Surname MacInch - Meaning and Origin
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MacInch: What does the surname MacInch mean?
The last name MacInch is an old Gaelic surname that originated in Scotland. The name derives from the Gaelic words "mac" which means "son of" and "Innis" which translates to (island), together the name means "son of the island". Although there are many interpretations of the meaning, it is believed that the name is related to the family’s origins on the islands of Scotland’s Inner Hebrides or the west coast near the Isle of Skye. In more recent times, the MacInch family have emigrated from Scotland to countries such as Australia, Canada and the United States of America.
In terms of the MacInch coat of arms, the main colours are green and gold. This is because the family was associated with the Clan Gunn and their tartan is of green and gold stripes. The crest atop the shield consists of a black demi-lion holding a green shield containing a chevron, and is surrounded by various objects such as a sheaf of arrows. Finally, the Latin motto of the family is "In vicini tutus", which translated to "Safe in the neighbourhood".
To this day the MacInch name is still believed to represent the family’s strong ties to their ancestral home on the islands of Scotland and the family tartan is still in use when occasions call for it. However, more than likely the name will live on in many parts of the world as these descendants have now settled far and wide.
Order DNA origin analysisMacInch: Where does the name MacInch come from?
The last name MacInch is primarily found in Canada. It originated in Scotland but was brought over to Canada by Scottish settlers in the late 1700s and early 1800s. Today, the surname is particularly common in the Maritime Provinces, with a higher concentration in Nova Scotia. The last name is also relatively common in Ontario and Quebec, as well as some parts of New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island.
The MacInch name is associated with a number of notable people in Canada. Hockey player Glenn MacInch was born in Ontario and played professionally in the National Hockey League for the Philadelphia Flyers. Actor Dawn MacInch was born in Nova Scotia and starred in films such as The War Boys and The Last Casino. Robert MacInch, born in Prince Edward Island, was a Canadian politician and Member of Parliament for Pictou–Antigonish.
Although the MacInch name is not as common outside of Canada, it has been found in other parts of the world. Most notably, some people bearing the MacInch name can be found in the United States, United Kingdom, and in some parts of Europe. Variations of the name, such as MacInshaw and MacIncie, can also be found in some locations.
Variations of the surname MacInch
The surname MacInch is derived from the Gaelic Mac an Oigh which translates as "son of a steward". It is most commonly found in Scotland and is also spelled as MacInshe, MacAnich, MacInche, MacEnch, and MacAnsh.
Variants of the surname can also be found in other parts of the British Isles including Ireland and England, where MacEnche, MacChoish, MacKinch, among others, are more common.
The surname MacInch is also known as McInches, MacEnches, MacCinches, MacChenchys, MacKinschies, MacConches, MacKynches, MacKincheys and MacKancerz. The MacInches variant of this name is the most popular in Scotland, while the MacKinschies variant is the most commonly found in Ireland.
In England, some English variations on the surname MacInch include MacAnsomes, MacEncshes, MacAnchels, MacCayoules, MacCaysh, MacCaylies, and MacInchings.
The McKay surname is also associated with the MacInch surname. This is an Anglicised version of the Gaelic Mac an Oigh, and the McKay spelling also found in areas like Northern Ireland and Scotland.
Some other variants of the MacInch surname include Machins, MacKayhs, Machorce, MacHinshes, Machinch, Mackonickes, and McIndes.
Finally, there is also a Swedish version of this surname, known as Mankonig. This is an occupational surname for someone who is a steward.
Famous people with the name MacInch
- Aiden MacInch: Actor and writer best known for portraying the role of Bobby on the BBC comedy show Fry Off
- Nick MacInch: Former professional soccer player for the Toronto FC II
- Skye MacInch: Canadian born-singer-songwriter renowned for blending soulful pop and R&B
- Gordon MacInch: Former NHL player for the Edmonton Oilers
- Skylar MacInch: Professional reality TV-star and model
- Darci MacInch: Award winning country music artist
- Eric MacInch: Award-winning journalist and TV reporter in Vancouver
- Claire MacInch: Award-winning filmmaker, author and artist
- Greg MacInch: Award-winning actor and director on popular TV shows
- Mea MacInch: Award-winning singer and songwriter known for her folk and blues music