MAGENNIS
Magennis
Origin and Meaning: Magennis is an Irish surname, deriving from the Irish Gaelic name "Mac Aonghusa," which means "son of Angus." The name is of patronymic origin, suggesting descent from an ancestor named Angus.
History: The Magennis clan historically belonged to the ancient aristocracy of Ulster, in Northern Ireland. They were associated with the area around modern-day County Down, where they held considerable power and influence. The clan's most famous figure is perhaps Con O'Neill, who adopted the Magennis name in the 16th century. The Magennises were involved in various conflicts and alliances throughout Irish history, particularly during the turbulent periods of English colonization and the centuries-long struggle for Irish independence.
Present Day: Today, the Magennis surname is still found mainly in Ireland, particularly in the areas of County Down and surrounding regions. Many people with the Magennis surname can trace their ancestry back to the clan's historical roots in these regions. The name has also spread to other parts of the world as a result of Irish emigration, particularly to countries such as the United States, Australia, and Canada.
Notable Individuals:
- Sir Charles Magennis: An Irish politician and diplomat who served as Ireland's Ambassador to Australia in the mid-20th century.
- Bernadette Devlin McAliskey (née Magennis): An Irish civil rights leader and politician known for her involvement in the Northern Ireland civil rights movement during the late 1960s and early 1970s.
Coat of Arms: The Magennis family coat of arms features various heraldic symbols, including a crowned lion and a red hand, which is a common motif in Irish heraldry symbolizing strength and loyalty.
Overall, the Magennis surname carries with it a rich history and heritage, reflecting the struggles and triumphs of the Irish people throughout the centuries.
There are approximately 324 people named Magennis in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around five in a million people in Britain are named Magennis.
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Adrian
- Brian
- Christopher
- Daniel
- Gerard
- James
- John
- Michael
- Patrick
- Paul
- Stephen
- Steve
Female
- Ann
- Catherine
- Claire
- Cm
- Elizabeth
- Fiona
- Joanne
- Karen
- Margaret
- Mary
- Michelle
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.