Surname McGennis - Meaning and Origin

McGennis: What does the surname McGennis mean?

The surname McGennis is of Irish origin and is derived from "Mag Aonghusa," in Irish Gaelic, which means "son of Angus." In the Gaelic language, "Mag" translates to "son of," while "Aonghusa" is a personal name "Angus." The name Angus itself comes from the Celtic god Aonghus, who was the god of love and youth in Irish mythology. Hence, the surname McGennis can generally be translated as the “son of the one strength." As is the case with many Irish surnames, there are variations in the spelling, including MacGennis, McGinnis, and MacInnes, among others. Surnames came into use in Ireland as the population increased, and it became necessary to distinguish between individuals with the same personal name. These surnames were often derived from a father's name, a geographical location, occupation, or a notable characteristic.

McGennis: Where does the name McGennis come from?

The surname McGennis is of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic "Mag Aonghusa" or "Mac Aonghusa," meaning “son of Angus.” It is generally believed to have originated in County Down in the Province of Ulster, on the northeast coast of Ireland. The name Angus combines the elements “one” and “choice” suggesting the qualities of unique and unparalleled, which may have been characteristics of the original bearer of the surname.

Like many other surnames, spelling variations have occurred over time, resulting in variants like Magennis, MacGenis, Guinness, and others. Due to historical emigration, particularly during the 18th and 19th centuries, the surname can be found in places where the Irish diaspora is prevalent.

Today, McGennis continues to be fairly common in Ireland, especially in the Northern regions. Outside Ireland, it's found in countries with significant Irish immigrant populations like the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, though it is notably less common in these regions compared to other Irish surnames.

Variations of the surname McGennis

The surname McGennis has its origin in Ireland and has several variants and similar spellings. These variations may have resulted due to emigration, mispronunciations, transliteration from Irish Gaelic to English, or transcription errors.

Common spelling variants and surnames of the same origin include but are not limited to:

1) McGinnis - perhaps the most common variant, it can be found in numerous records in North America and elsewhere, referring to the same family line.

2) Magennis - this variant is more commonly found in the homeland of Ireland and spelled with an 'a' instead of a 'c'.

3) Guinness - though more commonly associated with the famous Irish stout, it can also be a variant of the surname with roots in the same ancestral line.

4) McInnis, McGinnus, McGenis, and MacGinnis - these variants can be found mainly in North American records.

5) Mac an ghoill / Mac Giollarnáth - the original Gaelic forms of the name.

Other surnames that may share its origin are Gennis, Genis, and Innis. Note that individual family traditions and personal decisions might have led to further variations in the spelling of this surname.

Famous people with the name McGennis

• Ferdia McGennis: Irish actor, known for his roles in 'Damo & Ivor' and 'Games of Football'.
• Colin McGennis: Irish actor best known for his role in the television series ‘Irish I Were’.
• Padraic McGennis: Actor and Director, best known for his role in the Irish film ‘Celtic Warrior’.
• Pollyanna McGennis: Award-winning British actress, known for her roles in ‘The Go-Between’ and ‘My Mother and Other Strangers’.
• Madeleine McGennis: Professional British ballerina, currently dancing with the Royal Ballet in London.
• Niall McGennis: Irish comedian, known for his stand-up comedy and appearances on Irish radio and television.
• Rose McGennis: Seven-time award-winning Irish singer.
• Sean McGennis: Gaelic football player, winner of the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship twice, in 2012 and 2013.
• Peter McGennis: Professional golf coach and commentator.
• Brock McGennis: American professional wrestler, currently signed to WWE.

Other surnames

McGenn