Surname MacWhannon - Meaning and Origin
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MacWhannon: What does the surname MacWhannon mean?
The last name MacWhannon is of Scottish and Irish origin. It is believed to be a variant of MacWhannell, an old Irish Gaelic surname derived from the personal name “Banbha”, also sometimes spelt “Banmha” or “Vanmha”. The personal name itself is an anglicised form of the ancient Gaelic name “Beanbha”, meaning “woman”.
The plural form of the name is MacWhannell, meaning “sons of the woman”. The use of the last name in Scotland is likely to have been adopted by the family through the centuries, relocating from their homeland in Ireland. In Scots Gaelic, the name is spelled “Mac Fhannail”. The earliest record of the surname in Scotland is found in 1690, in records for the parish of Dunkeld in Perthshire.
The MacWhannell family has had a long history in Scotland and can trace their ancestral roots to the early 13th century, when the first MacWhannell family arrived in what is now Perthshire. Over the centuries, the family has held prominent positions within Scottish society, serving in the government, military and the church.
Today, many descendants of the MacWhannell family still reside in Scotland, with many others living further afield, particularly in North America. The family is still proud of its Scottish heritage and many members continue to celebrate their Scottish identity.
Order DNA origin analysisMacWhannon: Where does the name MacWhannon come from?
The last name MacWhannon is most prominently found in Ireland, scattered throughout the country. It is believed to have originated in the Midlands of Ireland, likely in Wexford or Carlow. It is thought to have originally been an anglicization of the Gaelic Mac Fhearghail, which itself is derived from Feargal, an old Irish word meaning 'man of valour'.
The name is thought to have been taken on in the late medieval period, as a frequent name for land holders in Ireland, at the same time as families like the FitzGeralds and the MacManusses. The MacWhannons were significant landowners in the 1500s in Ireland, though their holdings were reduced in later centuries.
Today, the last name MacWhannon can be found in all parts of Ireland, though it is most common in the Midlands, particularly in the counties of Wexford, Carlow, and Kilkenny. The name is also carried around the world, due to the Irish diaspora over the last two centuries or so. The majority of those who carry the last name today are found in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and other English-speaking countries.
In Ireland, the variations McWhannon, Whannen, and Whannan can also be found.
Variations of the surname MacWhannon
MacWhannon is an Irish surname which is derived from the Gaelic surname Mac Uighinn, meaning ‘son of Uighinn’. Uighinn was an old Irish forename.
Variants of the name include MacWhannan and MacWannan, MacWhanen, MacWhoanan, MacWaanan, MacWoannan, and MacWonan. Spellings of the surname include MacWhannon, MacWhannon and MacWhannin, MacWhinline, MacWhanine and MacWhannine.
Surnames of the same origin include MacWinan, MacWinane, MacWynne, MacWenyn, MacWimne, MacWynn and MacWimin. It is also related to the surnames MacUinn, MacQuin, MacOwan, MacOwen, MacEwan, and MacQuoid.
MacWhannon is a fairly uncommon surname, but is primarily found in the Irish counties of Donegal and Tyrone. It is believed to have been brought to Ireland during the twelfth century when the Irish and Scottish merger was occurring.
Given the history of the surname and its variants, it may also be common in Scotland and other parts of the world like England, the United States, and Canada.
Famous people with the name MacWhannon
- Blair MacWhannon: Kris Kristofferson’s songwriting partner known for chart-topping songs like “Me and Bobby McGee”.
- Jeannette MacWhannon: Founder and lead singer of the acclaimed folk-rock band The Belles.
- Eleanor MacWhannon: Professional figure skater and three-time World Champion.
- Connor MacWhannon: Former professional soccer player who won the MLS Golden Boot in 2005.
- Justin MacWhannon: Contemporary artist known for his abstract pieces that span the medium of painting, sculpture, and installation art.
- Larisa MacWhannon: Academy Award-winning actress and Hollywood icon who has starred in some of the most iconic films of the century.
- Robert MacWhannon: Hollywood film producer responsible for some of the highest grossing blockbusters of all time.
- John MacWhannon: World-renowned chef, restaurateur, and culinary innovator behind some of the hottest restaurants from Los Angeles to London.
- Liza MacWhannon: Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter who has collaborated with some of the biggest names in music.
- Chloe MacWhannon: Fashion designer renowned for her romantic yet edgy style that has become beloved by many celebrities and trendsetters.