Surname Mackens - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'M'
Mackens: What does the surname Mackens mean?
The last name Mackens is a variation of the Scottish surname MacKenzie and is a descriptive name meaning ‘son of the fair one’. It was derived from the Gaelic term ‘Mac Coinneach’, which translates to ‘son of the fair one’. The name is most likely to have been given to a fair-haired or light-skinned male, signifying a mark of attractiveness and beauty.
The history of the Mackens family can be traced back to the highlands and islands of Scotland, where they were originally known as part of the Clan MacKenzie. This clan was an ancient and respected family who were important members of highland society. The family was known for having a long line of warriors and patriots, who defended their homeland against participation from other invading countries.
The Mackens name is also associated with one of Scotland’s most famous Highland titles - the Earl of Seaforth. This title was granted to Kennth, the 17th Mackenzie Chief, in the 17th century. Throughout the years, many Mackens have served in prominent military positions, giving them an esteemed place in their home country.
The Mackens are a proud and noble family whose name comes with a long and honourable history. Rich in tradition and steeped in the culture of the Highlands, the Mackens have endured throughout centuries as an important part of Scottish culture.
Order DNA origin analysisMackens: Where does the name Mackens come from?
The Mackens surname is primarily found in Ireland and Scotland today.
In Ireland, the Mackens name is closely associated with the Armagh and Monaghan areas, many people bearing the name having arrived here as part of the original plantation scheme of the 17th century when Scots and English Protestants were organised to live and work on land confiscated from the original Catholic owners.
In Scotland, the Mackens surname is most commonly found in the east coast counties of Aberdeenshire, Angus and Perthshire, although there are records of the name across most of Scotland. The majority of people bearing the name are descended from the Mackenzie Clan, the majority of whom is believed to have originated from Inverness, and who may have subsequently moved southwards either as a group or as individuals.
The Mackens name is also found elsewhere in the world. People of this surname exist in the U.S., Canada, Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand, most of whom are descended from emigrant ancestors who left their homeland in search of a better life.
In summary, the Mackens name is mostly associated with Ireland and Scotland, but there are people of this name around the world from ancestries who left their homeland in search of a better future.
Variations of the surname Mackens
The surname Mackens can be found in a range of variants, spellings, and even surnames of the same origin. The most common variant spelling in the United States is Mackin. Other variants include MacKens, Maken, Makin, Makyns, and Machen. All of these spellings ultimately share the same root derivation of the name.
In Scotland, Mackens is often found as a variant of the surnames Mackintoch, Mact, Mactavish, MacGregor, and McLaren. Macintire and Macintyre are also variants that can be derived from the original Mackens surname.
McKenzie and Kenzie are also common spellings of the same name derived from Scottish Gaelic Mac Coinnich, which translates to "son of Coinneach/Kenneth". The name Kenzie is also used in Scotland, derived from the Gaelic Mac Coinnich and can be found as a variant of Mackens as well.
In Ireland, the surname Mackens can also be found as its variant form; McKenna. McKenna is derived from the Irish Gaelic Mac Cionnaith (son of Cionnaith).
The spelling of the same name changes slightly from place to place and culture to culture, but at heart, the origin of Mackens is all the same; a proud name that stretches back into the mists of time.
Famous people with the name Mackens
- Cate Mackens, Canadian Ice Hockey player
- Nick Mackens, American Lacrosse player
- Jon Macken, English Footballer
- Kevin Mackenzie, Scottish Footballer
- Jenae Mackens, American female basketball player
- France Mackens, Haitian dancer and choreographer
- Conrad Mackens, American Musician
- Mic Mackens, Professional snowboarder
- Chris Macken, American director, producer and writer
- Ryan Mackens, American Bucket drummer