The spelling of the surname McJunkins is derived from Scottish Gaelic. The name is pronounced as /məkˈdʒʌŋɪnz/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The letters "Mc" is a prefix meaning 'son of'. The word "Junkins" is pronounced with a soft 'j' sound and ends with an 's'. It was shortened from the Scots-Gaelic word "Siúchain" which means a polite or courteous person. Variations of the spelling of McJunkins include McCuinch, McCune, McCuine and McQueine.