The spelling of the word "mcginnis" can be a bit tricky for non-native English speakers. The correct pronunciation is /məˈɡɪnɪs/, with the stress on the second syllable. The "mc" in the beginning is pronounced like "mick", and the double "n" is pronounced like "nn" in "inn". The final "is" is pronounced like "iss". The spelling of this word comes from Irish and Scottish origins, with the "mc" prefix meaning "son of" in Gaelic.
The etymology of the surname "McGinnis" can be traced back to Ireland. It is an anglicized form of the Gaelic surname "Mac Aonghusa", meaning "son of Aonghus". "Aonghus" is a personal name derived from the Celtic god "Aengus", who was associated with love and youth in Irish mythology. Over time, the surname "Mac Aonghusa" evolved into variations like McGinnis, McGuinness, or McInnis. It is a relatively common surname in Ireland and among Irish diaspora communities.