Surname MacKinnell - Meaning and Origin
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MacKinnell: What does the surname MacKinnell mean?
The surname MacKinnell is derived from the Gaelic MacFhionnlaoich, which is a patronymic name that means “son of Finlaoch”. Finlaoch was a British or Gaelic personal name that was derived from the Gaelic elements “fionn”, which meant fair or white, and “lagh”, which meant warrior. Therefore, the surname MacKinnell translates to “son of the fair or white warrior”.
The MacKinnell surname is a proud Scottish clan, the origin of which is believed to be of the territory of Garmoran in the West Highlands, in what is now known as Ross-shire. Several branches of the MacKinnell family were spread across Scotland and eventually, descendants of the name relocated to Ireland during the 17th century.
The MacKinnell family lived in Ross-shire, and variations of the name can be found in various documents pertaining to Scotland. These documents include Church Records, Birth Records, Death Records, and even Military Documents.
Today, the surname MacKinnell can be found around the world. There are many various spellings of the name, including MacKinnel, McKinnel, and McKinnyll. Each spelling of the surname has slightly different roots and meanings, so it is important to research the individual family history to know its true origin and meaning.
Order DNA origin analysisMacKinnell: Where does the name MacKinnell come from?
The last name MacKinnell is most common in Scotland today. Scotland is the place of origin for the surname, with its earliest known bearers from Fife in the 12th century. Today, MacKinnell is found primarily in the Scottish Lowlands, especially around Edinburgh, where it is one of the most frequently occurring surnames in the area.
The surname MacKinnell has spread to other parts of the UK, namely Northern Ireland, as well as internationally to the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, among other countries. In the US, in particular, it is common in the states of Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, and Michigan. Those bearing the name in the States often have Scottish ancestry from the 1700s onwards.
The age of the surname has given rise to multiple variations on spelling, including MacKinl(e)y and McKendall Jr. It is likely that many instances of the name in other countries derive from these spelling variants.
In Scotland today, the prevalence of MacKinnell is testament to its long, unceasing roots in the region across the centuries. While many with the surname have journeyed afar, its legacy remains most strongly felt in Scotland.
Variations of the surname MacKinnell
The surname MacKinnell is an anglicized version of the ancient Celtic name Mac Coinnigh; other variations of this surname include MacKinnel, MacKinnel, McKinnell, McKinnel, Mackinnell, Mackinnel, MacKinnell, MacKinnil, McKinnell, McKinnil, Makynnel, Makynnill, Mackynell, Mackynil, MacKinneh, MacKinne, MacKynckel and McKynckel.
The ancient Gaelic name Mac Coinnigh is derived from the Gaelic element 'coinnich' which means ‘beloved’. As an Irish surname, MacKinnell was mainly found in Counties Tyrone and Donegal, as well as in Scotland and other parts of the British Isles.
The earliest record of any spellings as MacKinnell appears in 12th century County Derry in County Tyrone. During the 15th century, the MacKinnell surname spread extensively across north-western Scotland and Ireland, with clan members found in Perth, Fife, Milngavie, Glasglow and other parts of Scotland.
The various variations of MacKinnell imply that the surname has been Anglicised throughout the years, sometimes the letter 'p' was used. The ‘Mc’ prefix of the surname is sometimes replaced by ‘Mac’ and the spelling of the surname was changed by census takers and by hand-written scripts of past centuries. All of these variations, spellings and surnames are all variants of the same origin, that of the ancient Gaelic name Mac Coinnigh.
Famous people with the name MacKinnell
- Henry MacKinnell: English-born American stage, film, and television actor who is best known for his starring roles in the Hal Wallis films The List of Adrian Messenger (1963) and Mirage (1965).
- Eilidh MacKinnell: Scottish model represented by Wilhelmina Models who has been featured in magazines such as Vogue Italia and Grey.
- Robert MacKinnell: Canadian film director and editor who has worked with acclaimed directors Zack Snyder, David Fincher, Christopher Nolan, and Ridley Scott.
- Andrew MacKinnell: Scottish rugby league player who is currently with St. Helens R.F.C. and has previously played for the Salford City Reds of the Super League.
- Corin MacKinnell: Canadian actor and writer whose works include roles in the TV shows Those Who Kill and Chasing Life.
- Mark MacKinnell: Australian actor who has appeared in numerous productions such as Pompeii, The Darkest Hour, and Maleficent.
- Mike MacKinnell: American television producer and writer who won an Emmy Award for his work on the show Entertainment Tonight.
- Pat MacKinnell: English professional wrestler who competed in the British Wrestling Federation and Total Nonstop Action Wrestling.
- Richie MacKinnell: Scottish actor who has appeared on TV shows such as Doctor Who, The Bill, and Coronation Street.
- Sandra MacKinnell: American actress best known for her roles in films such as Forrest Gump, What's Eating Gilbert Grape, and Strays.