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Last Name Mckenney

What is the origin of the last name Mckenney?

The last name "McKenney" has Scottish origins. It is derived from the clan name "MacCoinneach," which means "Son of Coinneach" in Scottish Gaelic. Coinneach is the Gaelic form of the name Kenneth. The MacCoinneach clan was associated with the Scottish Highlands and had various branches throughout the region. Over time, the name evolved to its current form, "McKenney," through different phonetic and spelling changes.

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Mckenney

The meaning and origin of the last name Mckenney

The surname McKenney is of Scottish origin and is derived from the Gaelic name Mac Coinnich, meaning "son of Coinneach." Coinneach itself is a Scottish Gaelic name meaning "handsome" or "comely." The name is primarily found in Scotland and Ireland, with variations such as McKenna and MacKenna. The McKenney surname likely originated as a patronymic name, indicating that individuals with the surname were the descendants of someone named Coinneach. This practice was common in Gaelic cultures where surnames were often derived from the father's given name. Many individuals with the McKenney surname emigrated from Scotland and Ireland to other parts of the world, particularly during times of economic hardship or political instability. As a result, the surname can also be found in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, among others. Overall, the surname McKenney carries a rich Gaelic heritage and signifies an ancestral connection to the name Coinneach, reflecting the lineage and history of a family.

Geographical distribution of the last name Mckenney

The last name McKenney has a primarily North American geographical distribution. It is commonly found in both the United States and Canada, with significant concentrations in different regions within these countries. In the United States, the name is particularly prevalent in the New England states, such as Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, and Vermont. Additionally, it is also found in some Midwestern and Southern states, including Ohio, Michigan, and Virginia. In Canada, the name is prominent in the eastern provinces, such as Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. The distribution of the last name McKenney suggests that it originates from Scottish or Irish ancestry, as it is a variation of the traditional Scottish name "Mac Coinnich" or "Mac Coinnich." Nowadays, individuals with the last name McKenney can be found in various locations throughout North America, reflecting the migration and dispersion of its descendants over time.

Variants and spellings of the last name Mckenney

The last name McKenney is derived from the Gaelic name Mac Coinnich, meaning "son of Coinneach." Throughout history, various spelling and regional variations of the name have emerged. Some common variations and spellings of McKenney include MacKenney, MacKinney, McInney, MacKinnie, McKinny, McKeeney, and McKenny. These variations may be found across different English-speaking countries, including Scotland, Ireland, England, and the United States. The spelling of the name could have changed due to factors such as migration, assimilation, or the influence of local dialects. Different branches of the same family may have adopted different spellings over time, resulting in a diverse range of variations. Nonetheless, despite these variations and spellings, all variations of McKenney ultimately trace back to the same Gaelic root and represent the descendants of Coinneach.

Famous people with the last name Mckenney

One of the most well-known individuals with the last name McKenney is George Petrie McKenney. He was an American athlete and football player who rose to prominence in the early 1930s. McKenney played as a halfback for the Georgetown Hoyas and, later, the Boston Braves in the National Football League. He became famous for his impressive speed and agility on the field and was an influential figure in the football world. Another notable figure is Thomas Loraine McKenney, a 19th-century American politician and historian. He served as the Superintendent of Indian Trade, where he documented and commissioned portraits of Native American leaders. His extensive collection of these portraits became known as the McKenney and Hall Indian Tribes of North America. These portraits are an important historical record of Native American culture and heritage.

Genealogical research on the last name Mckenney

The last name McKenney originates from the Scottish and Irish Gaelic language, derived from the personal name "Coinneach" which means "handsome" or "attractive." The surname is predominantly found in Scotland, Ireland, and other English-speaking countries with Scottish or Irish heritage. Genealogical research reveals that the McKenney family has a rich history spanning several generations. The earliest records indicate that individuals with the surname McKenney were primarily located in Scotland, particularly in the regions of Lanarkshire, Ayrshire, and Midlothian. Over time, some members of the McKenney family migrated to Ireland and settled in counties such as Antrim and Down. These individuals were likely a part of the Scottish migration to Ireland during the 17th and 18th centuries. In more recent times, the McKenney surname has also spread to other parts of the world, including the United States, Canada, and Australia, due to immigration and globalization. Today, individuals with the last name McKenney can be found throughout various countries, continuing to preserve their ancestral heritage.

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 April 2025

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