Origin of the surname Macknish

This notable and long-established clan surname, is an Anglicized form of the Old Gaelic "MacNaois", a shortened form of "MacAonghuis", son of Aonghus, a male given name composed of the elements "aon", one, and "ghus", meaning "choice or enterprise". This ancient name was borne by Aonghus Turimleach, one of three Irish brothers, who invaded Scotland in the 3rd Century B.C. It was also the given name of an 8th Century Pictish king, said to be the son of Daghda, the chief god of the Irish, who gave his name to the county (now part of Tayside) called Angus.

This great clan originated in Scotland, where the name is variously Anglicized as MacNish, MacNeish, Macknish, MacNess, Mackness and M(a)cNeice. Early examples of recordings include John Dow MacNeische who witnessed a Grantully charter in 1494, and Jonete Macknes, who was a tenant in Drumgy, Menteith, in 1495. The clan once possessed much of the upper part of Stratheam, Perthshire, until they lost it to the Macnabs in a battle fought in the year 1522. The famous Irish etymologist 'Maclysaght, claimed that the clan were a branch of Clan MacGregor, who were outlawed in 1608 for various acts of violence against the state and the neighbouring clans. This may be so, although the Scottish historian Black merely relates that two clan members Donald McNysche and Jon McNysche, followers of the earl of Cassilis were 'respited' for murder in 1526. Apparently not all the clan were so inclined as another recording shows that one James Mackneis was "a venerable and learned man, deserving well of the city" (Glasgow). The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Gilmore Macnesche, which was dated 1376, in "Ancient Charters of the Earldom of Morton", during the reign of King Robert 11 of Scotland, 1371 - 1390. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.

The surname Macknish. Genealogy, origin, history, meaning, and significance

The history of the surname macknish is, like that of most surnames, a complex and fascinating journey to ancient times with the aim of unraveling the origin of macknish. We can try to trace the genealogy of the surname macknish, and in addition to the original locations of macknish, we can find out where people with the surname macknish can currently be found. Adhering to what we know about the way surnames originated, it is possible to offer a realistic explanation of the origins of macknish.

The surname Macknish around the world

It is common for surnames like macknish to become known in places far removed from their country or region of origin. Discover which ones. The mobility of people carrying the surname macknish has led to its presence in different countries, as you can verify.

History of Macknish

The historical journey of the surname macknish can be traced back to those who were the first bearers of macknish. The history, heraldry, coats of arms, and possible nobility of the surname macknish are scattered in documents across various regions and historical periods, so it is necessary to reconstruct a complex puzzle to approach the facts from a realistic perspective. In the following lines, you will find everything we have been able to gather about the surname macknish.

You can visit us regularly to get more information about the origin of the surname macknish, as we frequently accept significant contributions from other individuals interested in heraldry and the history of surnames. Please note that if you are in a position to provide more data about the surname macknish or any other surname and its origin, we would appreciate your collaboration with us by sending us information about the origin of macknish.

Notable Figures Named Macknish

Unfortunately, it's highly probable that not all macknishs who performed notable deeds have been included in historical chronicles and records. A surname like macknish can connect a person to an illustrious lineage and a distinguished coat of arms. However, it must be kept in mind that it is individual people who, through their lives and actions, bring fame and recognition to their surnames. If you or someone you know bears the surname macknish, you could potentially build illustrious lineages through your efforts and virtues. It is our desire to highlight in this section those individuals with the surname macknish who, for various reasons, have left their mark on the course of history.

The surname Macknish and its bibliographic sources

It goes without saying that consulting bibliographic and documentary sources is essential when accessing information about the origins of the surname macknish. We consider it highly advisable to refer to the following sources if you wish to conduct research on the surname macknish, as well as many other surnames. Accessing the archives of the town or towns where your ancestors were born and lived is, of course, a good way to trace the origins of macknish.

SOURCES

These sources are essential for initiating the understanding of macknish, and at the same time, of surnames in general.

Origin of Macknish