Surname Mc Elhinney - Meaning and Origin
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Mc Elhinney: What does the surname Mc Elhinney mean?
The surname Mc Elhinney is of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic "Mac Giolla Chainnigh," meaning "son of the servant of St. Canice." The "Mc" in Irish names typically signifies "son of," suggesting familial lineage. St. Canice (Kenneth) is one of the patron saints of Ireland, so the name implies a historical familial or religious connection to this saint. The Mc Elhinney family first found in County Londonderry in the Northern part of the country. Like many Irish surnames, variations of this name exist due to transliterations and alterations over time, which include McElhinny, McElhenny, McIlhenny, and others.
Order DNA origin analysisMc Elhinney: Where does the name Mc Elhinney come from?
The surname Mc Elhinney originates from Ireland and it is an anglicized form of the Gaelic name Mac Giolla Chainnigh, meaning "son of the servant of Canán". Canán is an old Irish personal name. The Mc Elhinney families have historically been found in county Donegal in the Republic of Ireland, particularly around Inishowen.
The surname is still quite common in Ireland today, especially in its region of origin, Donegal. However, like many Irish surnames, Mc Elhinney has travelled along with those who emigrated during times of economic hardship, particularly during the Great Irish Famine in the mid-19th century. As a result, it is also found in countries like the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia that saw significant Irish immigration. Despite this spread, the surname remains relatively rare globally. It is most frequently encountered in regions with significant populations of Irish descent.
Variations of the surname Mc Elhinney
The surname McElhinney is of Irish origin and is an Anglicized form of the Gaelic name "Mac Giolla Chainnigh," which translates roughly to "son of the servant of Canice." Variations in spelling of this surname can be attributed to a multitude of factors such as regional dialects, translation from Gaelic to English, and simple scribal errors.
Alternative spellings and variants of McElhinney may include: McAlhinney, McElhenny, McElheany, McElhinny, McAlenny, McElhaney, McElhiney, McElhinny, McAlinney, McLhinney, McGilhinney, MacElhinney, or even McElhannie, among others. Some families may also drop the “Mc” or “Mac” prefix, further creating variations like Elhinney or Alhinney.
Surnames that may be of the same origin due to shared roots with the Gaelic "Mac Giolla Chainnigh" could include McKinney, MacKenney, or McKenney. Some surnames from similar Gaelic phrasing, such as those beginning with “Mac Giolla…” might also be related.
However, it should be noted that surname origins can be complex, due to sociopolitical factors like migration and assimilation, and simple human error. For the most accurate information, professional genealogical services or DNA testing is recommended.
Famous people with the name Mc Elhinney
- Michelle McElhinney: A Northern Irish actress best known for playing the role of Maureen Robinson in the Netflix science-fiction drama series Lost in Space.
- Cormac McElhinney: An Irish-American geneticist and researcher, who is the co-founder and chief science officer of Recombine, a commercial genetic testing laboratory.
- Maureen McElhinney: A Canadian actress known for her roles in the television series Emily Owens, M.D., Saving Hope, and Designated Survivor.
- Tony McElhinney: An Irish television producer who has been credited for shows such as, Beauty and the Beast, Dragon's Den, and The Panel.
- Mary McElhinney: An Irish financial executive and entrepreneur, who is currently the chief operating officer of CPL Resources.
- Damian McElhinney: An Irish actor known for portraying the actor Damien Thomas on Cinemax's hit drama series Quarry.
- Cora McElhinney: A British actress and television presenter who has been featured in shows such as, Bad Girls, The Weakest Link, and The Biggest Loser.
- Sinead McElhinney: An Irish Olympian athlete who specialized in the high jump. In 2008, Sinead set a new Irish record in the event.
- Liam McElhinney: A British actor who has appeared in films such as, The Imitation Game, The Musketeers, and The Queen.
- Peadar McElhinney: An Irish theatre actor and director, who is known for his work in theatre, television, and film.