MCKENNA
Also recorded as Mc Kenna, Mc'Kenna, Mc'kenna, Mckenna
McKenna
McKenna is a surname of Scottish and Irish origin that is primarily found in the countries of Scotland and Ireland, as well as in the United States, Canada, and Australia. The name is an anglicized form of the Gaelic Mac Cionaodha, meaning "son of Cionaodh". The name Cionaodh itself is derived from the Old Irish name Coinneach, which means "handsome".
History and Origin:
The McKenna surname has ancient roots in the Celtic lands of Scotland and Ireland. The name is considered to be of Gaelic origin, indicating a family's descent from a male ancestor named Cionaodh. The Mac Cionaodh Clan had strong ties to County Monaghan in Ireland and to the Highlands of Scotland.
Variants and Derivatives:
Variations of the McKenna surname include MacKenna, MacKenna, MacKinna, McKenny, and MacCionaoith. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the name have evolved in different regions and among various branches of the family.
Notable People:
- Siobhan McKenna (1923-1986) - Renowned Irish stage and screen actress.
- Paul McKenna (born 1963) - British hypnotist and self-help author.
- Dominic McKenna - British artist known for his vibrant and colorful paintings.
Legacy:
The McKenna surname holds a rich history of cultural heritage and family traditions. Many individuals with the surname have contributed significantly to various fields such as the arts, academia, and public service.
References:
- Hanks, Patrick, et al. (2016) The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland, Oxford University Press.
- Reaney, P.H. and Wilson, R.M. (1997) A Dictionary of English Surnames, Oxford University Press.
The McKenna surname continues to be a source of pride and identity for those who bear it, serving as a connection to their ancestral past and a symbol of their enduring heritage.
There are approximately 18,885 people named McKenna in the UK. That makes it the 459th most common surname in Britain. Around 290 in a million people in Britain are named McKenna.
Surname type: From name of parent
Origin: Celtic
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: Ireland
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: Gaelic
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Andrew
- David
- James
- John
- Michael
- Patrick
- Paul
- Peter
- Stephen
- Thomas
Female
- Anne
- Catherine
- Claire
- Elizabeth
- Kathleen
- Margaret
- Mary
- Patricia
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
- Maccanna
- Macanna
- Maccana
- Mckenn
- Mackean
- Mackena
- Mackenna
- Mackennal
- Mackennall
- Mackennie
- Mackenny
- Makenna
- Mcanea
- Mcanna
- Mccann
- Mccanna
- Mckain
- Mckaine
- Mckane
- Mckann
- Mckanna
- Mckean
- Mckeana
- Mckeane
- Mckeean
- Mckeena
- Mckeenan
- Mckeene
- Mckein
- Mckenan
- Mckennah
- Mckennall
- Mckennan
- Mckennar
- Mckenne
- Mckennea
- Mckenner
- Mckenney
- Mckennie
- Mckenny
- Mckeny
- Mckeonn
- Mckinna
- Maccann
- Macenas
- Mcann
- Mccanne
- Mccayna
- Mckenary
- Mckennell
- Mckennett
- Mckernan
- Mckinay
- Mckinn
- Mckinnell
- Mckinney
- Mckinnon
- MacKen
- Makin
- Maughan
- McCune
- McKen
- McKone
- McQueen
- McQuinn
- Meakin
- Meekin
- Meighan
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.