Surname Mackendrick - Meaning and Origin

Mackendrick: What does the surname Mackendrick mean?

Mackendrick is a Scottish surname. It comes from the Gaelic patronymic name "Mac Eanraig," meaning "son of Eanraig." The name Eanraig itself is the Gaelic form of Henry, which has Germanic roots and means "home ruler" or "ruler of the household." Therefore, the name Mackendrick could be interpreted as "son of the home ruler." Like many other Scottish surnames, Mackendrick traces its origins back to Scotland's clan and kinship system. Specifics about the ancestry and geographical origins of the Mackendrick family vary and would ultimately require personalized genealogical research. It should be noted that over centuries, the surname has had various spellings, including MacKendrick, MacKendry, MacKendrik, MacKendry, and others.

Mackendrick: Where does the name Mackendrick come from?

The last name Mackendrick is of Scottish origin. The name is derived from the Gaelic name "Mac Eanraig" which translates to "son of Henry." It is a patronymic surname, a type of surname and a derivative of a given name. The Mackendrick family was a part of the ancient Dalriadan-Scottish kingdom, which existed in the western coastal region of Scotland and the northern part of Ireland.

Today, the Mackendrick surname is not as common as it was in the past. However, it can still be found in regions where historic Scottish migration was prominent. These areas include countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, particularly Scotland. Its global distribution suggests that the name may be most closely associated with English-speaking countries, given historical migration patterns and Scottish diaspora communities across the world. Minor variations in the spelling of these names have also been frequently observed.

Variations of the surname Mackendrick

The surname Mackendrick originates from Scotland and represents one of the variant spellings of the surname MacKendrick. Other related surnames and their variants could include MacKendry, MacKendree, McKendrick, McKendry, and McKendree. There seems to be a core relationship with the baring of "Mac" or "Mc" in these surnames, which, in Gaelic, denotes "son of".

The surname can be further broken down into two core roots "Mac" and "Kendrick". "Kendrick" itself is derived from a personal name, which could also lend itself to other related surnames such as Kendrick, Kendricks, Kendrix, and perhaps even indirect variations such as Kenrick or Kenricks.

However, the precise origins and variations of such a surname can fluctuate due to regional influences, linguistic changes, and personal preference over time. As such, there may be more uncommon or less direct variations of the Mackendrick surname within the wider global context.

Famous people with the name Mackendrick

• Alexander Mackendrick: One of the most celebrated names in the British film industry, Mackendrick was a director, writer, and educator, best remembered for his work on classics like The Ladykillers and Sweet Smell of Success.
• Pauline Kael Mackendrick: She was a prominent film critic and the wife of Alexander Mackendrick. While she did not carry the name Mackendrick professionally, she was indeed part of the Mackendrick lineage.
• Lachlan Mackendrick: Also belonging to the world of cinema, Lachlan is the son of Alexander Mackendrick and Pauline Kael Mackendrick. He is known for his work in the movie, Sammy and Rosie Get Laid.
• Sally Mackendrick: The daughter of Alexander and Pauline, she appears in her father’s biography, likely for her efforts to promote her father's legacy and work.
• Guy Hamilton Mackendrick: He is a fictional character from the famous TV series, Mad Men. He doesn’t directly qualify as a famous person, yet he’s a recognized name due to the popularity of the series. The Mackendrick name is most associated with film making, particularly through the work of the late Alexander Mackendrick.

Other surnames

MacKendry