Surname MacQueyn - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'M'
MacQueyn: What does the surname MacQueyn mean?
The last name MacQueyn is of Scottish origin, however, its precise meaning and origin are not clearly documented, which is common with many surnames that have evolved over time. Its root could possibly be derived from the Gaelic name MacQueen, which translates to "son of Queen" where "Mac" or "Mc" signifies "son of." These names often point to a historical matriarchal figure or profession related to a queen in the family's lineage. It is also essential to note that spellings of last names have significantly varied over centuries due to factors like illiteracy, phonetic spelling by scribes, or changes upon immigration. Therefore, MacQueyn could potentially be an altered spelling of a similar surname. Genealogical research may provide more specific insights into the family history related to this surname.
Order DNA origin analysisMacQueyn: Where does the name MacQueyn come from?
The surname MacQueyn originates from Scotland, potentially from the regions of Argyll or the Hebrides where variations of the surname were common. The name is Gaelic in origin and is often associated with the patronymic names McQueen or MacQueen, meaning "son of Queen". This doesn't necessarily suggest a royal lineage, as "Queen" could be an anglicised form of various Gaelic personal names such as Suibhne, meaning "pleasant" or "well-going".
Despite the Scottish origins of the surname, it can be challenging to establish where it is common today due to the many variations in spelling and pronunciation. Migration patterns over the centuries mean people with this surname or its variations can be found in different parts of the world including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. It is likely to be relatively less common in Scotland today, as many people with Scottish surnames have descended from Scots who immigrated to other countries during periods of economic hardship or political turbulence.
Variations of the surname MacQueyn
The surname MacQueyn is of Scottish origin and is a variant of the Gaelic MacCuinn which means "son of Conn". Therefore, various variants, spellings, and surnames are associated with this unique surname. Some of these include: MacQuinn, MacQuin, MacQuoine, MacCone, MacQuinney, MacQueen, MacQuinny, MacCuin, MacCone, MacQuine and MacQuean. Other variants may remove the 'Mac' prefix entirely, providing additional variations such as Quinn, Quin, Quine, Quean, and Quoine. However, it is important to remember that the exact spelling can depend on the geographic region and personal preference. Different families may have chosen to spell their names differently over time, resulting in a greater variety of surnames. For example, in parts of Scotland, MacCone could be the more common spelling, whereas in other parts of the United Kingdom, it could be MacQuinn. These spellings have also been further anglicized or modified when individuals or their ancestors emigrated to English-speaking countries. As a result, the diversity of this surname has grown over centuries, offering numerous variants, spellings, and related surnames with the same origin.
Famous people with the name MacQueyn
- Kenneth MacQueyn: Canadian-born British film editor who worked on some of the early British film productions in the 1920s and 1930s.
- Arthur Macqueyn: Australian soldier who won the Victoria Cross for heroism during World War I.
- Ellen MacQueyn: Canadian poet and writer who produced a number of short stories, essays, and books.
- William Macqueyn: Early British race car driver and the first to win the French Grand Prix.
- Robert Macqueyn: Scottish rugby union player and notable commentator for BBC Radio Scotland.
- Gregor McQueyn: Scottish cricketer who made four appearances for Scotland in the early 1900s.
- David Macqueyn: British producer, composer, and songwriter who worked with iconic artists such as the Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, and David Bowie.
- Luke Macqueyn: Canadian actor, musician, and luthier best known for his appearances in TV series such as ‘Reign’ and ‘What We Do in the Shadows’.
- John Macqueyn: British film director and producer who won an Academy Award for Best Foreign Film for ‘The Life and Death of King Richard II’.
- Andrew Macqueyn: British actor known for his role as Dr. Kenneth Danson in the successful ‘Sherlock Holmes’ films.