Surname Macilhone - Meaning and Origin
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Macilhone: What does the surname Macilhone mean?
The last name Macilhone is an Irish surname found mainly in the counties of Leitrim and Roscommon. It is an Anglicized form of the Gaelic name Mac Giolla Sheamain, which is derived from the personal name Giolla Sheamain and the prefix 'mac', meaning 'son of'. It originates from Welsh-Norman settlers who arrived in Ireland in the twelfth century.
The surname has a number of variations, including MacGilhone and McGilhone. The root of the family is believed to be Royal, tracing its ancestry to the 11th century King Ríghe of Connacht, as well as prominent figures of Clann O’Ruairc.
Within Ireland, the Macilhone family is commonly associated with the Magh Seola and the Tuatha da Danaan, which are two of the five provinces which make up ancient Ireland. Today, the clan remains primarily in the County Roscommon, although there are several branches that are scattered throughout the country, especially in neighboring Galway and Mayo.
The meaning of the last name is thought to be 'son of the wise one', and it may have been given to someone who possessed intelligence and wisdom. Alternatively, Macilhone may have originated as a descriptive term for someone who had a pleasant voice. Others believe that the origin of the name refers to someone whose home was surrounded by yew trees, and that may have been seen as a sign of great luck and fortune.
Regardless of the true origin, the Macilhone family is steeped in history and has an important place in the Irish culture.
Order DNA origin analysisMacilhone: Where does the name Macilhone come from?
The last name Macilhone is of Irish origin. It is derived from an old Gaelic clan originating from the ancient Uí MacDiarmata kingdom in Co. Galway. The Macilhones were among the most powerful families in Connacht during the medieval period.
Today, the Macilhone surname is most commonly found in the Irish Republic. According to the Irish online genealogy resource "IrlReg", Macilhone is the 595th most common surname in the country, with approximately 1,900 bearers of the name living there in 2021.
The name is not equally widespread throughout Ireland, however. It is primarily concentrated in counties Galway and Mayo, in the west. In Galway Galway County Council records indicate that the Macilhone name is the 84th most common surname in the city and county.
Outside the Irish Republic, the Macilhone surname is likely to be found in Great Britain, as well as in the United States, Canada, and Australia. Records indicate that Macilhone families migrated to these countries during Ireland’s Great Famine of the mid-19th century and at other times as well.
The Macilhone name has endured for centuries, and will likely continue to thrive well into the future. Its dispersal throughout the world is a testament to the strength of the Macilhone family, and their indomitable spirit and commitment to the next generation.
Variations of the surname Macilhone
Macilhone is an Irish surname derived from the Gaelic name Mac Giolla Eoin meaning “son of John”. Variants of this surname include Mac Gillighone, Mac Gilhone, Macgilhone, Magilhone, Magilone, Macilhoun, Macilhun, Macillhone and MacLhone.
In English speaking countries there are often alternative spellings which are either more simplified and Anglicised or are phonetically similar. Some of these alternative spellings of Macilhone include MacGillone, MacGillion, MacLion, McLion and McGlone.
Different branches of the same family may also have slight variations in spelling or pronunciation of the surname. Some of these variations could be spelled MacGlasshone, MacGillahone, MacGlassone or Machilone.
It is possible that geographically specific variants of the surname may have developed over the years. For example, in Northern Ireland MacLune and MacLoyne might be found, while in Scotland the variations of MacGowen, MacGowan, MacGouan and Magowan might be seen.
In the United States the various modified spellings of Macilhone such as Mcklhone, Mclhone and Maglione may also be available.
The Macilhone surname is not the only one to originate from the Irish Gaelic name Mac Giolla Eoin. Other surnames which have the same root include MacSheehy, McShane, McKeon, MacKeown and McKeowne.
Famous people with the name Macilhone
- Midge Macilhone: a former fashion model who was featured in Seventeen, Glamour and Vogue magazines, as well as in advertisements for companies such as L'Oreal, Pepsi, and Clairol.
- Ingrid Macilhone: a singer-songwriter who wrote the 1999 hit single “I Will Love Again” and released several albums throughout the 2000s.
- Marie Macilhone: a British stage actress who has appeared in numerous roles in London's West End shows.
- Tom Macilhone: a notable Scottish football figure who previously managed teams in the Scottish Premier League.
- John M. Macilhone: a television executive producer and writer for shows such as “The Love Boat” and “The Jeffersons.”
- Lee Macilhone: an accomplished jazz drummer who has been featured on recordings and tours with iconic jazz groups such as the Joe Lovano Quartet.
- Billy Macilhone: an author and frequent contributor to The Scots Magazine and Scotland on Sunday.
- Dave Macilhone: an award-winning Scottish actor known for his roles in films such as “The Wicker Man” and “Hamlet.”
- Ewan Macilhone: a Scottish poet, novelist, and playwright who served as the first director of the Scottish Poetry Library.
- Ronald Macilhone: a Canadian politician and former mayor of the City of North Vancouver.