Last Name Mcginity

The surname McGinity is an Anglicized form of the Irish Gaelic name Mac Giolla Eochaidh, which translates to "son of the servant (or retainer) of Yew Tree." It belongs to the Gael-Anglo or Anglo-Irish group of surnames. During the 16th and 17th centuries, many Irish families adopted anglicized names in an effort to assimilate with the English during British rule in Ireland. The name McGinity is primarily found in counties Donegal and Tyrone in Ulster, in the northern part of Ireland.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Mcginity

The meaning and origin of the last name Mcginity

The surname McGINITY is an anglicized version of Gaelic names derived from various places named Mac Giolla Eathain, which translates to "son of Servant of Hugh" or "son of the brown-haired one." These names are associated with several locations in Ireland, particularly County Donegal and Tyrconnell. The name Giolla Eathain is believed to have originated from a Norse personal name "Gilli" combined with an Irish prefix "Eath(ach)" meaning brown or dark-haired. Over time, as Irish families migrated and assimilated into Scottish and English cultures, the surname underwent various phonetic changes, resulting in its current form. The McGINITY surname is primarily found among the Irish diaspora, particularly in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Geographical distribution of the last name Mcginity

The surname Mcginity is primarily found in Ireland, with the highest concentration in County Donegal and neighboring counties along the northwestern coast. This region has historically been known as Tír Conaill Gaelach, or Gaelic-speaking Tirconaill, which was a stronghold of the Irish Gaels during the Middle Ages. The name Mcginity is an anglicized version of the Gaelic Ó Giomháin, meaning "descendant of Giomhaín," a personal name derived from the word "giomar" meaning "to rejoice." Over time, some families bearing this name emigrated to other parts of Ireland and then to countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Britain. In these places, the name has spread and can now be found in various localities, albeit less frequently than in its original Irish heartland.

Variants and spellings of the last name Mcginity

The surname Mcginity can have various spellings and minor variations due to phonetic transcriptions over time. Some common variants include McGinity, MacGinity, and McGinty. These differences stem from factors such as regional dialects, personal preference, or clerical errors during official documentation. Other potential spelling variations may include Macginnity, Macginity, Macginitee, Macgynity, Mcginete, and McGintey. It's important to note that while these names share a common root, they may have unique meanings and histories depending on the specific family lineage.

Famous people with the last name Mcginity

Notable individuals sharing the surname McGinity include:

1. Tim McGinity - An American businessman, best known for co-founding the software company, C3i Solutions, and serving as its CEO from 2002 to 2018. He is also a philanthropist, having donated significantly to various charitable causes.

2. John McGinity - An American football player who played professionally in the National Football League (NFL) for six seasons as an offensive tackle. He was drafted by the New York Giants in 1984 and played for the San Francisco 49ers, Miami Dolphins, and Green Bay Packers.

3. Liam McGinity - An Irish former footballer who played as a midfielder for various clubs in Ireland, Scotland, and England throughout his career. He is notable for playing for St. Mirren F.C., Hibernian F.C., Notts County F.C., and Aston Villa F.C.

4. Margaret McGinity - An American academic who served as the Dean of the School of Nursing at the University of Michigan from 2008 to 2016. She is a renowned scholar in the field of nursing research, with a focus on pain management and patient care.

Genealogical research on the last name Mcginity

The surname McGinity is of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic Mac Giolla Eochaidh, meaning "son of the servant of Yew Tree." This patronymic name is most prevalent in counties Tyrone and Fermanagh in Northern Ireland, as well as Counties Donegal and Monaghan in the Republic of Ireland. The first recorded spelling of the family name was likely Mac Gilla Eochaidh around the 10th century, with variations such as MacGinty, McIntyre, and MacInnes also appearing over time due to changes in pronunciation and spelling conventions. Early records indicate that several Mcginity/McGinty families emigrated from Ireland to Scotland during the late 1500s and early 1600s, with some settling in Ulster, while others journeyed further south to places like Glasgow and Edinburgh. In the 18th and 19th centuries, many Mcginity descendants emigrated from Ireland and Scotland to America, particularly to Pennsylvania, New York, and Ohio, where they continue to be found today.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Mcginity"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

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NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 June 2025

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