Meaning & History
Innes is a Scottish masculine given name that originated as an Anglicized form of Aonghas, the Scottish Gaelic equivalent of the Old Irish name Óengus. The name is ultimately derived from Old Irish Óengus, which is thought to mean "one strength", composed of the elements óen "one" and guss "force, strength".
In Irish mythology, Aonghus (also known as Mac Óg, meaning "young son") was a god of love and youth belonging to the Tuatha Dé Danann. He was the son of the Dagda and Boann. The name was historically borne by an 8th-century Pictish king, several Irish kings, and a few saints, including a 9th-century bishop of Tallaght. In Scotland, the name appears as a given name in the form Innes, though it is also common as a surname. Notable bearers of the surname include the actor Scott Innes (born 1966), known for voicing characters in the Scooby-Doo franchise, and the abstract painter Callum Innes (born 1962). Among given namesakes, the Scottish author James Innes (born 1975) is known for his self-help books on leadership and management.
The name Innes is related to Angus, which is used in both Scottish and Irish contexts. Variants in Scottish Gaelic include Aonghas and Aonghus, while Old Irish used Óengus. The English short form Gus is also common. Despite its ancient roots, Innes remains in modern use in Scotland and among the Scottish diaspora, maintaining its cultural significance through its mythical and historical associations.
- Meaning: "one strength"
- Origin: Irish, Scottish Gaelic
- Type: Anglicized form of Aonghas
- Usage Regions: Scotland
Related Names
Sources: Wikipedia — Innes