MCELENY
Also recorded as Mc Eleny, Mceleny
McEleny
McEleny is a Scottish and Irish surname of Gaelic origin, believed to have variations in its spelling such as McIlhinnie and McElhenny. The name is primarily found in the regions of Ayrshire in Scotland and Donegal in Ireland.
Origins
The surname McEleny is derived from the Gaelic name "MacGiolla Eoin", meaning "son of the servant of John". The name likely originated from different clans or septs, explaining its presence in both Scotland and Ireland.
History
The early records of the McEleny surname suggest that the family was prominent in both Scotland and Ireland during the medieval period. Many McElenys were known for their involvement in local politics and the agricultural sector.
In Scotland, the McEleny name is associated with the historic county of Ayrshire, where the family held lands and played a role in the local community. In Ireland, the name is linked to the county of Donegal, where the McElenys were part of the Gaelic nobility.
Migration
Migration patterns in the 19th and 20th centuries saw many McElenys emigrate from Scotland and Ireland to various parts of the world, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. This diaspora helped spread the surname to different continents.
Notable Individuals
- John McEleny: A prominent Scottish politician who served as a Member of Parliament in the 19th century.
- Maeve McEleny: A renowned Irish poet known for her contributions to Gaelic literature in the mid-20th century.
Modern Day
In contemporary times, individuals bearing the surname McEleny can be found across the globe, with notable concentrations in Scotland, Ireland, and countries with significant Scottish and Irish immigrant populations.
References
- MacLysaght, Edward. The Surnames of Ireland. Irish Academic Press, 1985.
- Black, George F. The Surnames of Scotland. New York Public Library, 1993.
There are approximately 133 people named McEleny in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around two in a million people in Britain are named McEleny.
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Andrew
- Iain
- Ian
- James
- John
- Paul
- Robert
- Stuart
- Terence
- William
Female
- Catherine
- Elizabeth
- Julie
- Lisa
- Lyn
- Margaret
- Mary
- Michelle
- Susan
- Yvonne
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.