Surname MacKown - Meaning and Origin
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MacKown: What does the surname MacKown mean?
The surname MacKown is a Scottish and Irish name which originated from the Old Gaelic name of Mac Eoghainn, which means “son of Eoghainn”. Eoghainn is a personal name meaning “desired one” or “born of the yew tree”.
This surname was especially popular in the Scottish Highlands, however, it is said to have shifted to Ulster in the 1600s during the great Plantation of Ulster. It has since spread throughout Ireland and also Scotland, and has been seen in many different areas of the world.
The surname MacKown is most commonly seen in Northern Ireland, however, it has spread to the United States and Canada among other countries. It is thought that the United States began to have MacKown residents during the mid to late 19th century, when Irish immigrants began to move to the USA.
MacKown as a surname is not one that is particularly common. Its Irish roots make it a unique surname which carries an interesting and often romantic story of heritage and history.
Order DNA origin analysisMacKown: Where does the name MacKown come from?
The last name MacKown is most commonly found in the United States and Canada. Research reveals that the majority of MacKowns living in the US are based in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York, but also have large numbers in Virginia, Georgia, Michigan, and Massachusetts. In Canada, the surname is most frequently associated with Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta.
The MacKown name is thought to have originated in Scotland, most likely from the clan MacMillan. It is believed that a branch of the clan traveled to Northern Ireland and settled in County Antrim during the Plantation of Ulster in the early 17th century. From there, individuals began immigrating to the US and Canada, and the MacKown name began to spread.
The spelling of the surname has changed slightly over the years, with many now opting to drop the 'K'. Therefore, it is possible to trace people with the surname Maidown and Maidon in addition to MacKown.
The MacKown name is not a very common one, but those who bear it are seen to be proud of their Scottish heritage. There are even a number of family Facebook groups dedicated to the discussion of the MacKown history and family tree.
Variations of the surname MacKown
The surname MacKown has a few variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin.
The most common variant is the spelling MacKown, which is a traditional Scottish or Irish surname. Another variant is the spelling McKown, which is a variant form of MacKown.
In addition, a few other variant spellings of MacKown include MacCowan, McCowan, and MacCowen. These variations stem from different languages, dialects, and regional influences.
The main line of Scottish MacKowns take their name from the town of Coyan in Scotland and the Irish MacKowns take their name from the town of Cavan in Ireland.
In terms of surnames of the same origin, the Gaelic spelling of MacKown is Mac Comhain, and the Irish version is Mac Cuain. Other variants and surnames of the same origin include MacComb, MacCombane, MacCoan, MacCoen, MacKoine, and MacOlwm.
MacKown is also an Americanized version of the European surname MacGouwan and the Irish name MacGowan. Variations of MacGouwan include McGovvan, MacGouean, and McGowen.
Overall, MacKown is a variant of many Scottish, Irish, and American last names that have different spellings, dialects, and influences.
Famous people with the name MacKown
- Dave MacKown: former Major League Baseball player (MLB)
- Brandon MacKown: scantron inventor and entrepreneur
- Krystal MacKown: American soccer player
- Leo MacKown: actor best known for his roles in the television show What I Like About You
- Reid MacKown: VH1 reality TV show host
- Jamie MacKown: former All-American college football player
- Tom MacKown: professional golf player
- Brian MacKown: professional beach volleyball player
- Kelly MacKown: Olympic gold medalist speed skater
- Melissa MacKown: former Miss California
- Brad MacKown: professional ice hockey player
- Liz MacKown: equestrian and Olympic medalist
- Gray MacKown: humanitarian and founder of the NGO People Helping People
- Rance MacKown: NFL offensive lineman
- Ashley MacKown: singer/songwriter and music producer
- Sarah MacKown: voice-over actress best known for her work in video games and animation
- Jason MacKown: artist and graffiti writer
- Paul MacKown: architect and urban planner
- Scott MacKown: plastic surgeon and medical specialist
- Paul MacKown: gospel singer/songwriter and pastor