Surname Mac Eoin - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'M'
Mac Eoin: What does the surname Mac Eoin mean?
Mac Eoin is a surname of Gaelic origin that translates to “son of John.” The prefix "Mac" signifies "son of,” and "Eoin" is a form of the name John in Gaelic. Therefore, the name represents a lineage or descendants of a patriarch named John. The name can be found in various forms, with some variations including McEoin, McKeon, and McKeown, depending on geographical location and phonetic translation. This surname is commonly found among Irish and Scottish families due to the Gaelic roots. Over time, as people migrated, the name has spread to other parts of the world, often anglicized to suit local dialects and languages.
Order DNA origin analysisMac Eoin: Where does the name Mac Eoin come from?
The last name Mac Eoin originates from Ireland, more specifically from the Gaelic language term "Mac Eóin," which translates to "son of John" or "John's son." This last name marks the family lineage being passed down from a person named John. "Eoin" itself is an Irish form of the name John.
The surname is common in Ireland, both in its original form and anglicized variants such as McKeon, McEoin, or even Johnson. Other kin group locations where the Mac Eoin surname is prevalent include Northern Ireland and parts of Scotland due to geographical proximity and historical migrations. It's also found amongst the Irish diaspora globally, in countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and the UK, where Irish immigrants have settled.
Despite its origins and distribution, the surname Mac Eoin is not as common as some other Irish surnames, and its usage is somewhat limited, even within Ireland. However, it remains a significant marker of Irish heritage and familial roots.
Variations of the surname Mac Eoin
The surname Mac Eoin is of Irish origin and it implies "son of John." It has evolved into numerous variants and spellings over centuries.
Some common variants include: MacEoin, McEoin, MacKeon, McKeon, MacKeone, McKeone, MacKeowne, McKeowne, MacKeawn, McKeawn, MacKewan, McKewan, Mackeon, Mackeone, Mackown, Mackewen, and MacEyown.
These surnames have been further anglicized into Johnson, Johnston, Jones, and even Jenkins.
In Irish, "Mac Eoin" is sometimes written as "MacEoin", removing the space. The prefix 'Mc' is also commonly used instead of 'Mac', leading to the variant 'McEoin'.
The surname is typically written in two parts as it means 'son of' (Mac or Mc) 'John' (Eoin). However, it may occasionally be written as one word, 'Maceoin' or 'Mceoin', particularly in cases of further anglicisation.
The surnames McKean, McKewan, McKeon, MacKane, and MacCain are also related though they may derive from a different root, as "Cain" or "Kean" can refer to a distinct first name as opposed to 'John' (Eoin).
Other variants may exist due to regional differences in spelling and pronunciation, immigration records and anglicization.
Please note that the exact relationships between these surnames can be complex and may be subject to differing interpretations depending on historical language use and regional variations.
Famous people with the name Mac Eoin
- Mary Ma Chree Mac Eoin: Irish actress, best known for her roles in Middletown, Cry Freedom and The Patchwork Hero.
- Paedar Mac Eoin: Irish actor and director, best known for his work in The Irish Times and from his representation of Ireland in the 2006 Olympic Games in Torino, Italy.
- Helen Ma Chree Mac Eoin: Irish singer and songwriter with credits that include Wild Women Don't Do What They're Told and We All Know.
- Triona Mac Eoin: Irish author and historian, best known for her published works including All Things End With Vowels and Defenders of the Wall.
- Gerald Ma Chree Mac Eoin: Irish rugby player, captain of the Irish national team in 2010 and 2011 and a member of the Pro12 team Ulster.
- Maria Mac Eoin: Irish actress, best known for her roles in Silent Witness and The Musketeers.
- Seán Mac Eoin: One of the most decorated Irish military leaders, he fought in the Irish War of Independence and the Irish Civil War.
- Caoimhin Mac Eoin: Irish actor and comedian, best known for his appearances on Fr Ted and Wimlight Comedy.
- Seosamh Mac Eoin: Irish poet and playwright, best known for his works The Dodger and In Pale Imitation.
- Siobhan Mac Eoin: Irish journalist and broadcaster, host of the weekly radio show Ireland Now on RTÉ Radio One.