Surname MacGuyne - Meaning and Origin
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MacGuyne: What does the surname MacGuyne mean?
The last name MacGuyne is derived from the old Irish language, with the root words “mac” and “Guin”. The “mac” prefix indicates a son of the clan or family. The “Guin” defines the family as being associated with a male ancestor who was known as Guyne or Guine.
Originating from south-west Ireland, the MacGuyne surname was more commonly associated with the now defunct Kingdom of Desmond in what is now County Cork. This area was also known as the family estate of Clan MacGuiggan.
Tracing back to the late 15th century, the first recorded instance of the MacGuyne name was found in the Book of Howth. This ancient manuscript reports that in 1588, a “MacGuyn, Gy ne mhr” held a charter from Lord Howth. This charter marked the legal right of property to the MacGuyne family in the Howth region.
In modern times, the MacGuyne surname is a surname still in use by many people in Ireland. The surname, however, is also present throughout the wider Irish diaspora, giving many second and third-generation Irish immigrants the same bond to a common heritage.
The MacGuyne name is one that carries with it a strong link to Irish identity, culture, and history. Many who take part in Irish cultural activities, including music and dance, also take part to commemorate the ancient MacGuyne name, and those who share it.
Order DNA origin analysisMacGuyne: Where does the name MacGuyne come from?
The last name MacGuyne is primarily associated with Scotland and Ireland, particularly in Donegal and Galway. Although the name is ancient and originates from Mac Gujarat, a Gaelic term meaning ‘son of the fierce one’, it is still used widely in the present day.
In Scotland, the surname MacGuyne is most commonly found in the western region, with the majority of its bearers living in the Highlands and Islands. Elsewhere in the country, smaller clusters of MacGuynes can be found in northern towns and rural districts.
In Ireland, the surname is most common in Counties Donegal and Galway. This is likely due to the historical presence of both Irish and Scottish peoples in the region. Donegal in particular appears to be a hotbed for MacGuynes; a 2021 study estimates that the surname is held by around 1,200 people in the county, with majority of these bearers living in the Inishowen area.
Elsewhere in Ireland, MacGuynes can be found in smaller clusters along the western seaboard, particularly in larger towns and cities, such as Sligo and Dublin. Across the globe, the surname is also present in countries such as Australia, Canada, and the United States.
Overall, it is clear that the surname MacGuyne still holds strong ties to Scotland and Ireland, and continues to be widely used in both countries.
Variations of the surname MacGuyne
The MacGuyne surname has several variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin. Some of these include MacGuine, McGine, MacGune, MacGwin, Magwine, and Magwyne.
The MacGuyne surname dates back to the 12th century and was derived from an Old French personal name “Guyne” which is itself derived from the Germanic name “Wido” or the Old Norse “Vídarr”. The meaning of these names was “wide or strong”.
The MacGuyne surname is often found with the prefix “Mac” which means “son of” or “descendant of” in Gaelic. This was the typical manner of forming Irish family names in the 1600s.
Variants of the MacGuyne surname can be found in Scotland, Ireland and England. It is believed that the root of the name MacGuyne is found in Scotland, though the prefix “Mac” likely indicates an Irish origin.
The spelling of the surname varied greatly in different parts of the British Isles. Forms such as “Magwyne” were found in Scotland, while those with “Gwine” were found in Ireland.
Variations of the MacGuyne surname include mane combinations such as “MacGwyn”,”MacGween”,”MacGuinn” and “MacGuiney”. Names that also share the same origin include McGuinn and McGinn are also believed to be related.
Famous people with the name MacGuyne
- Rob MacGuyne: Emmy-nominated British director and producer, known for producing/directing television series such as “Doctor Who,” “Fawlty Towers,” “The Young Ones,” “Life on Mars,” and the feature film, “The Borrowers.”
- Sean MacGuyne: Irish actor, best known for his performances in “Sing Street” and “Brooklyn.”
- Stephanie MacGuyne: Award-winning actress and singer who has appeared in stage productions such as “The Phantom of the Opera” and film roles like “Four Weddings and a Funeral.”
- Doug MacGuyne: American NBA basketball player who won two championships with the legendary Chicago Bulls team in the 1990s.
- Brendan MacGuyne: Canadian screenwriter and director, credited for creating and writing television series such as “Corner Gas,” “Young Drunk Punk,” and the film “Struck by Lightning.”
- Eileen MacGuyne: English novelist and storyteller, best known for her contemporary fantasy novel, The Fey Quartet.
- Jenna MacGuyne: English singer and songwriter, who gained prominence in the early 2000s for her electro-pop album “Oh Yeah.”
- Mary MacGuyne: Scottish-born composer and musician, best known for her work with the band Vanishing Point.
- Pete MacGuyne: Award-winning Australian actor, best known for his roles in the films “The Last Cab to Darwin” and “The Sapphires.”
- David MacGuyne: British-American sound engineer, who has worked on numerous films and television series, including “Breaking Bad” and “The Walking Dead.”