Surname MacKniff - Meaning and Origin

MacKniff: What does the surname MacKniff mean?

The last name MacKniff (sometimes spelled MacKnife) is an Anglicised version of the Gaelic surname Mac Cnuíf which translates to "son of the shapely one". This name is likely derived from the Irish/Gaelic word cnú meaning curved or bent, referring to the shapely build of the person.

MacKniff has a long history in many of the Celtic nations of Europe. It is most commonly found in Scotland, Ireland and England. It is believed to be an adaptation of the earlier Irish spelling, Mac Cnúíf, which originally gave rise to the surname. However, there are some instances where the name has appeared in other parts of Europe as well.

There is evidence that the surname has been in use since at least the 12th century when records show a family in the Isle of Man, known as the McEniffs. In 1324, William makynnave was recorded in Scotland and in 1590, Thomas McNuiff was recorded in England.

The surname has continued to be used in many parts of the world to this day, although it may have been changed slightly since its origins hundreds of years ago. The meaning and origin of the name is still kept alive through its continued use by families and individuals around the world.

MacKniff: Where does the name MacKniff come from?

The last name MacKniff is most commonly found in the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom. Aside from these two countries, MacKniff is also seen in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

In Ireland, the MacKniff surname is common in the counties of Limerick, Cork, and Mayo. Tracing the MacKniffs back to an area of origin is difficult due to a lack of records, particularly from the 15th and 16th centuries when surnames became established. That said, the family crest of the MacKniff family bears a resemblance to the crest of the McCarthy clan, suggesting a historical connection between the two. Additionally, the name is of Norman origin, a heritage which may have been brought to Ireland following the Norman invasion of 1169-1171.

In the United Kingdom, MacKniff is most commonly seen in Scotland, where the highest concentration of the surname can be found in the county of Ross and Cromarty. Here, the MacKniff family can trace its history back to the 13th century, when William MacKniff is first mentioned in records from 1270. The family were prominent builders in the area and left a lasting legacy in the form of several churches and castles that still stand to this day.

Across all of these countries, the MacKniff family have kept their name alive for centuries, creating a lasting legacy that continues to be seen in the present day.

Variations of the surname MacKniff

The surname MacKniff is of Irish origin. It has several variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin, that are often used interchangeably.

The most common variant of the surname MacKniff is MacAniffe. This is also its original spelling and corresponds to the Irish Mac An Fhíofa. This is an anglicisation of the Gaelic Mac An Fhíofa, which literally translates to "son of the prophet". Other variants of this surname are MacAniff, Mac Eniff, MacEniff, McAniffe, and McKeniffe.

Other spelling variants and surnames of Irish origin with the same meaning include MacNiff, MacNeef, MacNeff, M'Niff, McNiffe, MacKniffe, MacKeniff, MacKaniff, and MacKeneff. There are also phonetic derivatives that correspond to MacKniff such as McIniff, M'Iniff, McKinniff, and Mekeniff.

The surnames Maguiness and Maginness are also related to MacKniff. The name Maguiness is an Anglicised form of the Gaelic surname Mac Eoghuis, which literally translates to "son of Eoghuis" and is an ancient Irish name. Maginness is also an Anglicised form of the Gaelic name Mac Tanaise, which means "son of the follower".

Overall, MacKniff is a surname of Irish origin with several variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin that are often used interchangeably.

Famous people with the name MacKniff

• David McKniff: Motion Picture Music Composer
• Tom McKniff: American Basketball Player
• John McKniff: Actor, Producer, Writer
• William McKniff: Minor League Baseball Player
• Jimmy McKniff: Professional Soccer Player
• Patrick McKniff: Professional Golfer
• Pat McKniff: Actor
• Kelly McKniff: Model
• uneasymckniff: Musician
• Sam McKniff: Social Media Influencer
• Philip McKniff: Artist, Illustrator
• Bill McKniff: Major League Baseball Player
• Joe McKniff: Sports Commentator
• Brendan McKniff: Television Actor
• Isabella McKniff: Fashion Designer
• Ryan McKniff: YouTube Star
• Alan McKniff: Professional Videographer
• Sean McKniff: Software Programmer
• Tyler McKniff: Professional Gamer
• Stephen McKniff: Music Producer

Other surnames

MacKnightMacKnilliam