McGuffin

Patronymic

Meaning

Descendant of Dubhín, a personal name possibly meaning 'little dark one'.

Etymology

The 'Mc' prefix indicates 'son of' in Irish and Scottish naming conventions. 'Guffin' derives from the Irish personal name Dubhín, where 'dubh' means 'dark' or 'black' and the diminutive suffix '-ín' suggests 'little'. The surname is associated with Ulster and Scottish regions.

About the McGuffin Surname

An Irish and Scottish patronymic surname derived from the personal name Dubhín. The name reflects Gaelic naming traditions with diminutive forms.

Distribution & Frequency

Estimated 4,000 bearers in the United States #1,979 most common surname
Rare Common

Found in Ireland and Scotland with emigrant populations in North America and other English-speaking countries.

McGuffin Surname Distribution

Geographic distribution based on Civil War military records.

Fewer
More

Notable Bearers

People with the McGuffin Surname