Surname Magnus - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'M'
Magnus: What does the surname Magnus mean?
The surname Magnus is of Latin origin and it translates to "great" or "large." It was often used during medieval times as a personal name, particularly in Scandinavia. As a surname, it may have originated as a nickname for a great or powerful person, later becoming hereditary. It is quite common and can be found in various forms across different cultures and countries, such as Magnusson or Magnussen in Scandinavia, Magno in Italy, and Magnus in Germany and the Netherlands. The name could also denote someone of considerable importance or stature in their community or profession. Famous individuals with this surname include mathematician and physicist Carl Gustav Magnus and chess grandmaster Magnus Carlsen.
Order DNA origin analysisMagnus: Where does the name Magnus come from?
The last name Magnus has Latin roots, where the term 'Magnus' translates to 'Great'. It was often used as an epithet that then transformed into a surname over time. It popularly originated from Europe, notably in Sweden, where even today, it is a commonly used first name, as well as a Royal name. The use of Magnus as a surname is spread across different countries. In the modern world, the Magnus surname is most common in the United States, followed by England and Australia according to census records. In some cultures, like the Scandinavian, Magnus is often used as a first name rather than a surname. The name is spread across the globe with varying frequencies, global distribution shows a significant presence in Europe, North America and even Australia. Therefore, even though it has Latin roots, today it is not confined to any specific geographic region or cultural group.
Variations of the surname Magnus
The surname Magnus is of Latin origin, meaning "great" and was often given as an epithet to distinguished individuals in history, such as Carolus Magnus or Charlemagne. In different traditions and regions, it has various spellings, variants, and derivations.
Some of these variants or similar surnames include Magnusson (Scandinavia), Magnussen (Denmark/Norway), Magnuson (Sweden), MacManus (Irish), Magno (Italian), Magnusdottir (an Icelandic variant for daughters of a man named Magnus). There are also various patronymic derivatives in Scottish Gaelic, such as MacGhunn, MacGunn, and MacKone, where "mac" means "son of".
Roman versions of the name Magnus, include Magni and Magnoni which are found in Italy. In Latin languages, there are diminutives like Manius and use of the word Magno as a surname or part of hyphenated surnames is also found.
There are more phonetic variations of this surname including Magnes, Magness, and Magnis. Another variation is Magus which carries the same weight but has a separate origin in ancient Greece meaning a member of a hereditary priestly class.
Please note, some of these surnames could have separate origins not directly related to "Magnus".
Famous people with the name Magnus
- Sir Magnus Pyke: British scientist and media personality
- Magnus Magnusson: Icelandic-British journalist, translator, and writer who hosted BBC's Mastermind
- Magnus Carlsen: Norwegian chess Grandmaster, current World Chess Champion
- Magnus Ver Magnusson: Icelandic former powerlifter and World's Strongest Man
- Magnus Samuelsson: Retired Swedish strongman and winner of the World's Strongest Man
- Albertus Magnus: Catholic saint and philosopher who was one of the most universal thinkers of the Middle Ages
- Magnus Chase: Fictional character from the series of books written by Rick Riordan
- Magnus Mills: British novelist and short story writer
- Christina Magnuson: Swedish lawyer and the widow of Swedish nobleman Carl Magnuson
- Magnus Olafsson: King of Mann and the Isles
- Magnus Lindberg: Finnish composer and pianist
- Magnus Heimburg: CFO of Coffee Stain Studios, developers of the game 'Satisfactory'.
- Magnus Scheving: Icelandic writer, entrepreneur, and athlete who created, directed, and starred in children's show LazyTown.
- Carl Magnusson: Notable designer and producer of modern furniture.
- Robert Magnus: Retired General of the United States Marine Corps
- Heidi Magnus: Norwegian novelist
- Magnus Bekk: Norwegian football manager.
- Magnus Wenninger: American mathematician.
- Elizabeth Magnus: Noted British philanthropist.