Surname Kirkcaldy - Meaning and Origin
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Kirkcaldy: What does the surname Kirkcaldy mean?
The surname Kirkcaldy (also spelt Kirckaldy, Kirkaldy or Kirkcawly) is derived from a place-name in the county of Fife in Scotland. The original name was Cair Chaladain, which means "fort of the Picts". The place-name is first recorded in the twelfth century when the town became a Royal Burgh. It was a major port and trading centre in the medieval period.
Over time, the place-name evolved to include other spelling variations of Kirkcaldy, as well as Kirkaldy and Kirkcawly. The variations might come from the original Scots language of the place-name or be attributed to regional dialects such as those of the Borders and Lothians.
For those with the surname Kirkcaldy, it implies a connection with the town's history, as well as its famous land and sea links. Many notable characters have had association with the town – including the writer Robert Burns, who was born in Kirkcaldy; and the popular poet and playwright Sir Robert Fergusson.
Today there are people with the surname Kirkcaldy all over the world, and it can provide a connection to Scotland and the town of Kirkcaldy. Within Scotland, the place-name is still well-recognised and many people with the surname can trace their family back to that place-name. For people with the surname, it can be associated with honour, courage and a proud heritage.
Order DNA origin analysisKirkcaldy: Where does the name Kirkcaldy come from?
The last name Kirkcaldy is most commonly found today in Scotland and parts of northern England. It is a Scottish surname derived from a place name in Fife, Scotland.
The name can be traced back to the Middle Ages when a family with the name de Kirkcaldy settled in the village of Kirkcaldy during the 13th century. Over the years the Kirkcaldy family spread out across the regional area, eventually taking the form of the name Kirkcaldy as we know it today.
Kirkcaldy is a popular name in Scotland, with 1,161 people in the country having the name in the 19th century, according to records of the period. Today the name can be found in a range of places, including Scotland, England, Canada and the United States.
The modern Kirkcaldy family is best known for their long history of military service to their respective countries. The Kirkcaldy Regiment, which was formed in 1792, is an example of this. The regiment has seen active service in various conflicts including the Crimean War, the First World War, and the Second World War.
The last name Kirkcaldy continues to be a popular name in many countries, as it symbolizes a long history and strong connection to Scotland. Families with the name can also be proud to have a history of military service, and are a reminder of the resilience and fortitude of the Scottish people.
Variations of the surname Kirkcaldy
Kirkcaldy is a surname of Scottish origin with several variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. The original spelling is Kirkcaldy, which came from the Scottish Kirkcaldy, which was the name of a town in Scotland. Other variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin include Kercheval, Kircaldie, Kircheve, Kirckaldy, Kirkecaldy, and Kirkeveld.
Kercheval is a variant of Kirkcaldy that was derived by combining ‘Kirk’, a Scottish word for church, and ‘Cheval’, the French word for horse. This name was used to represent one that lived near a church, or by a horse pasture or lane.
Kircaldie is another variant of Kirkcaldy, derived from the Scottish word ‘Kirk’, and old Welsh word ‘Caenlen’, which was related to the cairn, or a high pile of stones. This name was used to represent one that lived near a cairn.
Kircheve is a variant of Kirkcaldy derived from the Scottish word ‘Kirk’, and old Welsh word ‘Ceave’, which was related to the cave or hollow. This name was used to represent one that lived near caves or hollows.
Kirckaldy is another variant of Kirkcaldy derived from ‘Kirk’, and old Welsh word ‘Ald’, which was related to a wood, or dark grove. This name was used to represent one that lived near woods or groves.
Kirkecaldy is a variant derived from the old Welsh word ‘Kirdon’, which was related to a black stream. This name was used to represent one that lived by a dark stream.
Kirkeveld is a variant of Kirkcaldy derived from ‘Kirk’, and old Welsh word ‘Feld’, which was related to a barren or uncultivated region. This name was used to represent one that lived in a desert or wasteland.
Variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for the surname Kirkcaldy reflect a wide variety of origins, each with its own interesting history. All variants, spellings, and surnames share the same common origin, and are related to the original location of Kirkcaldy, Scotland.
Famous people with the name Kirkcaldy
- Ray Kirkcaldy, British singer, songwriter and producer.
- Steve Kirkcaldy, British actor and comedian.
- Tessa Kirkcaldy, British writer, director and producer.
- Paul Kirkcaldy, British author, actor and playwright.
- Andrew Kirkcaldy, British architect.
- Sam Kirkcaldy, British artist and sculptor.
- Harry Kirkcaldy, British politician.
- Jamie Kirkcaldy, British rock musician.
- Robert Kirkcaldy, Australian cricket player.
- William Kirkcaldy, 15th century Scottish courtier and politician.