Surname O'Guinn - Meaning and Origin
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O'Guinn: What does the surname O'Guinn mean?
The last name O'Guinn is an anglicised form of the Irish surname MacGuinn. The Gaelic form is Mac Fhionn, which was sometimes used as an alternative to O'Guinn. This surname is derived from the Irish given name Fionn, which means "fair haired" and signifies someone with light or blonde hair. O'Guinn is believed to be a variant of the Ulster MacGuinness clan and it's associated with County Antrim in Northern Ireland. The MacFhionn family were long established in the Barony of Raphoe in County Donegal.
The O'Guinn name is known for its connection to its patron saint, Saint Finian of Clonard, who lived in the sixth century. Saint Finian was a prominent figure in Irish Christianity who established a monastery and school in Clonard, County Meath. The traditions and foundations that he laid down were important for the spread of Christian faith across Ireland.
The O'Guinn name has grown in popularity over the centuries and is now found among people all over the world. It carries with it a legacy of spirituality and Christian faith as well as a sense of identity and pride. It is a reminder that we all carry our ancestors and their stories with us in our day-to-day lives, no matter where in the world we are.
Order DNA origin analysisO'Guinn: Where does the name O'Guinn come from?
The last name O'Guinn is most commonly found in countries of British and Irish descent. Specifically, it is most strongly associated with Ireland, with records showing that this surname is the 780th most common in the Emerald Isle. The last name is also seen in Britain, Australia, and the United States.
In the United States, over 4,000 people bear the last name O'Guinn. It is most popular in the southwestern states, including Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico. While the states with the highest population are Texas and Oklahoma, states like Arizona, Missouri, and Colorado also have a considerable presence of O'Guinn families.
In Ireland, the vast majority of O'Guinns are located in County Cork and Dublin. The majority of these families were established centuries ago as part of the Protestant Ascendency, and their name is a reflection of their Irish and British roots.
The surname O'Guinn also extends beyond the borders of the United Kingdom and Ireland. It is also found throughout Canada, as well as other parts of Europe, including France, Germany, and Austria.
In its historical and contemporary presence, it is clear that the last name O'Guinn can be found throughout the world. Today, it is most commonly found in the countries of its origin: the United Kingdom, Ireland, and the United States.
Variations of the surname O'Guinn
The O'Guinn surname is an Anglicized, Gaelic surname with origins in Scotland and Ireland. Its variants and other spellings include McQuin, MacQuin, Maguinn, McGinn, Magee, Maginn, MacGinn, McGeown, and McGuinness. Some variants are more common in certain locations than others; for example, MacQuin is more commonly found in Scotland, while Maginn is more likely to be seen in Ireland.
The O'Guinn surname is derived from the Gaelic Mac Cadhain, meaning “son of Cadhan.” Based on the records from the 1881 Census of Scotland, the spelling of McQuin was most commonly used in Scotland. It was recorded in Aberdeenshire, Banffshire, Elgineshire, Inverness-shire, and Morayshire.
The majority of the O'Guinns were concentrated in Northern Ireland, mainly in counties Armagh and Fermanagh. Here, the spelling of Magee was the most common variant. Many O'Guinns served with the British forces during World War II; because of this, many members of the O'Guinn family are dispersed around the world.
When the spelling of O'Guinn was altered as part of the Anglicization process, for example from Maguinn to Maginn, the result of this change was more pronounced vowels. This resulted in the surname being pronounced differently to how it was before. As such, the pronunciation of the surname will vary depending on its spelling. In general, it is pronounced “O-GWIN.”
The O'Guinn surname is inextricably linked to Irish and Scottish history. Its numerous variants and spellings honor the many generations of this proud family.
Famous people with the name O'Guinn
- Sheldon O’Guinn: Comedian and Actor, best known for being part of Comedy Central’s sketch comedy show Tosh.0.
- Michelle O’Guinn: Actress, producer, director, and writer. She is best known for her work on the independent film Solitary, which received international recognition.
- Shannon O’Guinn: Television personality and business woman, she is the daughter of actress/producer/director and former Miss Universe, Joanne O’Guinn. Shannon is best known for her appearances on the reality television show The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.
- Julie O’Guinn: Model who appeared in the pages of Vogue, Marie Claire and Elle. She is considered to be one of the most successful models of the 1990s.
- Connor O’Guinn– Actor, best known for his appearances on television. He is most famous for his portrayal of shy, lovable Stan Smith on the hit sitcom Mal