MACKENZIE
Also recorded as Mac Kenzie, Mackenzie
MacKenzie
Origin and Meaning: MacKenzie is a Scottish surname derived from the Gaelic name “MacCoinnich,” meaning “son of Coinneach.” Coinneach is a Gaelic personal name that translates to “handsome” or “comely.”
History: The MacKenzie clan is a prominent Scottish Highland clan with a rich history dating back to the 13th century. The Clan MacKenzie was one of the most powerful and influential clans in the Highlands, with their stronghold in the northwestern region of Scotland. The clan played a significant role in the history and politics of Scotland, often aligning themselves with other powerful clans such as the MacLeod and the MacDonalds.
Notable Individuals:
- Sir Alexander MacKenzie (1764–1820): A Scottish explorer who made important voyages to Northwest Canada, including the first recorded transcontinental crossing of North America.
- Compton MacKenzie (1883–1972): A Scottish novelist and satirist known for works such as “Whisky Galore” and “Monarch of the Glen.”
- Kenneth MacKenzie (1916–2001): A British engineer and inventor who made significant contributions to the development of radar technology during World War II.
Modern Use: The surname MacKenzie remains popular in Scotland and among the Scottish diaspora around the world. It is often used as a surname, but it can also be found as a given name. MacKenzie is a versatile surname that has been embraced by individuals from various walks of life, including politics, entertainment, and business.
Variants: The MacKenzie surname has several variations and anglicized forms, including McKenzie, Mackenzie, MacKenzy, and MacKenzie.
References:
- “The Clan MacKenzie: Understanding the Uncommon Scottish Surname” by Fiona MacLeish
- “The Surnames of Scotland: Their Origin, Meaning, and History” by George F. Black
There are approximately 28,616 people named MacKenzie in the UK. That makes it the 282nd most common surname in Britain. Around 439 in a million people in Britain are named MacKenzie.
Surname type: From name of parent
Origin: Celtic
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: Scotland
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: Gaelic
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Alexander
- Andrew
- David
- Donald
- Ian
- James
- John
- Kenneth
- Robert
- William
Female
- Alison
- Catherine
- Elizabeth
- Fiona
- Helen
- Laura
- Margaret
- Mary
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
- Macenzie
- Machenzie
- Mackencie
- Mackenie
- Mackenize
- Mackennie
- Mackenrie
- Mackensen
- Mackensey
- Mackensie
- Mackenze
- Mackenzee
- Mackenzey
- Mackenzi
- Mackenzies
- Mackenzy
- Mackezie
- Mackinze
- Mackinzie
- Makenzie
- Makinzie
- McCance
- Mcckenzie
- Mcenzie
- McGuinness
- Mchenzie
- Mckenize
- Mckennzie
- Mckensey
- Mckensie
- Mckenze
- Mckenzey
- Mckenzi
- McKenzie
- Mckenzies
- Mckenzy
- Mckinsie
- Mckinzey
- Mckinzie
- Mcknzie
- Meakins
- Meckenzie
- Meekins
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.