Surname MacKeane - Meaning and Origin
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MacKeane: What does the surname MacKeane mean?
The MacKeane surname is a primarily Irish surname that originates from the area known as Ulster, located in the north of Ireland. It is a patronymic name derived from the Gaelic "Mac Cianain" by which the progenitor of the family was known. The literal translation of "Mac Cianain" is son of Cianain. Cianain being an Irish personal name meaning ancient. An alternate spelling of the name is MacKean.
The MacKeane family is thought to have originated from the Mac Cianain family who had holdings and territories located throughout many parts of Ulster in medieval times. The MacKeanes were originally known as a sept family of Clann Ui Cianain and they held many of the same Clan territories and rights as the wider Ui Cianain.
Over time, the MacKeane family spread out and had their own independent holdings. Although the MacKeane family had their own lands, they were also known for being loyal supporters of the native Irish population during various wars that took place over the centuries.
The powerful MacKeane family name has been associated with numerous ballys, castles, and estates throughout Ireland and Ulster. Although the name is now less common due to emigration in the 18th and 19th centuries, its significance in Irish history is still remembered. It is still a proud surname in the present day, and its legacy will live on for generations to come.
Order DNA origin analysisMacKeane: Where does the name MacKeane come from?
The MacKeane surname is believed to have originated in Ireland and Scotland, though today it is most common in the United States.
According to the US Census, the highest concentration of the MacKeane surname can be found in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and New Hampshire. These states also have the highest percentage of people of Irish descent in the United States. As the Irish population arrived in these states in the 1700s and 1800s, the MacKeane name quickly spread throughout New England and beyond.
After World War II, the MacKeane last name found its way to other parts of the United States, particularly the Midwest and West Coast. According to Ancestry.com, the MacKeane surname is most common in Oklahoma, followed by California, Missouri, and Texas.
Today, the MacKeane last name is most common in the United States, though there is a significant population of MacKeanes outside of the US in places like Australia, South Africa, and Canada. Additionally, MacKeane families still reside in Ireland, Scotland, England, and other countries of origin.
Variations of the surname MacKeane
The surname MacKeane is an Anglicized version of the Irish surname Mac Ó Catháin, which means "son of Cathán". The variants, spellings and surnames derived from Mac Ó Catháin include:
MacKane, MacKeane, MacKean, MacKain, MacKane, MacKeen, MacKeene, MacQueen, Macoin, MacKein, MacCaphean, MacFee, MacCane, MacCain, Kain, Kanes, Kaines, Kane, Kainne, Kean, Keane, Keane, Kees, Keens, Kyn, Kyne, MacCaffin, MacEwan, MacGaffen, MacGee, MacGhee, MacGeown, MacGeough, MacGeowne, MacGown, MacCeen, MacKine, MacKeen, MacKaffin, MacKaneen, MacKainne, MacKaven, MacKeffen, MacKeine, MacKeenne, MacKeefe, McKain, McKane, McKee, McQueen, MacAn, MacAnan, MacCaffin, MacCane, and MacKein.
The surname MacKeane is of both Irish and Scottish origin and is found primarily in the regions of County Mayo and Donegal in Ireland, and in the Highlands of Scotland. The name is unique enough that it appears in World War I U.S. military records, a Scottish-origin Kain having listed himself as MacKeane when entering the army.
The name has also been Anglicized into other forms and changed over the years, but all variants can be traced back to the Irish Mac Ó Catháin.
Famous people with the name MacKeane
- Brooke Mackenzie MacKeane: British actress, known for her roles in short films like “Beneath” and Netflix films like “The Princess Switch”.
- Genevieve MacKeane: Canadian actress, known for her roles on “American Gods” and “Masters of Sex”.
- Mike MacKeane: Former professional hockey player who played in the NHL for a short time.
- Maureen MacKeane: American singer-songwriter, who has released a few albums and singles over the years.
- Clarke MacKeane: Award-winning composer, known for his work on Broadway musicals such as “Wicked” and “Fiddler on the Roof.”
- Angus MacKeane: Actor from Ireland, who has had roles in television series such as “Love/Hate” and “Penny Dreadful”. 7.KC MacKeane: Stand-up comedian from Canada, whose been featured on shows like “Just for Laughs” and “The Comedy Network.”
- Jack MacKeane: English actor, who is best known for his role in the West End production of “The Play That Goes Wrong”.
- Jillian MacKeane: American comedian and theatre director, who has been recognized for her improvisational work.
- Norman MacKeane: Scottish actor, who has appeared in many films, such as “The Great Escape” and “The Longest Day.”