Mackenney Surname

About the Surname Mackenney

The surname Mackenney is a fairly rare surname that is primarily found in Chile, the United States, England, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. It is also found in smaller numbers in Scotland, Peru, Brazil, Cyprus, the Dominican Republic, Spain, France, Northern Ireland, and Guatemala. The incidence of the surname varies greatly from country to country, with Chile having the highest incidence at 120 occurrences, followed by the United States at 106, England at 79, Canada at 52, Australia at 17, and New Zealand at 6.

Origins of the Surname Mackenney

The surname Mackenney has Irish origins and is derived from the Gaelic name "Mac Coinnigh," meaning "son of Coinneach." The name Coinneach is an old Gaelic personal name that means "handsome" or "comely." The prefix "Mac" indicates "son of," so Mackenney means "son of Coinneach."

In Ireland, the surname Mackenney is often anglicized to Kenny, which is a more common variation of the name. The name has ancient roots in Ireland and is associated with the MacKenny sept of County Roscommon. The MacKennys were a prominent family in Irish history and played a significant role in the politics and culture of the country.

Migration and Distribution of the Surname Mackenney

Like many Irish surnames, the surname Mackenney has spread throughout the world due to migration and emigration. During the Irish Diaspora in the 19th and 20th centuries, many Irish families left their homeland in search of better opportunities in other countries, particularly the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

As a result, the surname Mackenney can be found in significant numbers in these countries, particularly in areas with large Irish immigrant populations. In the United States, for example, the surname Mackenney is most common in states with historically high levels of Irish immigration, such as New York, Massachusetts, and Illinois.

In Canada, the surname Mackenney is most prevalent in provinces with large Irish communities, such as Ontario and British Columbia. In Australia and New Zealand, the surname is more evenly distributed across the country, with concentrations in major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland, and Wellington.

Variations of the Surname Mackenney

Over the centuries, the surname Mackenney has undergone various spelling changes and adaptations, resulting in different variations of the name. Some common variations of the surname include MacKenny, McKenny, MacKenney, MacKinney, and MacKennee.

These variations are often the result of clerical errors, phonetic spelling, or anglicization of the original Gaelic name. Despite these variations, all of these names are ultimately derived from the same Gaelic root "Mac Coinnigh" and share a common ancestry.

Famous Individuals with the Surname Mackenney

While the surname Mackenney is not as well-known as some other Irish surnames, there have been several notable individuals throughout history who have borne the name. One such individual is John Mackenney, a renowned Irish playwright and poet from County Roscommon.

John Mackenney was a prolific writer during the Irish Literary Revival of the late 19th and early 20th centuries and was known for his poetic works that celebrated Irish culture and heritage. His plays were popular in Ireland and abroad and helped to popularize the Gaelic language and traditions.

In addition to John Mackenney, there have been several other individuals with the surname Mackenney who have made significant contributions to various fields, including business, politics, and the arts. While the surname may not be widely recognized, these individuals have helped to preserve the legacy of the Mackenney name.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the surname Mackenney is a unique and historic Irish surname that has a rich heritage and a global presence. With its Gaelic roots and variations, the name has endured over the centuries and continues to be passed down through generations of families around the world.

The surname Mackenney in the globe

Globalization has meant that surnames distribute far beyond their country of origin, so that it is possible to find African surnames in Europe or Indian surnames in Oceania. The same occurs in the case of Mackenney, which as you can corroborate, it can be said it is a surname that can be found in all the countries of this globe. Just as there are nations in which undoubtedly the thickness of people because of the surname Mackenney is greater than in other countries.

The map associated with Mackenney surname

1. Chile (120)
2. United States (106)
3. England (79)
4. Canada (52)
5. Australia (17)
6. New Zealand (6)
7. Scotland (2)
8. Peru (2)
9. Brazil (1)
10. Cyprus (1)
11. Dominican Republic (1)
12. Spain (1)
13. France (1)
14. Nothern Ireland (1)
15. Guatemala (1)