Maginn History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:

Ireland

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The Irish surname Maginn originally appeared in Gaelic as Ó Finn, from the word "fionn," which means "fair." 1

Early Origins of the Maginn family

The surname Maginn was first found in County Sligo (Irish: Sligeach), in the province of Connacht in Northwestern Ireland, where they held a family seat from ancient times. One of the first records of the name was Aed Ó Finn, an Irish musician who died 1269. His obituary listed him as a master of music and minstrelsy.

Saint and Bishop Finn Barr (d. 623), of Cork, was son of Amergin, of the tribe of Ui Briuin Hatha of Connaught, who were descended from Eochaidh Muidmheadhon, brother of Olioll Olum, king of Munster. 2

Cumine Ailbhe or Finn (657?-669?), was seventh Abbot of Hy, the son of Ernan, son of Fiachna, of the race of Conall Gulban. "The term 'ailbhe' is explained as albus, or fair, in the 'Annals of Ulster,' and more fully in an ancient poem quoted in Reeves's 'Adamnan,' where he is referred to as 'Cumine of fair hair.' " 2

Early History of the Maginn family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Maginn research. Another 144 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1020 and 1369 are included under the topic Early Maginn History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Maginn Spelling Variations

Within the archives researched, many different spelling variations of the surname Maginn were found. These included One reason for the many variations is that scribes and church officials often spelled an individual's name as it sounded. This imprecise method often led to many versions. Finn, O'Finn, Maginn, Fynn, O'Fynn and others.

Early Notables of the Maginn family

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

Maginn migration to the United States +

A massive amount of Ireland's native population left the island in the 19th century for North America and Australia in hopes of finding more opportunities and an escape from discrimination and oppression. A great portion of these migrants arrived on the eastern shores of the North American continent. Although they were generally poor and destitute, and, therefore, again discriminated against, these Irish people were heartily welcomed for the hard labor involved in the construction of railroads, canals, roadways, and buildings. Many others were put to work in the newly established factories or agricultural projects that were so essential to the development of what would become two of the wealthiest nations in the world. The Great Potato Famine during the late 1840s initiated the largest wave of Iris immigration. Early North American immigration and passenger lists have revealed a number of people bearing the name Maginn or a variant listed above:

Maginn Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Charles Maginn, aged 17, who arrived in New York, NY in 1852 3

Maginn migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Maginn Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Mr. James Maginn, English convict who was convicted in Lancaster, Lancashire, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Aurora" on 3rd November 1833, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 4
Mr. Samuel Maginn, (b. 1821), aged 27, English convict who was convicted in London, England for 7 years for stealing, transported aboard the "Bangalore" on 1st January 1850, arriving in Moreton Bay, Queensland, Australia 5

Maginn migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Maginn Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

John Maginn, aged 21, a farm labourer, who arrived in Auckland, New Zealand aboard the ship "Queen of Nations" in 1874
Mary Maginn, aged 28, who arrived in Auckland, New Zealand aboard the ship "Queen of Nations" in 1874

Maginn migration to West Indies +

The British first settled the British West Indies around 1604. They made many attempts but failed in some to establish settlements on the Islands including Saint Lucia and Grenada. By 1627 they had managed to establish settlements on St. Kitts (St. Christopher) and Barbados, but by 1641 the Spanish had moved in and destroyed some of these including those at Providence Island. The British continued to expand the settlements including setting the First Federation in the British West Indies by 1674; some of the islands include Barbados, Bermuda, Cayman Island, Turks and Caicos, Jamaica and Belize then known as British Honduras. By the 1960's many of the islands became independent after the West Indies Federation which existed from 1958 to 1962 failed due to internal political conflicts. After this a number of Eastern Caribbean islands formed a free association. 6

Maginn Settlers in West Indies in the 17th Century

Daniel Maginn, aged 21, who landed in Antigua (Antego) in 1683 3

Contemporary Notables of the name Maginn (post 1700) +

William Maginn (1794-1842), Irish writer
Mr. Guy Julian Maginn M.B.E., British Higher Officer for Customs Manager for the Border Force with the Home Office, was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire on 8th June 2018, for public service 7