McGinness

McGinness is a surname of Irish and Scottish origin. It is an Anglicized form of the Gaelic name Mag Aonghusa (Irish) or Mac Aonghuis (Scottish), meaning "son of Aonghus."

Origin and Meaning:

The Gaelic personal name Aonghus is composed of the elements aon, meaning "one" or "unique," and ghus, meaning "choice." Therefore, Aonghus can be interpreted as "unique choice" or "sole choice." Historically, Aonghus was the name of several figures in Irish and Scottish mythology and history, including a god of love and youth in Irish mythology.

Distribution:

The surname McGinness (and its variants) is most commonly found in Ireland, particularly in the counties of Ulster (especially County Donegal) and Connacht. It is also found in Scotland, particularly in the Highlands. Due to emigration, the surname is now found in many English-speaking countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom.

Variants:

The surname McGinness has several variations, including:

• Magennis
• McGuinness
• Guinness
• McInness (sometimes)

Notable People:

Numerous people with the surname McGinness or its variants have achieved prominence in various fields. Examples include authors, artists, athletes, politicians, and business leaders. Note that the connection to Guinness, though a variant, also implies a connection to the notable Guinness brewing family.