Surname MacElgunn - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'M'
MacElgunn: What does the surname MacElgunn mean?
The last name MacElgunn is an anglicized version of the Scottish Gaelic name MacEilgunn, meaning ‘son of Elgunn’. Elgunn is a name which has its origins in both Gaelic and Norse. The Norse version of Elgunn is the name Ailgunn, which means ‘The Shining One’. In Scots Gaelic Elgunn is known as Eilgheann which simply means ‘white’ or ‘fair’.
Therefore, the name MacElgunn can be translated to ‘son of the shining one’ or ‘son of the fair one’. This denotes a father with a quality that may reflect on the son. The son may exhibit a quality encompassed in the name; such as fairness, kindness, noble bearing, or self-sacrifice. It can also be understood as a name that gives a sense of pride and honour to the bearer- someone fair, strong, and bright, whose qualities shine and stand out.
The use of the Mac prefix shows the family's Presumably, the family descended from a particular person with the name Elgunn, and the use of the 'Mac' prefix was to show that descent. This is a common trait of Scottish names.
The name MacElgunn is indicative of the importance of a family’s ancestral relations and its past history, from which we can learn something about the individual using the name.
Order DNA origin analysisMacElgunn: Where does the name MacElgunn come from?
The last name MacElgunn is believed to have originated in Scotland and is still a common surname in parts of the United Kingdom today. The name is often associated with the MacElgunn family who has a long and strong connection to the land in their home area of Kilmarnock, Ayrshire in the south of Scotland.
The original MacElgunn family, dating back to the early 1500's, was composed of tenant farmers and herding families. The family held titles such as Laird of Rowallan, Lords of Baltersan, and others throughout the region. The families members were often known for their strength of character and hard work and were celebrated throughout the region.
Today, the MacElgunn surname is still found primarily in Scotland, Ireland, and the United States. Within the United States, primarily in states such as Illinois, New York, California, and Washington. It is likely the name was brought across the pond by Scots who migrated to the United States in large numbers, especially in the 19th century.
The MacElgunns are still associated with the Scottish regional identity and still retain strong ties to the Kilmarnock area where the family originated. Within the United Kingdom they are frequently encountered as the name of local independent stores in Ayrshire, Scotland.
Variations of the surname MacElgunn
The surname MacElgunn is considered to have Norman-French origins, though its exact origin is uncertain. It is usually thought to have come from the Irish MacGiolla Eoghainn, which roughly translates to “son of Eoghan’s follower”. The MacElgunn surname is also spelled MacAlligunn, MacIlgunn, MacAloon, MacAllin, and MacElligott.
Variants of the MacElgunn surname contain slight variations from the name's main form, and they include McAloon, MacGallion, MacGillan, and MacGilligan. There can also be equally spelled variants such as MacEllin, McCallion, McCellin, and McCool.
Some spelling variations of the surname include MacAloon, Alligunn, Aligunn, Elgunn, Elgon, Allagan, and MacElgon.
Surnames that are closely related to the MacElgunn name include MacAlister, MacHale, MacCabe, and MacRobb.
Most of the variants of the surname MacElgunn can be found in parts of Ireland, England, Scotland, and North America. It is a relatively uncommon name, but some individuals who carry the surname may have left the British Isles for new lives in other countries. The surname is not often used as a first name but can be found as both a Gaelic and modernized version.
Famous people with the name MacElgunn
- Rob MacElgunn: Rob MacElgunn is a Scottish professional soccer player who currently plays as a midfielder for the clubs Limerick FC and Sligo Rovers.
- Tommy MacElgunn: Tommy MacElgunn is a Scottish professional footballer who plays for Scottish Premiership club Heart of Midlothian as a midfielder.
- Johnny MacElgunn: Johnny MacElgunn is a Scottish professional footballer who plays as a winger for Rangers.
- Lauren MacElgunn: Lauren MacElgunn is a Scottish professional footballer who plays as a forward for Rangers.
- Mark MacElgunn: Mark MacElgunn is an Irish footballer who plays as a forward for Derry City.
- Hilary MacElgunn: Hilary MacElgunn is a Scottish competition swimmer who won a silver medal in the 800 metres freestyle at the 2006 Commonwealth Games.
- Hannah MacElgunn: Hannah MacElgunn is a Scottish professional women’s footballer who plays as a forward for Rangers.
- Neil MacElgunn: Neil MacElgunn is a Scottish footballer who has previously played for clubs including Watford, Northampton Town and Crawley Town.
- Sean MacElgunn: Sean MacElgunn is a Northern Irish professional snooker player who was a runner-up in the 1998 World Snooker Championship.
- Michael MacElgunn: Michael MacElgunn is an Irish former professional rugby league player who played for the London Broncos in the Super League.