Surname Metheny - Meaning and Origin
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Metheny: What does the surname Metheny mean?
The last name Metheny is of ancient English origin. Derived from the Old English name Maythenig, it was used in the Middle Ages as a personal name and eventually became a family name.
The literal meaning of the name is thought to be "powerful ruler," derived from the words "magu" for mighty and "thegn" for ruler. Alternatively, it could mean "from the meadow," with its root word being "maeth."
Since the Middle Ages, the Metheny name spread to various countries, including Scotland, Ireland, and Germany.
In Scotland, the Metheny family name is associated with the Clan Mackintosh. The Mackintosh Clan was founded by Shaw Macduff in the late 12th or early 13th century, and members of the clan were called the "Sons of the Chief." A sept, or branch, of the clan was known as Clan Mac an Tanaiste, which likely evolved into the name Metheny.
In Ireland there is a variant form of the name called Mahony. The Mahony name was originally a contracted form of O'Mathghamhna, which means "descendent of a bear."
Interestingly, Metheny is often spelled as many different variations. Today, some of the more common variations of the name found in the United States include Metheny, Mietheney, Methany, Mathy, McHaney, and Machney.
Order DNA origin analysisMetheny: Where does the name Metheny come from?
The last name Metheny is most common in the United States. According to the US Census, the surname is most prevalent in Pennsylvania, where it ranks as the 259th most common name for the state. Some of the other top states include Virginia, Ohio, North Carolina, Florida, and West Virginia.
Outside of the United States, the last name Metheny is found mostly in England and Ireland. In England, the name is more frequent in the south along the coast, particularly around Bristol and Surrey. In Ireland, it is most prevalent in counties, such as Donegal, Galway, Longford, and Mayo.
However, the name Metheny is also very popular in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, where a substantial number of families have emigrated from the United States. In Canada, the name is especially popular in the Toronto area.
Meanwhile, in Europe, the last name Metheny is generally found in France, Italy, and the Netherlands.
Overall, the last name Metheny is most common in the United States. It is also found across the globe, including Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada.
Variations of the surname Metheny
The Metheny surname can take on a variety of different spellings and variants, including but not limited to Methany, Methanie, Maitheny, Methanay, Methanney, Metany, Metahnu, Methannie, and Matheny. Other variations of the Metheny surname may exist in different parts of the world due to various cultural influences.
In Europe, the Metheny surname can be found in places such as England, Wales, Germany, the Netherlands, and Switzerland. In the United States, the surname is most common in Ohio, Maryland, and Pennsylvania.
The variants of the Metheny surname can also be found in connection with other surnames which have the same origin. Variants of the Metheny surname commonly linked with other surnames include Matheny, Mitteny, Madheny, Metheny, and Methany. These variants may have a Scottish, English, Welsh, Irish, or German origin.
The Metheny surname can also have a variety of other spellings depending on the region in which it is found. For instance, the surname may be spelled as Matheny or Matany in Ireland or Metanay in Scotland. In Germany, the surname may be spelled as Mitteny or Mathany. In England and Wales, the added letter 'e' may be found on surnames such as Methany, Metheny, and Methanie.
It is important to note that many variants and spellings of the Metheny surname have been found in various locations. As such, it is recommended to research the origins of the surname one is connected to in order to discover the exact variant and spelling that applies.
Famous people with the name Metheny
- Pat Metheny, renowned jazz guitarist, composer, and bandleader.
- Lyle Metheny, American football player who played in the NFL for 5 years.
- Kay Metheny, former Sprint Cup Series racer.
- Nick Metheny, pioneering American jazz guitarist and banjo player.
- James Metheny, an accomplished American multi-instrumentalist and composer.
- Justin Metheny, Grammy-nominated jazz guitarist.
- Tim Metheny, jazz saxophonist, composer, and educator.
- Chris Metheny, American actor and TV producer.
- Adam Metheny, Australian basketball player.
- Amy Metheny, award-winning actress and director.
- Michael Metheny, an American sculptor and painter.
- Nancy Metheny, American classical and jazz flutist.
- Rhonda Metheny, country music singer-songwriter.
- Rob Metheny, founding member of the popular band Big Head Todd and the Monsters.
- John Metheny, famous American composer, arranger, and pianist.