Meaning & History
MacQueen is an Anglicized form of the Scottish Gaelic surname Mac Shuibhne, which itself is a variant of Irish Mac Suibhne, meaning "son of Suibhne." The name Suibhne, derived from Old Irish subae meaning "joy" or "pleasure," was borne by several figures in early Irish history, including a 7th-century high king and an 8th-century saint. It also features in the Irish legend Buile Suibhne ("The Madness of Suibhne"), which tells the story of a king cursed by Saint Rónán Finn.
The MacQueen clan is a Scottish Highland clan associated with the region of Skye and Lochaber. Historically, the MacQueens were allies of the MacDonalds and were known as actors in Gaelic tradition. Over time, the surname spread widely, particularly in Scotland and Northern Ireland, from which it was carried to other English-speaking countries.
Variants of the name include McQueen (another Scottish Anglicization) and Sweeney (the Irish Anglicization). Other related masculine given names include Suibne.