Surname Kilbride - Meaning and Origin
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Kilbride: What does the surname Kilbride mean?
The surname Kilbride is an anglicized version of an Irish name derived from “Cill Bhrighde,” which translates to “Church of Brighid.” This likely originates when Irish Gaelic clans adopted “Brighid” as their patron saint in the early medieval period. The name is derived from an ancient Celtic goddess of fire, poetics, and wisdom. The Kilbride name has been linked to a number of regions in Ireland, including Ulster, Connacht, and Leinster, as well as Scotland. According to genealogical evidence, it is one of the most popular surnames in all of Ireland.
The emblem of the Kilbrides is a green knight on a white horse, holding a white shield with a shamrock emblem on it. This symbolizes the connection of the Kilbride family to their Irish heritage. In Scotland, the family crest is a silver pin with a black mullet. This motif has a direct lineage to the Clan MacGillebride of center-west Scotland and suggests a connection with the kingdom of Fife.
The Kilbride family is also closely associated with a tradition of clan warfare which began in the 11th century in Scotland and Ireland. They have developed a reputation for bravery and courage, which make them a respected line in Irish and Scottish history.
Today, the Kilbride name is still widely used in Scotland and Ireland and has begun to spread to the United States and other places around the world. Its legacy in Irish and Scottish culture is one of honor and respect, which the Kilbride family continues to carry on.
Order DNA origin analysisKilbride: Where does the name Kilbride come from?
The last name Kilbride can be found in many places today, but appears to be most common in Scotland and Ireland. In Scotland, the surname is mainly found in the Highland regions, particularly in the historic regions of Argyll, Inverness, and Sutherland. Similarly, Ireland is most known for those with the Kilbride surname, particularly in counties such as Carlow, Cork, Dublin, and Kerry.
Outside of Scotland and Ireland, however, there are many immigrants that have brought the Kilbride surname to many other countries. In North America, the last name can be found in the United States and Canada, while in South America it is most prominent in countries such as Argentina and Brazil. In the United Kingdom, the Kilbride name is still present in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Across Europe, the surname is found in the Netherlands, Germany, France, and Spain.
Additionally, throughout Australia and New Zealand, there is a presence of the Kilbride surname. As a whole, the last name seems to be most common in the United Kingdom, followed by North America. Beyond these areas, Kilbride is becoming increasingly present in countries around the world, particularly with increases of immigration and intercontinental travel.
Variations of the surname Kilbride
The surname Kilbride is of Irish origin, and is derived from the Gaelic name Cill Bride, which translates to "St. Brigid's Church." Variants of the name include Kilbride, Kilbrod, Kilbryde, Killbride, Kylbride, Kylbryde, and many more.
Kilbride can also be spelled with various combinations; for example, Kilbryde and Kylbride. The Mac Líghdha family is believed to have originated the surname, with the first recorded instance appearing in 13th century Scotland.
Alternative spellings and variants of Kilbride/Kilbrod can be found all over the world, such as Külbriide, Külbreide, Külbryde, Kylbryde, Kullbride, and Kullbryde. Each spelling variation gives a slight hint at the family's geographical origin.
The surname Kilbride also has many other surnames that may be related. These include Ó Cill Bhreandáin, Kilebride, Ó Cuil Bradáin, Killibridge, Killbrige, Killbryde, and Kildrained.
Finally, some variants of the name Kilbride have become more obscure over the years. These include Kilbron, Kilbrodd, Kilbroot, Kilbrun, and Kilbig. All of these surnames may have stemmed from the original spelling, Kilbride.
Famous people with the name Kilbride
- Eva Kilbride: CBBC presenter and voice-over artist
- Sunnie Kilbride: Scottish Fiddle Player
- Ryan Kilbride: Canadian actor best known for his role in the film "Cube"
- Brendan Kilbride: Radio presenter from Cork, Ireland
- Wendy Kilbride: English actress best known for her role in the British soap opera Emmerdale
- Julie Kilbride: Scottish actress who appeared in the show SO?
- Ronan Kilbride: Irish actor both on television and in theatre
- Nuala Kilbride: Irish artist
- Des Kilbride: Irish actor best known for his work on stage and television
- Laura Kilbride: English actress who appeared in the BBC comedy "Miranda"