Surname MacEvinney - Meaning and Origin

MacEvinney: What does the surname MacEvinney mean?

The last name MacEvinney is an Irish surname that originated in Ulster, the northern province of Ireland. The name is of Gaelic origin, with the first part “Mac” deriving from the Gaelic word mac, meaning “son of”. The second element of the name, “Evinney”, has been largely debated. Some believe the second element derives from “enri”, an Old Irish word for, “king”. However, “Evinney” may also be derived from “eóin”, meaning “generous one”.

In addition to Ulster in Ireland, the name MacEvinney is found in Scotland and the Isle of Man. Those bearing the name mainly hail from these regions, as well as Canada, the United States, Australia, and other areas with Irish diaspora. As a result, the name has become a global phenomenon.

Due to the warring nature of Irish and Scottish clan systems, as well as displacement within the Irish diaspora, the family line of those bearing the name MacEvinney can be somewhat difficult to trace. However, the line of ancestry generally remains implied within those who have the name.

Overall, the last name MacEvinney is a distinctively Irish surname that signifies a proud and formidable heritage stemming from Gaelic roots. It is a delightful acknowledgement of ancestry and a point of shared connection between many different parts of the world.

MacEvinney: Where does the name MacEvinney come from?

The last name MacEvinney is most commonly found today in Ireland. It originated in the Province of Ulster, located in the northern part of the island. The MacEvinney surname is of Irish Gaelic origin and is an anglicized version of the Old Irish name “MacGavinney." The prefix “Mac” means “son of,” and the root name “Gavinney” was derived from a few different Gaelic words, including “gath” translating to “wind,” and “Uinnius” meaning “intelligence.” Over the centuries, the MacEvinney name has spread throughout Ireland and is now common in counties like Dublin, Cork, Kerry, and Donegal.

The name MacEvinney can also be found in Northern Ireland, a region consisting of six counties in the northeastern corner of the island. Though this was historically part of the Province of Ulster, it is now part of the United Kingdom. The population of Northern Ireland is largely comprised of Irish, Scottish, and British citizens, and the MacEvinney name is found in the counties of Antrim, Down, and Derry.

The MacEvinney surname has also become more widespread in recent decades, with the rise in Irish migration across the globe. Immigrants bearing the name can today be found in many countries around the world, including Australia, the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

Variations of the surname MacEvinney

The MacEvinney name has several important variants and spellings. Generally, the MacEvinney field is composed of: MacEvinney, MacEviny, MacKveinney, MacKveiny, MacVinney, MacViny, MacEvaney, and MacEvany.

The MacEvinney area typically includes other Irish surnames with similar spellings or dialect variations, such as McAvaney, McEvaney, McEvinnery, McEvany, MacKevaney, MacKevany, MacAvaney, and MacAvany.

Outside of the United Kingdom, other surnames that share the same origin include McKvaine, McKvinney, McKvinnie, and McKviny, and ‘MacEvinny’ is occasionally found in the US.

Furthermore, Irish immigrants have anglicised spellings as well, meaning there are various surnames and spellings for the same origin. Examples include McEvnney, McAvany, MacViney, McEvinney, MacAvany, and McEvinny. All of these surnames are also found in Ireland and Scotland, but often in different phonetic spellings.

Overall, surnames and variants of the MacEvinney name are generally derived from the ancient Gaelic word ‘MacUibhhinne’, which literally means ‘son of the green one’. The surname dates back centuries, and has been used extensively in Ireland, Scotland, and even in the United States, Canada, and Australia as a result of Irish immigration.

Famous people with the name MacEvinney

• Bruce MacEvinney: Bruce MacEvinney is a well-known American actor, best remembered for his roles on the hit shows Miami Vice and Law & Order.
• David MacEvinney: David MacEvinney is an American television director and producer. He has directed episodes of hit series such as Oz, Homicide: Life on the Street and Charmed.
• Joanna MacEvinney: Joanna MacEvinney is an American film and television actress best known for her roles in the films Detroit Rock City and Vampires Suck.
• Peyton MacEvinney: Peyton MacEvinney is a British actress who has appeared in a number of films and television shows, including Doctor Who and Coronation Street.
• Ryan MacEvinney: Ryan MacEvinney is a Canadian actor, best known for his roles in the films American Psycho, Catch and Release, and The Time Machine.
• William MacEvinney: William MacEvinney is a British actor, best known for his roles in the films Sense and Sensibility and Brassed Off.
• Shannon MacEvinney: Shannon MacEvinney is an American television actress who has appeared in a variety of shows such as The X-Files, Quantum Leap, and 21 Jump Street.
• Zoe MacEvinney: Zoe MacEvinney is an American singer-songwriter and actress, best known for her 2007 album, Just a Little Bit Closer.
• Ruth MacEvinney: Ruth MacEvinney is a British novelist, best known for her book, The Counterfeit Mistress.

Other surnames

MacEvin