Surname MacGilp - Meaning and Origin
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MacGilp: What does the surname MacGilp mean?
The surname MacGilp is derived from the Gaelic language and is a patronymic form of MacGill, which in turn is derived from the personal name Gill. This name is most likely derived either from the Old Norse personal name Gilli, meaning "son of the helmet", or from the Old English personal name Gilla, which derived from "gild" meaning "payment".
The MacGilp surname can be found primarily in Scotland, particularly in the Northern and Western Isles. Historical records show that the family was first found in Argyll, where the MacGilps held a family seat from very early times.
Although there is some suggestion that the clan originally descends from the later MacGills who resided along the Highland border, a greater likelihood is that the surname is a consequence of increasing Gaelic migration to Argyll during the 11th century. This was brought about when Duncan, King of Scotland requested that the descendants of several Gaelic families make their way to Argyll to provide protection against Viking raids.
As a result, the MacGilp surname is strongly linked to the ancient Celtic kingdom of Scots and it is associated with the ancient province of Dalriada which is located on the Northern Irish coast.
The MacGilps were known as a strong and proud clan, and were particularly determined in their defense of their homeland throughout the centuries. They have been widely recognized as liberators from tyranny, throughout Scotland, and were respected as the confidants of the highborn families. In addition to this, the MacGilp family has produced a number of prominent people who have achieved professional excellence in science, law, the arts, and many other fields.
Finally, the MacGilp name still runs strong in Scotland today, and represents a long tradition of courage, strength and loyalty.
Order DNA origin analysisMacGilp: Where does the name MacGilp come from?
The last name MacGilp is most predominately found in Scotland, particularly in the areas of the Argyll and Bute and Dunbartonshire counties. These areas are located in the West Central Lowlands of Scotland in the area of the old kingdom of Strathclyde.
The surname MacGilp appears in records dating back to 1272, with the first recorded spelling being listed as Gilpatricius de Culquhone, in the Barony of Aldour, Berwickshire. In 1298, the Barnes family of Cuningham in Dumfriesshire are first recorded as carrying the surname; MacGylp.
Today, many of the surname holders have moved away from Scotland to other parts of the United Kingdom and are living in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The surname has also expanded to North America and Australia.
According to the Surnames Database, MacGilp is the 4,859th most common last name in Great Britain. This number of people is further reduced when looking at Scotland on its own, as the last name is the 5,781st most common in the country.
Variations of the surname MacGilp
The variant spelling of the surname MacGilp is McGilp, or McGilvray. This is a Scottish surname of Gaelic origin from the Clan MacFhionghuin, meaning "son of Finnguine". The various other spellings of this surname includeGilpin, Gilp, Gilb, Gilvray, Gilvvray, Mcgilivray,McGillevery, MacGailoue, MacGilivary, and MacGilevery.
The surname MacGilp originally originated from the village of Lochgoilhead in Argyll, Scotland. Clan MacFhionghuin was a branch of the larger Campbell Clan and the Gaelic origin of the surname is MacFhionghuin, meaning “son of Finnguine”. The name likely comes from a personal name derived from the word finn, meaning “fair”.
The variations of this surname can be found throughout Britain. McGilp and McGilvray are particularly common in Scotland, with MacGilp and Gilpin also found throughout Scotland and Ireland. Gilpin can also be found in parts of northern England.
The use of hyphenated surnames, in which two or more names are combined into one, is also popular among those with the MacGilp surname today. Examples include Gilpin-McGill, McGill-Gilp, and MacGilp-McGill.
Overall, MacGilp is a distinctive and unique surname that has a rich history. The many variations of this surname can be found throughout Britain, and those who bear this surname can feel a strong connection to the Clan MacFhionghuin and their Scottish heritage.
Famous people with the name MacGilp
- Molly MacGilp: Scottish singer-songwriter
- Sarah MacGilp: former musical director and co-founder of the Glasgow-based band Baby Alpaca
- Billy MacGilp: Scottish footballer
- Roger MacGilp: Scottish footballer
- Corrie MacGilp: Scottish footballer
- David MacGilp: Scottish footballer
- Les MacGilp: Scottish footballer
- Michael MacGilp: Australian rules footballer
- Allan MacGilp: British television writer
- Stuart MacGilp: Irish-Scottish sculptor