Surname MacKilcoyle - Meaning and Origin
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MacKilcoyle: What does the surname MacKilcoyle mean?
The surname MacKilcoyle is derived from the Irish Gaelic Mac Giolla Choiligh, which translates to “son of the devotee of Saint Colmcille.” It is derived from the given name Colmcille, which is an Irish version of the Latin Columba. Saint Colmcille was a 6th century Irish saint and the founder of the religious community at Iona, Scotland.
The Clan MacKilcoyle originated in the south of Ireland, in counties Cork and Kerry. Most members of the clan can trace their heritage back to one common ancestor, Conchubar macKilcoyle, who lived in the late 15th century. The clan spread to Scotland in the mid-17th century and to America in the early 19th century. In addition, there are also Gaelic speakers in Nova Scotia, Canada, and Mexico that can trace their roots back to Clan MacKilcoyle.
The surname MacKilcoyle is typically associated with a strong sense of loyalty, strength of character, and a fearless spirit of adventure. Members of the clan have taken on a wide range of professions, including metal workers, boat builders, fisherman, merchants, soldiers, and farmers. In addition to this, many members of the clan are known for their generosity, courage, and strong work ethic.
Order DNA origin analysisMacKilcoyle: Where does the name MacKilcoyle come from?
The MacKilcoyle surname is found primarily in Ireland and Scotland, with a few scattered across other parts of the world. It is especially common in the North-West and South-West of Ireland and along the West coast of Scotland, as well as some parts in Northern and Central Ireland.
The most common place to find the surname is in County Clare in the Republic of Ireland, where it is the 887th most common surname overall and is based primarily in the Barony of Tulla Upper. It is also found in County Fermanagh in Northern Ireland, again based in the parish of Tullanisken, but there are smaller concentrations found in the area around the Irish border.
The Scottish islands of Islay and Arran are home to families with the MacKilcoyle surname, although it is not as common in Scotland as it is in Ireland. There are also small populations found in the United States, Canada and Australia, usually descended from Irish and Scottish immigrants.
The name has a long history and originally belonged to the Mac Giolla Chomhghaill family of North-West Ireland, who came from the Clan Donald of Scotland in the 1200s. It is still a recognisable surname in these parts of the world today.
Variations of the surname MacKilcoyle
The Mackilcoyle surname can have many different variations, spellings and haircuts. Variations of the surname include MacIlcolg, McElcoil, MacElcoil, MacGillcoyle, MacGilleghoir, MacKilgoy, MacKilcoyle, McKilgoy, MacKilgore, McKilgore, MacUilioch, MacUlghire, MacUilleag, MacIlgriogair, MacGilleogair, McKilroy, MacElroy, and MacUileog.
The spellings of the surname are sometimes modified by a variation to Irish dialects, often changing vowels and/or consonants that may not even appear in the original spelling, such as McIlcolg being changed to MacIlcolg or MacGillcoyle. Many Irish surnames are also anglicized to make them easier to pronounce and spell, like MacKilcoyle being changed to McKilcoyle.
In some cases, families with the same surname may have spelt it differently over time. For example, the Mackilcoyle surname can also be spelt as Kilcoyale, Kilkoele, Kilcoill, Kilcoilee, Kilcoile, and Kilgoile.
In addition to the variants and spellings, the surname MacKilcoyle may also have associated surnames, such as MacKilcoyle-McKilrone, McKilcoyly, McKilcrone, McKillcoyle, or Kilcoyle. These surnames may appear in historical documents if someone with the surname would have moved from one area to another, but remained in the same family. Over time, spelling variations occurred and the family may have become associated with another, more common surname.
Famous people with the name MacKilcoyle
- Jami MacKilcoyle: a professional stunt performer and action actress.
- Barry MacKilcoyle: an Irish actor known for roles in In The Mood for Love, Cinderella, and A Child's Illusion.
- Matt MacKilcoyle: an American professional poker player with major tournament wins.
- Trevor MacKilcoyle: a Chicago-based musician, producer, and writer.
- Lorna MacKilcoyle: a Belfast-born actress, best known for her role as Maureen Cloney in My Left Foot.
- Brian MacKilcoyle: an award-winning Canadian actor and director, best known for his roles in the film Lucky Numbers and the TV series Strange Empire.
- Kathleen MacKilcoyle: an American physical therapist and best-selling author of Pain Free: A Revolutionary Method for Stopping Chronic Pain.
- Magnus MacKilcoyle: the late Scottish-Irish actor and playwright, best known for his plays The Lark and The Plough and the Stars.
- Anne MacKilcoyle: a composer and Broadway conductor who has worked on shows like Les Miserables, Cats, and The Phantom of the Opera.
- Donald MacKilcoyle: a veteran Hollywood executive producer, best known for producing films like Sharknado, The Burbs, and Grand Theft Auto.