Surname MacGwinn - Meaning and Origin
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MacGwinn: What does the surname MacGwinn mean?
The last name MacGwinn is an anglicized form of the Gaelic surname MacGhobhainn, which translates to "son of the Smith" or "son of the Blacksmith". This reflects the occupational nature of the name, as someone with the last name MacGwinn likely originally worked as a smith in Medieval Scotland. As such, it is likely that the surname is of Scottish origin.
The surname is first attested in the 12th century, when the clan that sold the lands of Strathaven in Lanarkshire in 1153 was named MacGwinn. There was also a Clan Robertson of Auchlewn MacGwinn that was elected to the Great Council of Scotland in 1625.
The spelling and pronunciation of the surname have changed over the centuries, and the original Gaelic pronunciation would have been more similar to "MacGoo-een". The surname MacGooo-een can also be found in both Ireland and Scotland.
The surname MacGwinn is fairly common today, with records indicating that most people with this name live in Scotland or England. It is also fairly common in the United States, particularly in states with a large history of Scottish immigration like Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Wisconsin, and Illinois.
Order DNA origin analysisMacGwinn: Where does the name MacGwinn come from?
The last name MacGwinn is most common today in the Scottish Highlands and western lowlands, as it has been in these areas since it first emerged in the early Medieval period. While it is possible to trace back the etymology of the name to a Gaelic ancestor, the exact origins of the name are uncertain.
MacGwinn is not the most common surname, but it is still found in Scotland in substantial numbers. It is also found in the Canada, United States, Australia, New Zealand, and parts of the British Commonwealth—thanks to the numerous Scots migrants who left their homeland during the 19th and early 20th centuries, many of whom anglicized their names.
The name is rarely used as a first name—it is almost exclusively a surname—but there are some people who bear it today, especially in Scotland. It is often Anglicized to Gibson, a variant often found in the United States.
The MacGwinns have a noble lineage, stretching back to the royal princes of the early Irish kingdoms. The earliest recorded records of them date from the 11th century, when they were a prominent presence in Scotland, many of them serving in the great Feudal houses and clans of Scotland. As the MacGwinns rose in importance, their name spread, and has remained an important presence throughout much of the country since then.
Variations of the surname MacGwinn
The MacGwinn surname is an Irish surname, originating from the Gaelic Mac Maoghoin, which means "son of the smith". Variations of this surname include MacGin, MacGinn, MacWin, MacGwen, and MacQuin. As with most Irish surnames derived from the Gaelic language, the spelling may have changed over time due to factors such as influences from English, Scottish, or Welsh language. This could mean that the surname may also be spelled MacGin, McKen, Makin, and MacGwin.
Variants of the surname MacGwinn may also include its anglicized forms, such as McQuinn, Kinn, Quin, McQueen, and Quinn. In some cases, it may also take the form of its Irish variant McGoyne, or community specific variants such as MacGorman, MacCoyne, and MacGiovene.
MacGwinn is also the name of a curious sept of families who are not part of the larger Quinn clan, and are believed to have originated in the ancient territories of Inishowen in the north-east corner of Donegal. These families are thought to have descended from a Smith-type artisan.
Surnames of the same origin for MacGwinn may also be found in Scotland, due to the close contact between the two islands. Examples include McEwen, McGaughan, McGaw, McGill, McGowan, and McGwinne.
In conclusion, the MacGwinn surname is extremely varied, with numerous different spellings and variants originating from both the Irish and Scottish Gaelic language. Variations are also found overseas, depending where the surname was adopted from emigration.
Famous people with the name MacGwinn
- Giancarlo MacGwinn: American actor who is best known for his roles in Men of a Certain Age, Parenthood, and King of California.
- Chayce MacGwinn: professional stuntman and award-winning film director.
- Cedric MacGwinn: Grammy-nominated jazz saxophonist from New Orleans.
- Leslie MacGwinn: Scottish folk singer-songwriter who has also released several albums.
- Margarita MacGwinn: Ukrainian model and TV personality, former contestant of "America's Next Top Model".
- Maut MacGwinn: British-Australian artist and sculptor based in New York City.
- Gillian MacGwinn: English actress who has been in the West End stage productions of Death of a Salesman, Ragtime, and Billy Elliot.
- Emery MacGwinn: American music producer and DJ, who has created backing beats for many Grammy-winning artists.
- Robert MacGwinn: Canadian actor who is perhaps best known for his voice roles in shows such as The Simpsons and Futurama.
- Carmelita MacGwinn:Queen's Counsel British barrister specialising in family law.