Surname Michener - Meaning and Origin
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Michener: What does the surname Michener mean?
The last name Michener is of English and German origin, and is derived from the Old English personal name Mice, meaning ‘son of Michael’. The name Michener is thought to have been brought to England in the 11th century and could have then evolved from an older German spelling, Mittenheimer.
Today, the name Michener is most commonly found in the United States, Canada, and England. The United States version of the name is said to have originated from those who arrived in Pennsylvania in 1732. Around this time, the Michener family was among one of the growing numbers of skilled craftspeople and scholars in the area who helped to establish a strong foundation for the colony.
Since then, Micheners have gone on to become professionals in a variety of areas, including medicine, education, engineering, and the arts. They are seen as a well-respected, hardworking group of people, who aim to make a positive difference in their respective fields.
The name Michener is a proud one that stands out for its distinctiveness and strength. Its unique combination of heritage, roots, and ambition have helped to shape generations of Micheners who strive to strive for success and make a lasting impact in their communities.
Order DNA origin analysisMichener: Where does the name Michener come from?
The surname Michener is a variant of the surname MacIntyre, which is recognized as a sept—or branch—of Clan Campbell of Argyll, Scotland. This Scottish derivation means the Michener surname is most commonly associated with Scotland and other countries in the British Isles.
Today, however, the surname Michener is found in many countries around the world due to emigration from the British Isles. Micheners can be found in Canada, where the family name can be found in all ten provinces; the United States, and especially in the states of Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, New York, and California; and many other countries.
Additionally, the surname Michener is quite common among members of the various faiths that exist in the United Kingdom and Commonwealth countries. Those of Jewish faith were often times known by a MacIntyre derivative, such as Michener.
The Michener surname is also common among people of celtic heritage in North America and Europe. This suggests that, in addition to Scottish migration, many families have taken the surname Michener from Celtic roots.
Overall, the surname Michener is quite common around the world, due to migration from the United Kingdom and Celtic America and Europe, as well as an adoption of the name among various faiths. It is particularly common in Scotland, Canada, the United States, and other countries in the British Isles.
Variations of the surname Michener
The surname Michener is derived from the occupation of a person's ancestor, most commonly a miller. Thus, it is seen in various contexts Gaelic, English, and Germanic.
In Scotland, the common spelling is MacAndrew, in Irish it is MacAonghas, and in Germany it is spelled Michner. Many other German spellings exist, including Mikhner and Michiner. The English variant commonly seen is Machener.
Other variants of the same original name include the surnames Muckencer, McKenzer, Michnere, MacAnarchy, Mechener, Mechenour, Macnoe, McHenri, Michnee, Macoenner, Muckendorf, Machenzie, MacKenzee, Mickener, MacKenney, and MacKinney.
Those with the Michener surname may also be directly related to the baronial family of Derwentwater, having been ennobled since 1688. Those bearing this surname in former times often spelled it as de Derwentwater.
The Michener surname has also become quite popular among people of Mennonite ancestry, especially those living in Pennsylvania and other areas of North America that were heavily settled by people of Mennonite descent. In this context, the surname is sometimes spelled as Mieschner.
Finally, some families of English and Scottish descent have adopted the Michener surname. It is a good example of a hybrid surname, taking elements of surnames from the British Isles and the Lowlands of Germany.
Famous people with the name Michener
- James A. Michener: American author of more than 40 books, including the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel “Tales of the South Pacific.”
- Roy A. Michener: Canadian governor-general and senator.
- Dave Michener: American politician and former Majority Leader of the Delaware House of Representatives.
- Rachel Michener: Founder of Project Just, an online marketplace for artisan-made and ethical fashion.
- Chantal Michener: Canadian professional soccer player.
- David Michener: Formerly Commander in Chief of the United States Coast Guard.
- William Dale Michener: American explorer, mountain climber, and outdoor enthusiast.
- Vanessa Michener: Hurdler and sprinter from Canada.
- J.C. Michener: Former photographer and son of the author James A. Michener.
- Jane Michener: Executive Director of the Palmer Museum of Art.