Surname MacGilbert - Meaning and Origin
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MacGilbert: What does the surname MacGilbert mean?
The last name MacGilbert is a Scottish name with a long and proud history. It is derived from the Gaelic Mac Gille Bheithe, meaning "Son of the Servant of St. Gilbert". This originates from the personal name Gillbert - a short form of "Gille Brigte", which means "servant of St. Brigit," a patron saint of Scotland and Ireland.
MacGilbert is an ancient clan in Scotland that dates back to 1200, when the first chief, Gillbert MacGilbert, lived. The clan is related to the Clan MacGregor, although the spelling has changed over the centuries.
The MacGilbert clan is renowned for its bravery, strength and loyalty. The clan fought alongside Robert the Bruce in the Wars of Scottish Independence from 1286 to 1328. They were also part of the Jacobite Uprisings and battled against the British army.
Members of the MacGilbert family have held positions of power and authority in Britain and beyond. This includes the 15th Chief, Col. William MacGilbert of MacGilbert, who was an admiral in the Royal Navy and member of the British Parliament.
The MacGilbert name is still strong in Scotland and other parts of Britain and the world. It represents a centuries-old bond of honor, bravery and loyalty - a legacy that will continue into the future.
Order DNA origin analysisMacGilbert: Where does the name MacGilbert come from?
The surname MacGilbert is mainly found today in the United States and Scotland. In the US, MacGilbert is common in states such as Massachusetts, New York, and California, as well as other scattered locations throughout the country. In Scotland, it is most commonly found in the Highlands, especially around the city of Inverness. This is particularly true in the areas of FoR aug and Badenoch & Strathspey. MacGilbert is also found in Ulster, Ireland; Cornwall, England; and British territories such as the Channel Islands.
The MacGilbert family originated in the early days of Scottish history. This is a sept name deriving from the powerful and wide-reaching clan known as the MacGregor Clan (Clann Mhic Ghréagair). It was then that a branch of the MacGregor Clan adopted the Scottish surname MacGilbert, which may have earlier derived from the Royal Stuarts of Scotland.
Today, the MacGilbert clan is widespread across the world. It remains a large and proud clan with a rich history and a long and distinguished lineage. The majority of MacGilberts live in the US and Scotland, however the clan has also spread as far as Australia and New Zealand. There are many ways to trace one’s MacGilbert ancestry, so even those who are not aware of their MacGilbert heritage may uncover and uncover this proud heritage.
Variations of the surname MacGilbert
The surname MacGilbert is a variation of a much older Gaelic name. It is derived from the Gaelic 'MacGillbride or MacGiollaBrighde' which translates to mean ‘Son of the devotee of St. Brigid’. Over the centuries, this name has undergone many spelling variations.
Common spellings for MacGilbert are MacGillibride, MacGillvray, MacGilliver, MacGillebert, MacGillibrand, MacGillzebra, MacGillairid, MacGill.
Variants of the MacGilbert surname are also found in many other countries. The variants include McGilbride, McAlbray, McKillibrand, Magilbride, Magill, MacGilvary, MacGillivray, MacGilliver, MacGelvray, MacKhilibrand, MacKhilirts, MacGillebraham, and MacGuheilbarvo.
Alternate surnames based on different origins can be found as well. For example, 'Maccubbin' is an alternate spelling of 'MacGilbert' from the Scottish-Irish borderlands. In England, 'MacGilbert' is sometimes spelled 'MacGilliver' or 'MacGilvray'.
In Ireland, many surnames derived from MacGilbert can be found, including MacGille Bhride, MacGiolla Bhrighde, MacGill mhic Bhrighde, and MacGiolla Bhride.
MacGilbert is one of the few Scottish clan names that has remained essentially unchanged for centuries. With its many variations and alternate spellings, this name has endured throughout the ages and spread to countries around the world.
Famous people with the name MacGilbert
- Gordon MacGilbert: Professional ice hockey player.
- Alison MacGilbert: American actress.
- Gay MacGilbert: Actor/painter/sculptor/illustrator.
- Jesse MacGilbert: Canadian actor and voice actor.
- Elmer MacGilbert: Canadian sports executive.
- David MacGilbert: English author, TV Presenter and broadcaster.
- Judith MacGilbert: Australian animal welfare campaigner.
- James MacGilbert: British entrepreneur and philanthropist.
- Penny MacGilbert: American actress.
- Scot MacGilbert: American historian and civil servant.
- Helen MacGilbert: New Zealand artist.
- Anna MacGilbert: British-Australian professional adventurer, mountaineer and polar explorer.
- Helen MacGilbert: British medical academic.
- Mary MacGilbert: British stage and film actress.
- Robert MacGilbert: American actor and entertainer.