Show ContentsMacKinven History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Early Origins of the MacKinven family

The surname MacKinven was first found in Kintyre, where they held a family seat in this wild and romantic highland territory. Their territories were first located on the west side of the peninsula of Kintyre and the surname was mistakenly believed to a form of MacKinnon. Their name was derived from the Gaelic MacIonmhuinn or AcIonmhuinn in Kintyre which means "beloved son." 1 Religious allegiances were important in this terrain and it became the domain of persecuted Covenanters. The Hebridean Islands were also a refuge from Government intrusion.

Early History of the MacKinven family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our MacKinven research. Another 57 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early MacKinven History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

MacKinven Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: McKinven, McKinvon, McKinvine and others.

Early Notables of the MacKinven family

More information is included under the topic Early MacKinven Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


Canada MacKinven migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

MacKinven Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century
  • Mary MacKinven, who arrived in Ontario in 1840
  • Alexander MacKinven, who arrived in Ontario in 1840


  1. Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland Their Origin, Meaning and History. New York: New York Public Library, 1946. Print. (ISBN 0-87104-172-3)


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