Surname MacReynolds - Meaning and Origin
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MacReynolds: What does the surname MacReynolds mean?
MacReynolds is a Scottish or Irish surname derived from the Gaelic Mac Raghnaill, which means "son of Reynold". The name Reynold itself is of Old German origin and means "ruler with counsel". Therefore, the surname MacReynolds can be interpreted as "son of the ruler with counsel". Like many Irish and Scottish surnames, MacReynolds has variations, including MacRannell, MacRannel, and Macrory, reflecting the differences in pronunciation and spelling. It was first found in Counties Donegal and Derry, where families bearing this surname have long resided. Overall, the name MacReynolds signifies a historical connection to these regions and a lineage linked with leadership and wise counsel.
Order DNA origin analysisMacReynolds: Where does the name MacReynolds come from?
The last name MacReynolds is of Irish origin, originating from the Gaelic Mac Raghnaill, meaning "son of Reynolds". Over time, the name has been anglicized and variations such as Reynolds, McReynolds, and MacRannell have emerged. The surname traces its lineage back to the ancient chiefs and clans of Gaelic Ireland, specifically the Reynolds of Leitrim.
Today, the surname is commonly found in Ireland, the United States, and the United Kingdom. In Ireland, the concentration is highest in the province of Ulster, especially in the counties of Antrim and Donegal where the original Anglicization took place. Within the United States, the largest population of those with the MacReynolds surname can be found in states such as Texas, California, and Missouri according to recent census data. In the UK, Scotland, particularly the western regions, has a significant number of people with this surname because of historical links between Scotland and Ireland.
Variations of the surname MacReynolds
The surname MacReynolds is of Scottish origin. It is derived from the ancient clan MacRanald or MacReynold of the Scottish Highlands. Variants of the name MacReynolds might include Reynolds, MacReynold, Reynold, Reynolds, MacRanold, and MacRannell, among others.
The surname Reynolds can also be found in Irish families, not to be confused with the Scottish variant. This is because the name was also derived from Raghnaill's Gaelic personal name.
Additional alternate spellings for MacReynolds can involve the reduction of 'Mac' to 'Mc', yielding the variation McReynolds. A surname similar to MacReynolds, borne by people of Irish descent, is MacRannell, a variant of which is MacRandall. Moreover, the name might be anglicized or altered in spelling upon immigration to different countries due to differences in language and pronunciation.
These varying spellings result from the historical lack of standardization in the written form of names. Names were often written as they were heard, leading to numerous variations in the spelling of many surnames.
It's crucial to note that the existence of different spellings does not necessarily mean they share the same origin. Each variant may stem from a different line of the same family or from completely independent families.
Famous people with the name MacReynolds
- There are not many widely recognized individuals with the surname "MacReynolds."
- Jessica MacReynolds: She is a producer known for her work on "The Whispering Dead" and "One Week in Hollywood."
- Choire Sicha: A New York-based writer, he used the name Mrs. Jessica MacReynolds as a pseudonym in the early days when he wrote mockingly sarcastic and humorous narratives about the New York real estate market trends.
- Dan MacReynolds: Lead singer of the popular pop-rock band Imagine Dragons. However, the spelling of his surname is slightly different from the one asked for in the question; his is spelled as "Reynolds" rather than "MacReynolds". Overall, the last name "MacReynolds" isn't very prominent in the public sphere. Note that the results might change over time as more individuals gain visibility and fame in various fields.