This interesting and unusual surname is of Old Scots-Gaelic origin, and is a variant of "MacCune", which is the Anglicized form of "MacEoghain". This is composed of the Gaelic prefix "Mac", son of, and the personal name "Eoghain, Eogann", now generally acknowledged to be a Gaelic form of the Latin "Eugenius" (Eugene), from the Greek "Eugenios", meaning "well-born, noble", borne by a 3rd Century bishop and martyr. "MacCune, MacCunn" are old surnames found in Galloway, Scotland, where the first recorded namebearer (see below) granted a charter to Roland Kenedy. The surname was probably introduced into Ulster by Scottish settlers, as close ties exist between Ulster and Scotland. However, in Ireland "MacCune" may also be a variant of MacKeon, Keown, the Anglicized forms of "MacEoghain" in Connacht, and MacEoin in East Ulster (both from Irish forms of John). Early examples in Scotland include Donald MaKcune (1497); John Makcune (1535, Galloway); and John M'Cune, Cunn (1627, Dumfries). Samuel McCunn married Jane Yarre in 1838, at Slievenagh, Antrim. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Gilcrist McKwnne, which was dated circa 1370, in the "Calendar of the Laing Charters, 854 - 1837", during the reign of King David 11 of Scotland, 1329 - 1371. 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.

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