McGinnis History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Ireland experienced a dramatic decrease in its population during the late 19th century. This was in a great measure, a response to England's imperialistic policies. Hunger and disease took the lives of many Irish people and many more chose to leave their homeland to escape such hunger and disease. North America with its promise of work, freedom, and land was an extremely popular destination for Irish families. For those families that survived the journey, all three of these things were were often attained through much hard work and perseverance. Research into early immigration and passenger lists revealed many immigrants bearing the name McGinnis:

McGinnis Settlers in United States in the 18th Century

• Catherine McGinnis, who arrived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1745 3

McGinnis Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

• Robert McGinnis, who landed in Maryland in 1802 3
• Thomas McGinnis, who arrived in America in 1804 3
• Roger McGinnis, who arrived in Allegany (Allegheny) County, Pennsylvania in 1808 3
• John McGinnis, aged 22, who arrived in New York in 1812 3
• Edward McGinnis, aged 30, who landed in New York in 1812 3
• ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

McGinnis Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century

• Mr. George McGinnis U.E. who settled in Canada c. 1784 4
• Mr. John McGinnis U.E. who settled in Canada c. 1784 son of Roberth McGinnis 4
• Mr. Richard McGinnis U.E. who settled in Canada c. 1784 son of Roberth McGinnis 4
• Mr. Robert McGinnis U.E. who settled in Canada c. 1784 4
• Mrs. Sarah McGinnis U.E., (McGinness, McGinn, Magin), (nêe Kast) (b. 1716) born in New York, USA who settled in Canada c. 1784 married having one son George 4
• ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

McGinnis Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

• William McGinnis, who landed in Canada in 1832
• John McGinnis, aged 22, a labourer, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick aboard the ship "Madawaska" in 1833
• James McGinnis, aged 2, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick aboard the ship "Madawaska" in 1833
• Sally McGinnis, aged 25, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick aboard the ship "Madawaska" in 1833
• Betty McGinnis, aged 20, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick aboard the ship "Madawaska" in 1833
• ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

McGinnis Settlers in Australia in the 18th Century

• Mr. William McGinnis, English convict who was convicted in London, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Barwell" in September 1797, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 5

McGinnis Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

• Mr. James Mcginnis, English convict who was convicted in Surrey, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Dromedary" on 11th September 1819, arriving in Tasmania (Van Diemen's Land) 6
• Mr. John McGinnis, English convict who was convicted in Middlesex, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Camden" on 21st September 1832, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 7
• Mr. Edward McGinnis, English convict who was convicted in London, England for 10 years, transported aboard the "Egyptian" on 5th April 1839, arriving in Tasmania (Van Diemen's Land) 8
• Miss Mary Ann McGinnis who was convicted in Glasgow, Scotland for 7 years, transported aboard the "Cadet" on 4th September 1847, arriving in Tasmania (Van Diemen's Land) 9
• Mrs. Mary McGinnis, aged 36, a servant, who arrived in South Australia in 1857 aboard the ship "Lady Ann"

• Robert Edward McGinnis (1926-2025), American artist and illustrator, known for his illustrations of more than 1,200 paperback book covers, over 40 movie posters, including Breakfast at Tiffany's (his first film poster assignment), Barbarella, and several James Bond and Matt Helm films
• George F. McGinnis (1950-2023), American professional ABA and NBA basketball player who played 11 seasons, inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame as player
• Howard Justus McGinnis (1882-1971), American academic, President of the East Carolina Teachers College (1944-1946)
• Brigadier-General Harold Alling McGinnis (1893-1986), American Inspector-General, 8th Air Force (1942-1944) 10
• Shannon McGinnis (b. 1980), American soap opera actress
• Scott McGinnis (b. 1958), American actor and director, best known as Mr. Adventure in Star Trek III: The Search for Spock
• Ryan McGinnis (b. 1987), American NHL ice hockey player
• Ross A. McGinnis (1987-2006), American soldier, Medal of Honor recipient
• Charles McGinnis (1906-1995), American Olympic bronze medalist
• Sid McGinnis (b. 1949), American musician and guitarist
• ... (Another 34 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)