Surname MacGilroy - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'M'
MacGilroy: What does the surname MacGilroy mean?
The surname MacGilroy is of Scottish origin, derived from the Gaelic personal name Gille Ruaidh, which translates as 'the red-haired youth'. The prefix "Mac" in Scottish and Irish names means 'son of', therefore, MacGilroy essentially signifies 'son of the red-haired youth'. This surname is common among descendants of Scottish Highland clans, and like many Gaelic names, it is linked to a particular characteristic – in this case, red hair. It's important to note that the spelling of the name may have varied greatly over the centuries due to factors like translation and phonetic spelling. Therefore, it may also be found as McGilroy, MacGilray, MacGillroy, or other similar variants. Despite its distinct geographic and ethnic roots, the globalization and migration of the past centuries have spread bearers of the surname MacGilroy around the world.
Order DNA origin analysisMacGilroy: Where does the name MacGilroy come from?
The surname MacGilroy is of Scottish origin, derived from the Gaelic "Mac Giolla Ruaidh" which translates to "son of the red-haired youth". McClintock suggested another possibility: it could also originate from 'Mac giolla Rìgh', meaning ‘son of the king’s servant’. This surname is predominantly seen in areas of Scottish influence.
However, like many British surnames, it has spread in various forms throughout regions of former British colonies and territories. Although not extremely common, it can be found in places such as the United States, Canada, and Australia. Despite the dispersion, Scotland and Northern Ireland remain areas where you are likely to encounter the surname. Variations of the name include Gilroy, Kilroy, MacElroy, MacGilroy, and others. These different renditions have mostly arisen due to the phonetic spelling and regional dialect influences. In some cases, "Mac" may be dropped. Considered quite rare in present times, those with the MacGilroy name might share a historical connection to Scotland.
Variations of the surname MacGilroy
The surname MacGilroy is of Irish origin and has several variations and derivations in its spelling. This nickname was given to descendants of King Rory, with the meaning 'the son of red king.'
Some of the common variants include Magilroy, MacGilroy, McElroy, McIllroy, and McIlroy. Other spellings include MacElroy, MacIlravie, MacIlree, MacIlriach, MacIlraith, and MacIlravey. It can also be seen as MacIlvride, MacIlwraith, MacKilroy, and MacKilroe. The exact spelling can often change with translation and migration, leading to a wide variety of surnames that are all derived from the same origin.
In addition to these, there are several other surnames that relate to the original MacGilroy through translation, as many Irish surnames have been Anglicized over time. For example, the name Gilroy without the Mac or Mc prefix is also derived from the same Gaelic roots. Other Anglicized versions might be Kilroy or Kilroe.
Therefore, all these names can be considered as variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for the surname MacGilroy. These surnames have passed down through generations and dispersed geographically, leading to the numerous variations we see today.
Famous people with the name MacGilroy
- Serena MacGilroy: American basketball player for the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA).
- Mackenzie MacGilroy: British musician and singer.
- Forest MacGilroy: American professional golfer who won the 1928 U.S. Open.
- Virginia MacGilroy: American television writer and producer known for her work on "Will & Grace" and "My Name Is Earl".
- Cody MacGilroy: Canadian Major League Baseball player.
- Robert MacGilroy: American Author and award-winning journalist.
- Rachel MacGilroy: British voice actress best known for her portrayal of Glinda the Good Witch in "The Land of Oz".
- Clark MacGilroy: American filmmaker and cinematographer.
- Thomas MacGilroy: Irish playwright, director, and theatre producer.
- Clara MacGilroy: Curator at the Pittsburgh-based Carnegie Museum of Natural History.