Surname Kilmurray - Meaning and Origin

Kilmurray: What does the surname Kilmurray mean?

The last name Kilmurray is derived from the Gaelic words "cill" and "muireach," which mean "church" and "of the sea," respectively. The name is believed to be of Irish origin, and was traditionally used to denote those of a seaboard location, specifically those near the coast.

The earliest findings of the name are associated with Tipperary in Ireland, specifically the barony of Kilmurray, which now comprises the parishes of Grange, Ballingarry and Moyaliffe. Coincidentally, Kilmurray also translates to "church of Mary," suggesting the area may have held some spiritual significance as well.

The Kilmurrays were chiefly found in the larger region of Munster and throughout the country, though they were especially well-known in Waterford and Galway. They were a part of the Hiberian tribe, a society that practiced and propagated Gaelic culture. The tribe was known for its prominent roles in military campaigns all across Ireland, typically taking part in skirmishes against English troops.

The Kilmurray clan is a highly reputable one, and is known for its bravery and dedication to protecting what is rightfully theirs. Their name is a representation of their unique identity, and carries with it a legacy of courage and integrity.

Kilmurray: Where does the name Kilmurray come from?

The Kilmurray surname is most common throughout Ireland, in particular the provinces of Ulster and Leinster. The Kilmurray surname derives from the Norman surname 'de Kilmurray' which was taken on by the native Irish clans upon their occupation of the country. Their original seat was located in County Monaghan and today there are still many Kilmurrays living in Ireland.

In addition, the surname is common among families who have emigrated from Ireland. These families can be found in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.

Many of these families have kept their family name close to their hearts. Some have kept the Kilmurray surname while others have anglicised it to Murray or McMurray. As a result, there is a strong Kilmurray diaspora all around the world.

Since the surname's original introduction in Ireland, it has gained in popularity and numbers. With the introduction of websites like ancestry.com, many people around the world are discovering their family roots and with it their Kilmurray ancestors. Today, the Kilmurray surname is still a strong presence among Irish and Irish diaspora families.

Variations of the surname Kilmurray

Kilmurray is an Irish surname from the Gaelic Mac Giolla Mhuire. It is derived from the personal name ‘Giolla Mhuire’, which is a compound Gaelic name meaning ‘servant of the Virgin Mary’. This surname is anglicised in various ways, including Kilmurry, Kilmerry, Kilmoray, Kilmorrey, Kilmory and Kilmorey.

The prefix 'Mac' is commonly dropped from the Gaelic name, but can be retained in some cases. Variations can also include MacGillamurry, Mac Millmurry, McElmurry and MacIllmurry. These spellings are used predominantly in Scottish and Ulster forms of the surname.

The surname can be frequently found in surnames throughout the UK, Ireland and the world. Variations include Mulmurray, Millerry, Millmurray, Mulmoray and Mulmorey. The spelling variation McMurray is particularly popular in Scotland and America, and the Irish surname version is Murphy.

Though the prefix "Mac" or “Mc” is dropped from many of the variations, the Kilmurray spelling remains consistent in many parts of the world. The importance of using the correct spelling is paramount in identifying clan associations, as many of the other surname variants may not derive from the same original clan.

Famous people with the name Kilmurray

• Shawn Kilmurray: a Canadian basketball player who plays in college for Merrimack University.
• Jessica Kilmurray: an amateur astronomer and part of a team that discovered a new dwarf galaxy in 2018.
• Gordon Kilmurray: a rugby union player who represented his country at the 2000 Rugby World Cup.
• Paul Kilmurray: a professional soccer player who has played in the English Premier League, Major League Soccer, and the MLS.
• Jack Kilmurray: an actor who appeared in the television series Regular Show.
• Maggie Kilmurray: a country singer who had songs featured in the soundtrack of the film My Best Friend's Wedding.
• Charlotte Kilmurray: an illustrator and author of several children's books.
• John Kilmurray: an author and ghostwriter who wrote several books in the legal thriller genre.
• Evelyn Kilmurray: an animal rights activist and philanthropist who founded the Kilmurray Foundation.
• Emily Kilmurray: a social media influencer and fashion blogger with a popular YouTube channel.

Other surnames

Kilmurry