Meaning & History
MacGinnis is a surname of Irish origin. It is a variant of McGuinness, which itself is an Anglicized form of the Gaelic Mag Aonghuis, meaning "son of Aonghus."
Etymology and Origins
The root of the name, Aonghus, comes from Old Irish Óengus, possibly meaning "one strength" from óen "one" and guss "force, strength." In Irish mythology, Aonghus (often called Mac Óg, meaning "young son") was a god of love and youth, a member of the Tuatha Dé Danann, and the son of the Dagda and Boann. The name was also borne by an 8th-century Pictish king, several Irish kings, and a few saints, including a 9th-century bishop of Tallaght.
Distribution
According to Forebears, the surname MacGinnis is relatively uncommon, with its highest incidence in Ireland and some presence in the United States, Canada, and Australia. Variants such as McGinnis and McGuinness are more widespread.
Variants
Related surnames include McGinnis, MacGuinness, Guinness, and the original Gaelic form Mag Aonghuis. In Scotland, cognates include Angus, MacAngus, MacInnes, and McInnes, which stem from the Scottish Gaelic form Mac Aonghais.
Related Names
Sources: Forebears — macginnis