mathematician, scientist, and author