Surname MacKain - Meaning and Origin
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MacKain: What does the surname MacKain mean?
The last name MacKain originates from the Scottish and Irish Gaelic family names MacCaba or Mac Cabhaigh, which translates to “son of life”. It was a hereditary name given to members of a family to reflect their character, specifically meaning that the person had a brave, strong, and courageous heart.
MacKain has existed as surname in Scotland since at least the 13th century. During this time it was used mostly in the West Highlands and in the Hebrides Islands, although there are several branches of the MacKain family located elsewhere.
The MacKain are traditionally viewed as a “warrior” family, likely due to the ancient battle cries of “MacKain!” often heard on the battlefields of the area.
MacKain has been a part of the sporting world as well, with generations of famous MacKains making golf and rugby history in Scotland. However, the MacKain clan is also known for its complex clan history filled with both triumphs and losses.
Either way, the MacKain name remains part of Scotland’s proud heritage and is as admired now as it was hundreds of years ago. It is common to hear of MacKains all over the world, all working hard to honor their ancient name that they proudly carry.
Order DNA origin analysisMacKain: Where does the name MacKain come from?
The MacKain family name is most prominent today in primarily Scotland, the U.K., and Ireland, with lesser numbers in the United States and Canada.
The name is derived from a Gaelic form, Mac Aodhagain, meaning "son of Aodhagáin", with Aodhagáin likely descending from the forename Aodh, meaning "fire". This likely denotes a traditional clan who descended from a local chieftain bearing authority over a large ancestral area.
In Scotland, the MacKain family is most common in the Argyll and Clyde region, as well as in Angus and Perthshire. In the U.K., MacKain appears most prominently in England's East Anglia, Yorkshire and the Humber, South East, and East Midlands regions. In Ireland, the family is most common in southern provinces, most prominently along the borders of Cork and Waterford.
Although it was not one of the foremost Scottish clans, the family possessed its own tartan. The clan was so small that it is not grouped into any particular sept, or division, of Highland clans.
In modern times, the surname appears less frequent than it once did, primarily due to Spellings and Variations, including McKeen, McKean, McKain, and M'Kean. Therefore, those tracing their lineage back to local MacKain families can often find the distant cousin with a different spelling living nearby today.
Variations of the surname MacKain
The MacKain surname is an Anglicized version of the Gaelic name Mac Cathain and is derived from the Gaelic words “mac” (meaning “son”) and “cathain” (meaning “warlike”). It is most commonly found throughout Scotland in areas such as Aberdeenshire, Inverness-shire and the Outer Hebrides.
Various spellings have been used throughout history for the MacKain surname. These include MacAin, Mac Ain, MacCain, McCarthy, McCain and Mckane.
Variants of the surname MacKain include Mackan, Mackean and Macken. The spelling can also be shortened to Ken, Kane and Kin.
Certain families of MacKain have taken on variations of other surnames over the years, such as McCraith for a branch of the MacKain family in the town of Inverness, Scotland. Other names associated with the MacKain family include MacCormick, MacIntyre and MacMurphy, which all originate from the same root name. Furthermore, some branches of the MacKain family have adopted the anglicized version of the name Cain instead of MacKain.
The MacKain name is a testament to its lineage and a reminder of the strong warrior-people from which it originates. While many of its variants may have been adopted throughout history, the name has always retained its proud, noble roots.
Famous people with the name MacKain
- Colin MacKain: Scottish actor, best known for his role as Dr. Tennant in the BBC drama series Monarch of the Glen.
- Blythe MacKain: American entrepreneur, architect and environmental advocate.
- Isabella MacKain: Canadian children’s author, best known for her books The Great Chicken Rebellion and The Pirate Who Would Not Give Up.
- Drew MacKain: American actor, known for roles on the television series Criminal Minds and Big Time Rush.
- Louis MacKain: British publisher, writer and politician, the founder of the independent publishing house MacKain & Company.
- Martha MacKain: British stage actress and singer, known for her starring role in the musical Hello, Dolly!
- Tyler MacKain: American film producer, most recently known for producing the 2016 film The Brand New Testament.
- John MacKain: American entrepreneur and philanthropist, best known for co-founding the software company Autodesk.
- Albert MacKain: American entrepreneur and inventor, best known for founding the company White House Stationery, a manufacturer of paper and envelopes.
- Gordon MacKain: Canadian singer best known for his hit single “You’ve Got It All.”