Surname MacKinning - Meaning and Origin
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MacKinning: What does the surname MacKinning mean?
The last name MacKinning is an anglicized form of the Scottish surname MacFhionghain which is derived from the old Gaelic word ‘fionn’ meaning “fair” and ‘gan’ meaning “born.” This name therefore translates to someone “born of the fair people” or with a fair complexion.
This surname is most likely from the Scottish Highlands, as it has been recorded in the region from at least the 13th century. It is thought that the name originator was a chieftain whose family had inhabited the area around Clydesdale and Galloway for centuries, although there is no written documentation to prove this connection.
The MacKinning family has produced a number of notable people, including:
• 16th century British jurist and Lord of Session John McKinning
• 18th century British MP and West Indies trader William McKinning
• Noted 19th century Canadian Anglican bishop, Edmund Selby McKinnon
• Acclaimed 20th century architect, Robert McKinnon
• 21st century Australian singer songwriter, Emily McKinnon
The name MacKinning is most commonly found in Australia, New Zealand, Great Britain, and the United States, although it has spread to countries such as Canada, South Africa, and Germany. It is an uncommon name and the people with this surname today often take pride in tracing their origins back to the old clans of Scotland.
Order DNA origin analysisMacKinning: Where does the name MacKinning come from?
The last name MacKinning is most commonly found in Scotland, in areas such as Ayrshire, Argyll, and Rutherglen. The name is derived from the Gaelic Mac Fhionghuin which means “son of the fair one”. Since the 13th century, there has been a continuous presence of the name in those areas. It’s possible that the name MacKinning descended from one of the many Gaelic clans of Scotland that pushed beyond Scotland's western coastal regions and islands.
The name MacKinning is still found throughout Scotland today but is not as common as it was in the past. There is also an increased presence of the name in other parts of the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Those with the surname mostly have an ancestory from Scotland and Irish heritage.
The surname MacKinning is also not an uncommon lobby title, especially in Scotland. Clan MacKinning has documented their history all the way back to 1160 when the name was found in Ayrshire on the map of Scotland. Throughout the centuries, the name has come to be synonymous with courage, strength, and loyalty. It has been linked to many famous military members, writers, and even Olympic athletes.
The name MacKinning is still found throughout Scotland today, and while not as common as it once was, it is finding a presence around the world.
Variations of the surname MacKinning
MacKinning is a rare Scottish surname which has many variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin.
The most common variant of MacKinning is Mckinnon which is present in both Scotland and Ireland. In Scotland, Mckinnon may be found with either the patrimony ‘Mac’ or without it. McInnes is another variant and spelling of MacKinning which is also found in both Scotland and Ireland. In Scotland, another variant is Kinning or Kining.
The surnames McKenney, McKenney, Kinney, Kiney, Kennedy, Kinnie, Kuney and McKinney all originate from the same source as MacKinning and are sometimes used interchangeably.
Variants and spellings of MacKinning that are found in Scotland include MacKenny, MacKinay, Mackinley, Mackidey, Mackinnan and Mackenie. Variants and spellings of MacKinning that are found in Ireland include MacKeney, MacKannie, M'Kinnie and Mckinny.
While MacKinning is not an especially common surname, it is one to keep an eye out for, with a rich history that includes many variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin.
Famous people with the name MacKinning
- Alice Mackinnon: British filmmaker best known for her documentary series 'Off Pat', a British take on global off-grid living for Channel 4.
- Nancy MacKinnon: Canadian author, journalist, editor and broadcaster, best known for her novels 'Spear of Summer'.
- John MacKinnon: Scottish international rugby player who represented Scotland on 31 occasions between 1927 and 1938.
- Lord John MacKinnon: British lawyer and Conservative politician, who served as a Member of Parliament from 1924 to 1942.
- Lord William John MacKinnon: British soldier and Conservative politician who sat in the House of Lords between 1923 and 1943.
- Lord Alexander MacKinnon: British lawyer, Conservative politician and Director-General of the British Army during World War II from 1937 to 1940.
- David MacKinnon: Canadian actor and filmmaker best known for his portrayal of Dr. Alex Reid in the medical drama 'ER'.
- Margot MacKinnon: Canadian playwright, known for her play 'Hana's Suitcase'.
- Donnie MacKinnon: Scottish actor, director and voiceover artist, best known as the voice of Bilbo Baggins in the animated film adaptation of the Lord of the Rings novels.
- Robert MacKinnon: Scottish professional footballer who played as a defender for St Johnstone and Cowdenbeath.