Origin and Meaning of Agnew

A place name derived from the Scottish Gaelic 'Aonghas', meaning 'one choice' or 'excellent'.

Origin: Scottish Gaelic - From the surname Agnew, which has origins connected to the Gaelic name Aonghas, meaning 'one choice'.

• Agnew is primarily found as a surname, notably among Scottish clans, and has historical ties to nobility.
• The name is also associated with place names in Scotland, indicating its geographical significance.
• Notable bearers include Agnew of Lochnaw, a title held by several notable figures in Scottish history, including Sir Andrew Agnew, a prominent 19th-century politician.
• As a given name, Agnew has seen limited use, remaining more common as a surname, especially in regions with Scottish heritage.
• Variations of the name include Aonghas (Angus) and its diminutives, reflecting its roots in Gaelic traditions.