Surname MacKewn - Meaning and Origin
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MacKewn: What does the surname MacKewn mean?
The surname MacKewn is a Scottish-Gaelic patronymic name, derived from the root Mac- meaning “son of”. This root is then combined with the name Kewn, a personal name derived from the Old Celtic word ‘coem’, meaning “handsome”.
The name MacKewn is associated primarily with Scotland, where it is thought to have first emerged amongst the clans of the Highlands and Islands. Its earliest traceable ancestor is Gillebouet Kewn, a prominent member of Clan MacKinnon.
By the late 13th century the MacKewns had become established as a separate and distinct clan. The original seat of the Clan MacKewn was Eilean MhicCoinnich on the south east corner of Lever Loch, on the district of Ardnamurchan.
At the height of their power, the MacKewns were associated with numerous Highland clans, including the MacLeans, MacNeils, and MacEwens, and were renowned for their prowess in battle. They were also known for their quick wit and sharp tongues, evidenced by proverb: ‘If you can't compete with the MacKewn, don't bother entering the contest’.
The MacKewns remained an important but independent clan until the 18th century, when their territory began to decline due to impact of the Jacobite Rebellions and the Clearances. However, their legacy still lives on - many of the surviving members of the clan now bear the distinctive name MacKewn.
Order DNA origin analysisMacKewn: Where does the name MacKewn come from?
The last name MacKewn is most commonly found today in North America, particularly the United States and Canada. Although the origin of the name is unknown, several possible origins have been suggested. It might derive from a Scottish place name, "Mac Eoghain" (son of Eoghan). Alternatively, it could also derive from an Old Norse name, meaning "son of Kveinn", or from the Gaelic name "Mac Uaine", meaning "son of the green one".
The vast majority of MacKewn families in North America are of Irish and Scottish extraction, but other family trees include English, Welsh, Dutch, French, German, and Scandinavian roots. The MacKewn name first appeared in the New World in the 18th century.
The McKeown family is quite common in all the provinces of Canada, with the highest numbers found in Ontario. Likewise, McKeowns can be found in all US states, but are most numerous in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and California. MacKewns today are primarily professional middle-class families working in law, finance, medicine, and other professional services.
Variations of the surname MacKewn
MacKewn is a popular surname that is found in countries around the world, primarily of Irish descent. The most common variants of the name are MacKown, MacKuyne, Mackowne and MacKain. MacKewn is also sometimes spelt with a "C" instead of a "K," as CacKeown.
Other variants commonly found include MacEwan, McKeone, Mckayn, Mckayin, Mckayne, Mckayune and Mckayne. All of these are variations of the same name, though their spellings do differ. There are many similar surnames which are of similar origin, such as Mccown, Mcewan and McCune.
The name has even ventured into the Dutch language, with Ocken spelling being used in the Netherlands and Belgium.
The name MacKewn also has alternate spellings and variants in other languages, such as German (Macher), Polish (Mak, Makowiec), and Romanian (Machei).
In Scotland, MacKewn is often thought to be a variation of MacEwan, which is of course closely related. Collectively, these names all have their origin in Scotland, with MacEwan being a local variation of MacKewan. Similarly, the Scots Gaelic version of the name is MacEoghain or MacEoghan.
In addition, the name MacKewan has closely related surnames such as MacKinnon and MacKinder, as well as MacKinnon and MacKinder which are more commonly found in the United States.
In short, even though the spelling of MacKewn is unique, there are many alternatives and variations of other spellings of the same name.
Famous people with the name MacKewn
- Wallace MacKewn: A theatre director, actor, and producer. He is best known for helming the comedy hit My Big Fat Greek Wedding and the stage production of Mamma Mia!
- Angus MacKewn: Was a Canadian Member of Parliament and judge who served in the House of Commons of Canada from 1900 to 1908.
- Finlay MacKewn: An author from Scotland who wrote a number of novels and historical works including ‘The Moon of Glengarron’ and ‘Grey Wolves of the North’.
- Caitlin MacKewn: An award-winning film editor who worked on Hollywood features such as 'The Revenant' and 'The Fault in Our Stars'.
- Matthew MacKewn: A Bristol-based singer-songwriter who is known for his heartfelt brand of acoustic folk.
- Garrett MacKewn: An actor best known for his work in 'The Village' and 'Spider-Man 3'.
- Emma MacKewn: An English actress who was part of the original London cast of the musical 'Wicked' and stars on the British Soap opera 'Hollyoaks'.
- Simon MacKewn: A British photographer who specializes in portrait and travel photography.
- Kennedy MacKewn: An American country singer who released her debut album, 'Heartbeat', in 2015.
- Tyler MacKewn: A Canadian hockey player who plays for the Queensland Junior Ice Sharks.