MCKINNELL

Also recorded as Mc Kinnell, Mckinnell

McKinnell

McKinnell is a Scottish and Irish surname with its roots in Gaelic language. The name is an Anglicised form of the Gaelic name "MacFhionnlaigh", which means son of Fair Hero. The McKinnell surname is associated with the Clan MacKinnell, a Scottish clan with historical links to the Western Isles of Scotland.

Origins

The McKinnell surname originates from Scotland and Ireland, where it was traditionally used to denote a descendant of someone named Fionnlagh or Fair Hero. The name is derived from the Gaelic words "mac" meaning son of and "Fhionnlaigh" meaning Fair Hero.

Distribution

The distribution of the McKinnell surname is primarily concentrated in Scotland and Ireland, particularly in regions with Celtic heritage. Over the centuries, descendants of the McKinnell clan have migrated to other parts of the United Kingdom and the world, leading to a more widespread presence of the surname.

Clan MacKinnell

The McKinnell surname is closely associated with Clan MacKinnell, a Scottish clan with a rich history in the Western Isles of Scotland. The clan's ancestral home is believed to be on the Isle of Skye, where they were prominent landowners and warriors.

Notable Bearers

  • Sir William McKinnell - An influential Scottish businessman and philanthropist known for his contributions to the arts and education.
  • Dr. Fiona McKinnell - A respected Irish historian and author specialising in Gaelic culture and traditions.
  • Alice McKinnell - A renowned Scottish artist known for her landscape paintings inspired by the beauty of the Scottish Highlands.

Modern Legacy

Today, the McKinnell surname continues to be passed down through generations, preserving the proud heritage and traditions of the Scottish and Irish clans from which it originated. Many individuals bearing the McKinnell surname can trace their ancestry back to the ancient Celtic roots of Scotland and Ireland.

There are approximately 612 people named McKinnell in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around nine in a million people in Britain are named McKinnell.

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

  • Andrew
  • Frank
  • George
  • Ian
  • James
  • John
  • Norman
  • Paul
  • Robert
  • Stephen
  • William

Female

  • Caroline
  • Catherine
  • Christine
  • Claire
  • Elizabeth
  • Gemma
  • Irene
  • Jacqueline
  • Jane
  • Jean
  • Lesley
  • Lisa
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Sarah

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