Surname MacKinn - Meaning and Origin
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MacKinn: What does the surname MacKinn mean?
The last name MacKinn has a rich history and is steeped in Scottish ancestry. The origin of the surname can be traced back to the Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) root word "mhic", meaning "son of". In this instance, the MacKinn surname was formed from the first name "Coinneach", also spelled "Kenneth".
Due to the Scottish influence on the name, the MacKinn surname is considerably common in the highlands where Coinneach was thought to have resided. The ancient and widespread branches of the MacKinn family had great influence in the region and an early settlement was later formed nearby in Aberdeenshire.
The MacKinn name has been known to be held by many prominent individuals throughout history. In the late 13th Century, Angus MacCoinneach was a prominent juror and recorded as such in a government document from 1296. The MacKinn surname has since been bearers of the Scottish monarchy, afforded many high-ranking offices and even have a reference in Robert Burns' epic poem Tam O'Shanter.
In the 21st Century, the MacKinn name remains a prominent one in Scotland and the UK, continuing its own colourful history.
Order DNA origin analysisMacKinn: Where does the name MacKinn come from?
The last name MacKinn is today most commonly found in Scotland and in areas with a strong Scottish ancestry. MacKinn is a common surname in Scotland as it is derived from a clan name from the Scottish Highlands. The MacKinn clan roots trace back to the 17th century when a small group of people moved to the Highlands from North East Scotland.
The MacKinn name can also be found in North America, particularly in Canada and the United States where a large number of Scottish immigrants have settled since the late 1700s. It is also found in areas with Irish heritage as a result of migration due to the Ulster plantations in the 1600s.
The most common places where MacKinn is found are Canada, the United States - particularly along the east coast, Scotland, Ireland, Northern Ireland, and Australia. In addition to these places, MacKinn may also be found in some parts of Europe and Central American countries as well.
The most frequent spelling of the MacKinn surname is McKinnon, McKenney, and Mckinney. The most obvious spelling variations of MacKinn are its different spellings with the same pronunciation.
In Scotland, the MacKinn name is found in Inverness, Aberdeen, and much of the Highlands region. In the United States, the name is most common in New England and the mid-Atlantic, but it can also be found in states such as Texas, California, and Florida.
Variations of the surname MacKinn
The surname MacKinn has a few variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin as it can be seen in both Scotland and Ireland. In Scotland, the name is typically written as MacKinne, and it derives from the Gaelic Mac Fhionnghaile - or “son of Fionnghaile”. In Ireland, it is seen in the form of MacKenna, which is also derived from the Gaelic Mac Fhionnghaile. It is also seen in the form of MacKenna, McKinnie, or Mackinney. All of these variants share the same origin, although the spelling and pronunciation can differ slightly. The Irish version of the name, MacKenna, is particularly popular in North America due to the large Irish-American population.
Other spellings of this surname include MacKenney, McKenny, MacKinnee, Mackinni, McKiney, MacKeeny, MacKenny, MacKinny, and MacKinnie. There are also alternative spellings and surnames from other origins that have similar spellings, such as MacKan, which is derived from the Gaelic Mac Ceanain or “son of Ceanain”. The surname Mackin is also a derivative of the Gaelic Mac Fhionnghaile, and the surname McInnis is derived from the Irish MacAonghusa, which means “son of Angus”.
Despite the different spellings and origins, all of these surnames are considered branches of the same tree and can be traced to the same Clifford Clan, which originates in the northwest of Ireland. The variation in spelling of the name is due to the fact that the name was recorded and spelt differently throughout the years due to the inconsistency in pronunciation among different generations.
Famous people with the name MacKinn
- Sid MacKinn: Canadian Air Force pilot and ace of the Battle of Britain, who was credited with 16 aerial victories.
- David MacKinn: Professional ice hockey player who is currently a coach in the British Elite Ice Hockey League.
- Gregor MacKinn: Famous Scottish author whose works includes “Alison and Maidment” and “The Wolf of the North”.
- Seumas MacKinn: 18th Century Scottish poet and songwriter known for writing pieces such as “The Battle of High-Wood” and “The Unco Grave”.
- Ian MacKinn: British television presenter, writer, and comedian best known for his appearances on the sitcom "The Bigger Picture" and "The Impressions Show".
- Tim MacKinn: American actor most notably known for appearing in the films "Taken: The Search for Sophie Parker" and "The Shadow Within".
- Brian MacKinn: Professional footballer who is currently playing for the Scottish Championship club Falkirk.
- Fiona MacKinn: British painter and artist whose work has been featured in multiple exhibitions.
- Tom MacKinn: American musician and guitarist who is a part of the band Seventy-3.
- Rachel MacKinn: Amateur Sussex photographer and run coaching specialist, whose body of work has been featured in multiple magazines.