Surname MacElhenny - Meaning and Origin
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MacElhenny: What does the surname MacElhenny mean?
The last name MacElhenny is an Irish name, derived from the Gaelic MacGiolla Chainnigh, meaning “son of the devotee of St. Cainnech”. St. Cainnech was highly venerated in medieval Ireland and is considered one of the patron saints of the province of Leinster. He was known as the “Prophet of the Irish” due to his holiness and ability to accurately foretell the future.
The historic Cainneach was a direct descendant of the great King Niall of the Nine Hostages, the fourth century ruler of the ancient Irish kingdom. The impressive MacElhenny line can also trace its origins back to the Fitzgeralds, who formed one of the most important clans in medieval Irish history. The original O'Fitzgeralds descended from Niall and built numerous strongholds in and around modern day Dublin.
The MacElhenny surname is now found all over Ireland, as well as throughout the English speaking world, The name is synonymous with a proud and esteemed Irish heritage, and its members are as passionate about their ancestral nation as ever before. The MacElhenny family is justly proud of its legacy and remains dedicated to furthering its influence far beyond its ancient homeland.
Order DNA origin analysisMacElhenny: Where does the name MacElhenny come from?
The surname MacElhenny is of Irish origin and is most commonly found in Northern Ireland, where the name is most commonly spelt as MacElhinney or McCleheny. It is derived from either Mac-Giolla-Cheyne, meaning “son of a follower of St John” or Mac Giolla Eoin, meaning “son of a follower of John”. The name is most commonly found in the Ulster counties of Antrim, Londonderry and Donegal.
The Scots-Irish version of the name, McElhinney, is frequently found in Scotland, particularly in the Outer Hebrides and West Dumbarton. People with this surname are also found in significant numbers in Scotland's Lothian region and the city of Glasgow, as well as North America.
In Ireland, there are a number of other spelling variants, including MacLoughlin, MacGlinchy and MacGlinchey. Emigration from Ireland in past centuries also meant that the Irish-American versions of the surname, McElhone and MacElhaney, are now widely found in the United States and Canada.
Today, MacElhenny remains a relatively uncommon surname, but is by no means exclusive to Northern Ireland or Scotland. Although the name can be found in neighbouring countries such as England, France, Germany, and Denmark, and as far afield as New Zealand, Canada, the United States, Australia, South Africa, and Israel, the main concentrations continue to be in Europe and the United States.
Variations of the surname MacElhenny
MacElhenny is a traditionally Irish surname originating from the Gaelic sept of Mac Giolla Haonain, in modern Irish Mac Giolla Eoin.
Variants and other spellings of the MacElhenny surname may include Mac Gilhenny, Mac Gilleheany, Mac Gilleheny, Mac Gille Eoin, and Mac Gille Eoin.
Since the name has its origin in Ireland, many variants and spellings of the name have been derived from the Gaelic language. Some of the older and very rare variants of the MacElhenny surname include Mac Gille Iain, Mac Gille Eoin, Mac Gilleeoin, and Mac Gillenney.
Other modern spellings include: Mac Elhenny, Mac Elhinnie, Mac Elhinney, Mac Elhinny, MacElhinny, Mac Elhainey, Mac Elhany, MacElhany, Mac Elheny, MacElheny, and Mac Elhenny.
Variant surnames may include McLhenney, McElhanny, McLhanny, McLhany, McClehenny, Macneilenney, Macneiloney, Macneilhanny, Macneilhany, Macneillehaney, Macneillhaney, Macneillhany, Macneillheny, Macneeilhaney, Macnelinney, and Mullenney.
Famous people with the name MacElhenny
- Macaulay Culkin: American actor
- Rodney MacElhenny: Former USC Trojan football player
- Maureen MacElhenny: Voice actress and novelist
- Jennifer MacElhenny: American modern dancer
- Spencer MacElhenny: Former professional quarterback
- Marilyn MacElhenny: Former U.S. Women's Hockey player
- Todd MacElhenny: Former Major League Baseball player
- Jason MacElhenny: Former NFL and CFL football player
- Ryan MacElhenny: Former mixed martial arts fighter
- John MacElhenny: Popular movie actor