Surname Mc Ilhenny - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'M'
Mc Ilhenny: What does the surname Mc Ilhenny mean?
Mc Ilhenny is a surname of Irish origin. It is an Anglicized form of the Gaelic Mac Giolla Chainnigh, composed of the elements "mac" meaning "son of", "giolla" meaning "servant or devotee", and "cainnigh" which might refer to "Canice" or "Kenny", who is a Christian saint. Therefore, the surname Mc Ilhenny is often interpreted to mean “Son of the follower of St. Canice”. It is a patronymic name, passed down from the original family line. The Mc Ilhenny family was originally based in Donegal in the Northwest of Ireland. The surname is quite rare and most famous for its connection to the McIlhenny Company, the maker of Tabasco brand hot sauce.
Order DNA origin analysisMc Ilhenny: Where does the name Mc Ilhenny come from?
The last name Mc Ilhenny is of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic Mac Giolla Chainnigh, meaning 'son of the servant of Canice'. Therefore, it can be inferred that the name may have first emerged in regions where St. Canice, a prominent figure in Irish Christianity, was venerated. The Mc Ilhenny family was originally located in Donegal, in the northwestern part of Ireland.
The surname, like many Irish surnames, has spread worldwide due to the Irish diaspora. Today, it can be found in many English-speaking countries, but remains relatively less common than other Irish surnames. In the United States, the McIlhenny name gained prominence through the family that produces the famous 'Tabasco' hot sauce. McIlhenny Company, founded by Edmund McIlhenny in 1868 in Avery Island, Louisiana, is still a family-owned and run business. Therefore, while the name's origin is Irish, it might be more recognized in the United States, particularly in Louisiana, due to the hot sauce connection. However, the largest concentration of people with the Mc Ilhenny surname is likely still in Ireland, particularly in the county from which it originated.
Variations of the surname Mc Ilhenny
The surname Mc Ilhenny is of Irish origin and is a bit rare. Likely originating from the Gaelic name Mac Giolla Chainnigh, which translates to son of a servant or devotee of Saint Canice or Cainnech. Even within Ireland, the spellings can heavily vary based on phonetic translation, region, and historical modifications.
Some potential variants or similar spellings of the surname Mc Ilhenny could include McIlhenny, McIlhenney, McElhinny, McElhenny, and McIlhinney. Other variants could also include shortened versions, such as McIlhany or McIlheny, or ones that have dropped the prefix "Mc" completely such as Ilhenny or Ilhany.
It's also possible that the surname has been Anglicized into completely different-looking names. Surnames of the same origin could include McKenny or MacKenny, which originate from the same root name of Mac Giolla Chainnigh. As with many surnames, a definitive list of all variants is difficult due to the nature of name changes over time and across different regions.
Famous people with the name Mc Ilhenny
- Tabasco creator Edmund McIlhenny
- Author of The Wild Smack and Buffalo Roam Devon McIlhenny
- Acclaimed chef Edward McIlhenny
- Socialite and philanthropist Henry Blanche McIlhenny
- Artist and interior designer Jennifer McIlhenny
- Socialite Blanche Barrow McIlhenny
- Tabasco heir David R McIlhenny
- Business executive and philanthropist Courtenay Eleanor McIlhenny
- Botanist and 19th century author Nell Cupples McIlhenny
- Long-time oil producer Robert McIlhenny