Surname McKenna - Meaning and Origin

DNA Test Journey: A Deeper Understanding of My McKenna Heritage

The McKenna name holds significance in my life. This significance became even stronger after I completed my iGENEA DNA test and delved deeper into my ancestry, causing me to reflect on my roots and personal identity.

B. McKenna

McKenna: What does the surname McKenna mean?

McKenna is a surname of Irish origin. It is an Anglicized form of the Gaelic name "Mac Cionaoith", which means son (Mac) of Cionaodh (Kennedy). The Gaelic personal name Cionaodh is composed of two elements: "Cion", meaning respect or love, and "Aodh", the name of a pagan god, which in turn means "fire". Therefore, the surname McKenna can be interpreted as "son of the beloved one" or "son of the fiery one". The name was originally associated with a powerful and ancient clan in County Monaghan, Ireland. Like many Irish surnames, McKenna was widely carried to other parts of the world through the migration of Irish people during the Great Famine of the 19th century. Today, it is common in countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom.

McKenna: Where does the name McKenna come from?

The surname McKenna originated from Ireland. It has its roots in the Gaelic name "Mac Cionaoith", meaning son of Cionnaith. The name is associated with the Monaghan region in Ireland where the McKenna clan held a family seat from early times.

The surname, following many Irish names, began to disperse throughout the world due to the Great Irish Famine in the 19th century. Irish immigrants carried the name to various countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and Britain.

Today, the surname McKenna is most common in countries with large Irish diaspora communities. It has a significant presence in the United States, particularly on the east coast, with a marked concentration in New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. It is also quite prevalent in the United Kingdom, specifically in Northern Ireland and Scotland reflecting historical and geographical ties. It's common in Canada and Australia too. However, despite the global dispersion of the name over centuries, Ireland remains the country with the highest number of individuals bearing the McKenna surname.

Variations of the surname McKenna

The surname McKenna has numerous variants arising from both regional variations and anglicization of the original Gaelic name. The common alternates found in English-speaking regions include: MacKenna, Makenna, McKennie, McKenzie, and MacKenny.

In its original Irish form, it is typically spelled as Mac Cionaoith or Mac Cionnaith. Some anglicized versions include MacKenny, Kenny, Kenney, or Kennoy. In Scotland, it is more frequently transformed into McKenzie.

The McKenna surname implies a descendant of Cionnaith, meaning "fire sprung" in Gaelic. Therefore, other surnames with the same Gaelic root (Cionnaith) might be sorted into the same origin group.

It is important to remember that due to anglicization and regional interpretations, the spelling of surnames can significantly diverge over time. Therefore, the same surname may appear differently in various records and locations. However, variations relating to the name 'McKenna' in particular, seem to maintain a semblance of the sound, if not the perfect spelling, of the original name.

Famous people with the name McKenna

• Terence McKenna: He was a famous American ethnobotanist, mystic, and author known for his advocacy of the use of naturally occurring psychedelic substances.
• Josh McKenna: He is a well-known illustrator and animation director from the UK, recognized for his use of striking colors and bold, minimal shapes.
• John McKenna: A renowned sculptor from Ireland who specializes in public art pieces.
• Ian McKenna: Known as a British film director and screenwriter.
• Virginia McKenna: She is a British stage and screen actress, author, and wildlife campaigner.
• Dennis McKenna: An American ethnopharmacologist and author, primarily focused on plant-based psychedelics. He's also the brother of Terence McKenna.
• Megan McKenna: She is a British reality TV star and singer, best known for her roles in "Ex on the Beach" and "The Only Way is Essex".
• Declan McKenna: A British singer-songwriter and musician who won the Glastonbury Festival's Emerging Talent Competition in 2015.
• Glenn McKenna: A notable American playwright and screenwriter.
• Paul McKenna: A famous British hypnotist, television broadcaster, and an author of self-help books.
• Juliette McKenna: She's an established fantasy author from the UK.
• Sean McKenna: An Irish television producer and writer.

Other surnames

McKenMcKendallMcKendellMcKendrickMcKendrieMcKendryMcKenneyMcKennyMcKenryMcKenzie