Surname Killard - Meaning and Origin

Killard: What does the surname Killard mean?

The last name Killard is believed to have originated in northern Ireland. It is an Anglicized version of the Irish O'Coill Ard, which means "high wood" or "from the high wood," likely a reference to a family that lived on or near a hill with a dense tree-covering. Other versions of the name include O'Coilard, Killiard, and Kilard.

The earliest mention of the Killard name appears in the 17th century in the Muster Roll of Ulster, a British government document. It was recorded in the name of William Killard, an English soldier in the garrison of Derry. It is unclear how the name made its way to this area, but it is possible that the Killard family was among the Scottish and English settlers who established the Plantation of Ulster in the 17th century.

The Killard name later became associated with County Kilkenny in Ireland, where many families bearing this name reside today. Most of those living in Kilkenny trace their ancestry back to this family. The Killard family is well established; over a thousand years of history and tradition are behind the name.

The Killard family is renowned for their great resilience and determination; the name is often associated with compassion, loyalty, intelligence and a jovial spirit. Today, Killards continue to make their mark on the world as innovators, philanthropists and entrepreneurs. Whether their surname is Killard, Kilard, or Killiard, those of this ancient Irish line can be proud of their history and are certain to continue making a positive impact in the world.

Killard: Where does the name Killard come from?

The last name Killard is most commonly found in the United States today. The surname is of Irish origin and was first found in counties Cork and Limerick, with many branches of this family eventually settling in America in the late 1700s. The majority of Killard families maintained their roots in the New England area of the United States today, with a large concentration of families found in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, and New York.

The surname is also commonly found in Australia, with many members of the Killard family having emigrated from Britain in the 19th and 20th centuries. Apart from parts of the United Kingdom, Killard is found in countries such as Canada, South Africa, and New Zealand.

In the 2021 United States census, there are an estimated 18,000 individuals with the surname Killard, with the majority of those having their home in the state of Connecticut. Other states with a noteworthy population of Killard families include Michigan, Massachusetts, New York, California, and Virginia.

Throughout its migrations, the Killard family has consistently been able to maintain its presence in the United States and other parts of the world. With a rich and diverse background, the Killard family continues to thrive and grow.

Variations of the surname Killard

The surname Killard is an Anglicized spelling of the Irish, Gaelic surname Mac Giolla Ard, which literally means in English ‘son of the servant of the high one’. It is most common in the Province of County Down in Northern Ireland, but due to migration over the years, Killard is seen in Australia, England, New Zealand, Canada and the United States.

The variants and other spellings of Killard include: Macintosh, MacKillyard, Killeard, Kilard, Kilaird, Kilard, Kilhard, Killaird, Killar, Killard, Killhard, Killhardt, Killhart, Killirt, Killward, and McGilliard, among others.

Despite the variations in spelling, all these surnames trace their roots to the ancient Irish Mac Giolla Ard. The most notable bearer of the name was Sir Sidney Killard, who became the first baronet of Killard in 1680. Some English speakers also adopt the surname Gillard, likely due to mispronunciation when hearing the original Gaelic name.

In terms of variants, Killard could also refer to Kilgard, Killgart, and Killgart, which all derive from the same origin. Kilgard is likely based on the combination of the Gaelic “Mac Giolla” and “arda” which may mean “high” or “tall”. Killgart and Killgart are different spellings originating from the same root.

The surnames Killard, Kilgard, Killgart, and Killgart have all emerged from the same old Celtic name. With the spread of the family over the centuries, these variants have become commonplace as a result. Whilst the name may have changed slightly, the meaning and legacy of the surname remain the same.

Famous people with the name Killard

• Stephen Killard: Former Director of Infrastructure Financing at The World Bank.
• Ingrid Killard: South African actress, director, and dancer best known for her stage performance as the Queen of Swords in Mozart’s opera “La Clemenza di Tito”.
• Chris Killard: English footballer who currently plays for Sutton United.
• Alex Killard: Former professional footballer who used to play for Walsall and Millwall.
• Matt Killard: British rugby union player who has currently played for the Newcastle Falcons and Sale Sharks.
• Harry Killard: English cricketer who has represented Warwickshire, Gloucestershire and Derbyshire County Cricket Clubs.
• Jeff Killard: American televangelist, author and founder of the Christian ministry Jesus Lives!
• Kathy Killard: British author of several books on country cooking and innkeeping.
• Bernie Killard: Irish folk singer and songwriter who has received numerous awards for his folk-style music.
• James Killard: American stockcar racing driver, best known for competing in the NASCAR Busch Series and the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.

Other surnames

KillackyKillahyKillam