Surname MacKeeny - Meaning and Origin
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MacKeeny: What does the surname MacKeeny mean?
MacKeeny is a Scottish surname with several possible origins. One origin of this name likely comes from MacCunnuibh, which originates from the Gaelic root words Mac and Cunnuibh, meaning "son of the hound of the plain." This name may have been Anglicized to MacKeeny over the generations.
MacKeeny could also have come from Mac Coinnich, stemming from the Gaelic name Mac connuiche, meaning “son of a wolf cub." There is also a possibility that the name could have arisen from Mac Duibhne, which is derived from the Gaelic Mac Dhuibhne, meaning "son of the dark or black-haired one." Lastly, another explanation of the origin of this name is being the shortened form of the Gaelic Mac Eoghain, meaning "son of Eoghan."
Those with the MacKeeny surname are usually associated with the Scottish Lowlands indicating they could possibly have ties to populous areas like Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Dundee. Today, many of those bearing the MacKeeny surname can be found in the United States, Canada, Scotland, and Ireland. Those with this last name tend to be independent, highly motivated and adventurous. Overall, MacKeeny is a great name with a likely long and interesting history.
Order DNA origin analysisMacKeeny: Where does the name MacKeeny come from?
The surname MacKeeny is not overwhelmingly common in any modern-day region, though it has been linked to families from Ireland and Scotland. In Ireland, the MacKeeny family is said to have come from County Kerry, which is located on the Iveragh Peninsula in the southwest of the island. This may explain why the name appears to be more commonly recorded in the western parts of the country.
In Scotland, MacKeeny is mainly associated with parts of Lanarkshire, Glasgow, and Ayrshire. Research into early records shows that these clans were also from Ireland, particularly the counties of Antrim and Down. DNA analysis has confirmed that many MacKeenys are related to Irish branches of the same clans.
Today, MacKeeny is mainly found in the US, where it has been taken on by families who left Ireland and Scotland during the 19th century. According to estimates, the surname MacKeeny ranks in the top 5000. It's concentrated mainly in California, Virginia, New York, and Massachusetts, and is particularly common in urban centers.
Outside of the US, MacKeeny is to be found mainly in Ireland, Scotland, and England. In the latter, it appears to have assimilated with the local population and is found mainly in the north and western parts of the country.
Variations of the surname MacKeeny
The surname MacKeeney is derived from the Gaelic surname Mac Cuinneain, which is also spelt MacKeeny, MacKeaney, MacKemey, MacKenna, MacKinnie and MacKiney. It is a patronymic surname, which means it is derived from the father’s name.
The surname MacKeeney may also be associated with other Gaelic surnames, such as MacEanruig or MacAnrois. These surnames, however, are merely variants of MacKeeney.
Besides Gaelic and Scots derivations, the surname MacKeeney is also linked to Norse origin, as the surname is connected with the old Norse personal name Gunnarr. The surname usually has one of two forms, MacGiolla Chonaill or MacLonain.
The name MacKeeney is most closely associated with Scotland and Ireland. It is a very common surname in both countries and the name is shared by members from different clans. In Ireland, the surname MacKeeney is associated with the northern counties such as Donegal and Londonderry. In Scotland, people with the surname MacKeeney are mostly found in the south west of the country.
In some cases, the surname may be also spelt as McKeeney, McKeaney, McKenney or McKeini. Sometimes, the prefix ‘Mc’ may be attached in front of the surname as well.
Overall, the MacKeeney surname is long-standing and well-established in Scotland and Ireland. It is a very popular surname, with alternate forms and spellings. All of these variations, however, still share the same origin and are ultimately the same surname.
Famous people with the name MacKeeny
- Gaelan MacKeeny: known as the 'Irish Van Gogh', Gaelan is an award-winning abstract landscape painter.
- Sean MacKeeny: Bass player for the band Disturbed from 2017 to present.
- Ryan Mackenzie: actor who has appeared in a number of television series, including the regulars on Burden of Truth.
- Alice MacKeeny: English actress who appeared in the long-running soap opera, Brookside.
- Eloise MacKeeny: American painter, who is best known for her abstract expressionist style.
- Alexander MacKeeny: Trained as an architect and designer, Alexander is now an artificial intelligence (AI) entrepreneur.
- Joseph MacKeeny:He is the conductor and director of music for the American Symphony Orchestra.
- Isabella MacKeeny: an accomplished pianist who is committed to bringing art to disadvantaged communities.
- Shannon MacKeeny: a UK-based actor and filmmaker.
- Samantha MacKeeny: an opera singer from Scotland.