Surname MacIlhatton - Meaning and Origin
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MacIlhatton: What does the surname MacIlhatton mean?
The surname MacIlhatton is of Irish origin and is derived from the Gaelic personal name Mac Giolla Chomhataigh. The literal meaning of MacIlhatton is son of the devotee of Comhataigh, or ‘son of the follower of Comhataigh’. The personal name Comhataigh was itself derived from the Gaelic word comhacht, meaning ‘companionship’ or ‘friendship’.
The name is most prevalent in Ulster, where the earliest recordings of the surname can be found in the year 1367. It is likely that the MacIlhatton family were part of a larger clan or sept, most likely descended from the same paternal ancestor.
The MacIlhatton family has had a long, colourful, and varied history in Ireland. The most noteworthy member of the family is likely to be Sir Willoughby MacIlhatton, who was a confidant of Queen Elizabeth I. He was also highly esteemed by the Queen and wrote letters of introduction for her to powerful figures in Ireland while travelling there for her coronation.
In modern times, the MacIlhatton family remain prominent in provinces in Ireland, with many descendants bearing the surname. The name is also found in Scotland, England, and other parts of the world. The legacy of the MacIlhatton family is likely to endure for generations to come.
Order DNA origin analysisMacIlhatton: Where does the name MacIlhatton come from?
The MacIlhatton surname can be found today mostly in Scotland, Northern Ireland, and England. This surname is most likely of Scottish origin, as the spelling of 'MacIlhatton' is the traditional Scottish spelling. It is also a rare and uncommon last name; however, those who still bear the name MacIlhatton have a proud clan heritage and are likely descended from the MacIlhattons of the Highlands.
In Scotland, the MacIlhatton surname originated from the Gaelic Mac Giolla Chattan, which means ‘son of the follower of Saint Chattan’. This surname is associated with Clan MacKintosh, one of Scotland's more famous clans. This connection is rooted in a 16th-century feud between the MacKintoshs and the MacDonalds. The MacKintoshs allied with the MacIlhattons, bonding their clans together through marriage and alliances which strengthened their connection and ensured their mutual survival.
Today, members of the MacIlhatton clan are found across the United Kingdom, beloved in countries such as Scotland, England, and Northern Ireland, as well as in various locations around the world in the United States, Canada, and Australia. The ancient Scottish roots of the MacIlhatton surname continue to be remembered and honored, and the bond between the MacIlhattons and the MacKintoshs have become a uniquely special part of Scotland’s history.
Variations of the surname MacIlhatton
MacIlhatton is an rarely used surname of Irish origin, derived from Mac Giolla hAitíon, meaning 'son of the devotee of St. Aithen.' It is more commonly seen in its variant forms of MacLoughton, MacIltown, and MacLuton.
MacLoughton, which is the most common form of the surname, is a variation of MacIlhatton, derived from MacGhill Aitín, a Scottish Gaelic form of Mac Ilhatton. This variant is mainly found in Northern Ireland and Scotland.
MacIltown is another variant form of MacIlhatton. The spelling for this variant is derived from Mac Giolla An Thamhnaigh, an Old Irish form of Mac Ilhatton. This form of the surname is mostly found in Scotland.
MacLuton, the other main variant form of MacIlhatton, is derived from Mac Giolla An Thamhnaigh, which translates as 'son of the devotee of St. Thamhnaigh'. This variant is mostly found in England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
MacIlhatton is not only found in its variant forms. It is also found in other languages and can be spelt in various different ways. For example, the Scottish Gaelic form would be MacGhill Aitín; the Irish Gaelic form is Mac GioILLA aitÍn; the Welsh form would be MacGillawton; the French form MacGillatane; the Spanish form MacGillatano; and the German form MacGillataun.
In conclusion, MacIlhatton is a rare surname of Irish origin with various spellings and variants which are found mainly in England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Some of the main variants of this surname include MacLoughton, MacIltown, and MacLuton, while other forms include MacGhill Aitin, Mac GioILLA aitÍn, MacGillawton, MacGillatane, MacGillatano, and MacGillataun.
Famous people with the name MacIlhatton
- Richard MacIlhatton: Welsh rugby player who represented Wales between the mid-1930s and the 1940s.
- Danny MacIlhatton: Celtic F.C. footballer who made five appearances between 1990 and 1991.
- Felicity MacIlhatton: British author and model who began her career writing novels about teens and pre-teens.
- Fergus MacIlhatton: Scottish actor best known for his roles in the BBC television series Porridge, Grange Hill and Not Going Out.
- Angus MacIlhatton: Scottish historian and author who has published books on the history of Scotland and the Scottish government.
- Colin MacIlhatton: Scottish musician and producer who has recorded and produced many albums for artists such as Simple Minds, Pink Floyd and Madness.
- Andrew MacIlhatton: Canadian politician who served as a member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta from 1989 to 2004.
- Nicholas MacIlhatton: English actor who has had roles in popular television shows such as Emmerdale, Coronation Street, Degrassi: The Next Generation and The Inbetweeners.
- Ryan MacIlhatton: American baseball pitcher who played in Major League Baseball from 1991 to 1997.
- Iain MacIlhatton: Scottish football manager and former player who played for Partick Thistle and the Scotland national team.