Surname McKin - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'M'
McKin: What does the surname McKin mean?
The last name McKin is of Scottish origin and is derived from the Gaelic word "Mac" meaning "son of". It is a prefix often used in Celtic surnames. The second part of the name, 'Kin', does not have a clear derivation and could be a contracted form of a given personal name. The last name McKin, therefore, implies lineage or paternity and essentially denotes "son of Kin". However, without a clear indication of who or what ‘Kin’ refers to, the full meaning of McKin remains somewhat ambiguous. Like many surnames, the spelling and pronunciation of McKin could have evolved and changed over time, contributing to this ambiguity. It is also worth noting that this surname may have simultaneously emerged in different regions and could, therefore, carry different meanings based on geographical contexts.
Order DNA origin analysisMcKin: Where does the name McKin come from?
The surname McKin is of Scottish and Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic "Mac" denoting "son of", and the personal name "Kin". The surname often indicates a patronymic lineage meaning "son of Kin". In the early years, this surname was predominantly used by clans in Scotland and Ireland. Variations of the surname include McKin, McKinn, Mackin, and Mckinny, among others. In the present era, the distribution map shows that this surname is most prevalent in the United States and also relatively common in countries such as Canada, England, Australia, and New Zealand. It's important to note that the global presence of this surname doesn't solely rely on its original bearers but also includes their descendants who have migrated to other parts of the world. Despite its origins, the surname isn't very common in Ireland and Scotland today.
Variations of the surname McKin
The surname McKin has variations that spread across cultures due to phonetic translations, differences in spelling, or derivations from the name's root words. Variations may include: McKinn, McKyn, McKynn, Mackin, Mackinn, Mackyn, Mackynn, McKine, Mackine.
The surname typically originates from Ireland or Scotland, where 'Mc' or 'Mac' implies 'son of'. Therefore, the name could evolve into other surnames if the second part of the name changes. Surnames such as McKinty, McKinney, McKinlay, McKinley, and McKenzie have elements of the original McKin root embedded within them, but they are not always considered direct variants.
The surrounding area of Ulster (now located in Northern Ireland and Ireland), has many surnames with 'Kin' involved. This is due to the common Gaelic prefix 'Mac an Cháinte,' which means 'son of the accomplice.' It is also possible that McKin is derived from MacKinnon or MacFhionghuin (son of Fairborn) in Scottish ancestry.
Please note that while these names are based on historical trends and linguistic patterns, individual family histories and genealogical research may reveal unique stories or variations connected to the McKin surname.
Famous people with the name McKin
- Though it is not very common, a few famous figures share the last name McKin:
- Joe McKin: A former Irish professional football player who played for clubs like Glasgow Celtic, Oldham Athletic, Port Vale and Nuneaton Borough.
- Kathy McKin: An American author, philanthropist and sculptor, is known for her work on the "100 Heroes" project, where she created bronze sculptures of influential figures.
- Alex McKin: An Australian politician who served as a member of the Queensland Legislative Assembly.
- David McKin: A musician known by his stage name "The Streets," an English rapper, songwriter and record producer. However, please note that the information is quite limited, considering it isn't a common family name and could be misspelled or mispronounced variations of more historically populated surnames, such as McKinney, McKinlay or McKinnon.