Surname Mcqeen - Meaning and Origin
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Mcqeen: What does the surname Mcqeen mean?
McQueen is an anglicized form of a Scottish and Irish surname derived from the Gaelic Mac Shuibhne, meaning "son of Suibhne." The personal name Suibhne is derived from the Gaelic word "suibhne," which signifies a "pleasant" or "kindly person." The surname was originally used as a patronym to indicate one's descent from a person named Suibhne. Over time, the name spread across the regions of Scotland and Ireland and eventually became anglicized into various forms such as McQueen, MacQueen, MacSween, and others, following the historical processes of cultural integration and linguistic adaptation. It's important to note that the meaning of a surname does not confer any particular characteristics or qualities onto its bearers; it is simply a form of identification originally rooted in medieval naming practices. The surname McQueen has been borne by several notable individuals, including the American actor Steve McQueen and British fashion designer Alexander McQueen, further popularizing its presence worldwide.
Order DNA origin analysisMcqeen: Where does the name Mcqeen come from?
The surname McQueen is of Scottish origin and traces back to the western coast of Scotland and the Hebrides islands. It is derived from the Gaelic "Mac Shuibhne," meaning "son of Suibhne." The name "Suibhne" translates to "pleasant" in English. The name eventually evolved into McQueen after generations of usage.
The McQueen family first settled in the Scottish Highlands, specifically in Skye, where they were a powerful, influential sept of the great Clan Donald. Several members of the McQueen family migrated to Ireland during the 17th century Plantation of Ulster but the family name can still be found in Scotland today.
In the present day, the surname McQueen is relatively rare. It is most prevalent in the United States, particularly in the states of California, Texas, and North Carolina. It can also be found in Canada, Australia, England, and of course Scotland. Notable people with this surname include the late American actor Steve McQueen and the British fashion designer Alexander McQueen.
Variations of the surname Mcqeen
The surname McQueen is of Scottish origin and has several variations and alternative spellings. It derives from the Gaelic "Mac Shuibhne," meaning "son of Suibhne." The name Suibhne itself denotes a 'pleasant' or 'well-disposed' person.
Variants of the name include MacQueen, McQuean, McQuein, McQuene, McQuien, McQuin, McQuinn, MacQueon, MacQuoine, MacSween, and McSween. Early records show variance even within the same family or individual’s lifetime due to illiteracy and regional accents, contributing to the numerous spellings of the name.
The English adaptation of the name is Sween, also spelled Swene, Swain, and Swayne. In its anglicized form, the surname also exists as MacSweeney, MacSwine, MacSwiney, and their shortened versions Sweeney, Swiney, and Swine.
Though less common, another transliteration from Gaelic is MacSuibhne which exists in various forms such as MacSuibhne, MacSweeny, MacSwiny, MacSwyny, MacSwyne, and MacSwine.
Individuals with these surnames share a common Scottish heritage. Regardless of spelling, the roots of these names date back to the ancient Dalriadan clans of Scotland's west coast and Hebrides islands.
Famous people with the name Mcqeen
- Steve McQueen: An iconic American actor, popular in the 60s and 70s, known for his roles in "Bullitt", "The Great Escape", and "The Magnificent Seven".
- Alexander McQueen: A British fashion designer and couturier famous for his unconventional designs and shock tactics. He worked as the head designer at Givenchy before starting his own label.
- Steven R. McQueen: An American actor and model known for his role as Jeremy Gilbert in "The Vampire Diaries".
- Butterfly McQueen: An American actress notable for her role as Prissy, Scarlett O'Hara's maid, in the film "Gone with the Wind."
- Le McQueen: A character from the British soap opera "Hollyoaks", portrayed by actress Hollie-Jay Bowes.
- Terry McQueen: The only daughter of actor Steve McQueen, she worked as a producer.
- Chad McQueen: The son of Steve McQueen, Chad is an actor, film producer, martial artist, and race car driver.
- Molly McQueen: An actress known for her roles in "Community","Quiet Please", and "Reasons I Don't Have a Boyfriend". She is Steve McQueen's granddaughter.
- Steve McQueen (director): An acclaimed British film director and screenwriter known for "12 Years a Slave", "Shame", and "Widows". Despite sharing the name, he has no relation to actor Steve McQueen.