Surname Mc Kenna - Meaning and Origin
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Mc Kenna: What does the surname Mc Kenna mean?
The Scottish surname McKenna is derived from the Gaelic Mac Cionaodha, which translates literally to “son of Cionaodh” or “son of the ancient one.” This ancient one refers to a wise ancestor of the clan, which is thought to have been of priestly descent and descended from the ancient kings of Ireland.
McKenna is a sept of Clan Donald, and its history is closely linked to the great medieval MacDons. It is believed the family descended from Conon MacDhonnchaid of Rannoch in the twelfth century, the father of Angus Mor. Conon was the traditional pointer in the royal hunts of King Dughal III.
McKennas have settled in Scotland for generations, but the name is also linked to Ireland and is believed to have been taken by people of Irish descent who moved to Scotland, usually in search of work and opportunities. Variations of the name, such as "Mac", "McKenna", and "McKenna", can be found in both countries.
McKennas have achieved success in a variety of fields including politics, sport, show business, and business. Well-known figures to bear the name include writers, Tony and Colm MacKenna and actor Siobhan McKenna.
The Scottish surname McKenna is an important part of the shared heritage between Scotland and Ireland and has remained important to Scottish and Irish families over the centuries. This shared heritage is a reminder of the close links between the two countries and continues to be celebrated today.
Order DNA origin analysisMc Kenna: Where does the name Mc Kenna come from?
The surname McKenna is an ancient Irish surname originating from the Gaelic language and found mostly in Ireland. It is derived from the Gaelic word "Mac" meaning "son", and the name can be translated to mean "Son of Kenne". Historically, it was a common name in the Ulster counties of Donegal, Monaghan, and Derry.
Today, the surname McKenna is found in many countries around the world. It is a relatively common name in Ireland, where it is the 135th most popular name in the country. It is also popular in the United Kingdom, particularly England and Scotland, where it ranks 288th and 206th respectively. Furthermore, it is common in the United States as well, where it is the 392nd most common surname. Other countries where the last name McKenna is prevalent include Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
In terms of ancestry, the surname McKenna is predominantly Irish in origin. However, it can also be found among other Celtic peoples, including Scots, Welsh, and Manx. Additionally, it is thought to have been adopted by some of the original Irish settlers in America, as well as other parts of the world such as Canada.
Throughout its history, McKenna has been adopted as a first name or given name in parts of the world where it is most popular as a surname. It is relatively uncommon in Ireland, however, where it is typically a middle name or feminine given name. Nonetheless, it continues to be used in modern times, often as a middle name to honor ancestor with the surname McKenna.
Variations of the surname Mc Kenna
The surname McKenna, or MacKenna, has several variants, spellings, and associated surnames. The two main ones are MacKeena and Mackinna.
The MacKeena variant of the surname is also sometimes rendered as MacKineen, McKeen, M’Keena, M’Keene, or McKineen.
The Mackinna variant of the surname is sometimes spelled MacKinna, M’Kenna, M’Kinnah, and McKinnah. Other derived surnames of the same origin include Kena, Kinney, and McKiney.
In Scotland, where McKenna is a popular surname, variants of the surname are McKyenne, Mackkynah, and Makinnah.
In Ireland, where the McKenna surname is also common, other spellings and variations include McAneny, McKanaghan, McKann, McKannery, McKannan, McKany, and McKenny.
In America, where the spellings and variants of McKenna vary, there are surnames with the same origin such as McKanney, McKinna, McKinney, McKeanna, McKeanney, McKinnah, and McKinnery.
The surname McKenna is also found in other countries throughout the world, and many of of the variations have the same origin. In some cases, spellings and variations include MacKenney, Mackenny, Mackinney, McKanney, M’Kennah, and McKenney.
Famous people with the name Mc Kenna
- Malachy McKenna, Irish musician
- Conchita McKenna, Olympic curler from Ireland
- Colm McKenna, Irish hurler
- Anne McKenna, Irish actor
- Cara McKenna, American author
- Siobhan McKenna, Irish actress
- Eugene McKenna, Irish soccer player
- Jane McKenna, Canadian politician
- James McKenna, Irish actor and director
- Pedro McKenna, Spanish actor
- Siobhan McKenna, Irish singer
- Theo McKenna, Irish singer and songwriter
- Mick McKenna, Australian rugby player
- Paddy McKenna, Irish musician
- Colleen McKenna, American voice actor
- Luke McKenna, Australian actor
- Joe McKenna, Irish footballer
- Mark McKenna, Australian actor
- Emmett McKenna, Irish actor
- Martin McKenna, Irish actor
- Mary McKenna, Irish singer
- Ian Mc Kenna, Irish actor
- Catherine McKenna, Canadian politician
- Peter McKenna, Irish singer-songwriter
- Helen McKenna, Irish activist
- Rory Mc Kenna, Irish visual artist
- Doyle Mc Kenna, Irish actor
- Eoin Mc Kenna, Irish singer
- Gerard Mc Kenna, Irish actor
- Niall Mc Kenna, Irish actor