Surname MacIlhoyle - Meaning and Origin
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MacIlhoyle: What does the surname MacIlhoyle mean?
The last name MacIlhoyle is a Scottish-Gaelic surname of ancient origin. Its underlying meaning is believed to be the son of Ilhoyle, referring to a given name of ancient origin as well. This is often referred to in Scottish folklore, and is believed to have a connection with the old Norse meaning “ill-hater” or one who develops animosity towards others. In Scotland, the MacIlhoyle surname is generally thought to have originated in the ancient region of Argyll in the Western Highlands, in what is now part of Scotland.
This last name is part of a larger group of family names called clans, which were the chiefdom of Scotland. Clans could be identified by the tartan patterns of the family tartan, and the family would have their own chief or head of the clan. The MacIlhoyles were believed to have been affiliated with the MacDonald Clan, one of the most powerful clans in Scotland. The motto of the clans was do or die, and this attitude and spirit of strength has been passed down through generations of the MacIlhoyle family.
The history of the MacIlhoyle surname is rich in Scottish ancestry and tradition and carries a deep sense of pride. Over the years, this unique name has spread across Europe, as have its proud bearers. Today, some of the most prominent members of the MacIlhoyle family are those who have kept the name and continue to be proud of their heritage.
Order DNA origin analysisMacIlhoyle: Where does the name MacIlhoyle come from?
The last name MacIlhoyle is most commonly found in regions within the United Kingdom. In Scotland, MacIlhoyle can be found throughout Edinburgh, Glasgow, Ayrshire, Aberdeenshire, and the Scottish Highlands. It has also been found in Ireland, particularly in County Donegal, and in parts of Northern England such as Cumbria and Northumbria. In Wales, it is most frequently encountered in the south of the country.
In terms of regional distributions, MacIlhoyle is more contemporary and popular in Scotland than in the other countries to which it has reached. The greatest density of MacIlhoyle can be found in the northern regions of Scotland, specifically around the towns of Edinburgh and Glasgow. However, it is still relatively rare, with few MacIlhoyle’s present at any given location.
As for the origin of the last name, it has long been associated with Celtic origins, likely derived from the Gaelic MacGilleathain “son of the devotee of St. Eochaid". It could also possibly have been derived from an Anglicized version of the old Irish surname Mac Giolla Chathail.
The spelling of MacIlhoyle can sometimes vary between the Irish, Scottish, and English languages, with commonly encountered versions being MacIlhoyle, MacElvy, and McIlhoyle.
Variations of the surname MacIlhoyle
The MacIlhoyle surname is an Irish surname that can be found in several different spellings and variations, including McElhoyle, McElhul, McIlhoyle and McIlhul. It is derived from the Irish Mac Giolla Comhghaill, which translates literally to "the son of the follower of St. Comhghal". The focus of this noble family was located in the Glens of Antrim, in Northern Ireland, so the presence of the variations of this name can most likely be found there.
McIlhoyle and McElhoyle are the two most common variations of the MacIlhoyle name, however, there are many other spellings and variations. McElhul, MacIlhul, McIllhul, and McElhull are all somewhat common variations.
MacGill and McIlroy are two variants of the same origin, but neither are spelled the same as MacIlhoyle. MacGill is derived from the Gaelic Mac an Ghill meaning 'son of the devotee of.', as it was a name given to people of devout religious practices. McIlroy is an Anglicized version of Mac Giolla Ruaidh, which actually translates to “son of the follower of the red one”.
Some modern day spellings of the MacIlhoyle name can include Mcllhoyle, Mcllhul, and Macilhoyle. It is not uncommon for names to change and morph over time so it is important to keep an open mind when researching family history. However, given the many spellings, branches, and provincial branches of the MacIlhoyle family, it is likely that anyone researching this surname may encounter some difficulty confirming the exact origins of the family.
Famous people with the name MacIlhoyle
- Ed Macilhoyle- a classic car enthusiast and former presenter of the show ‘The Classic Car Show’.
- Clark Macilhoyle- an American football player from the mid-20th century.
- Scott MacIlhoyle- a former professional ice hockey player.
- Josh MacIlhoyle- an Emmy Award-winning production engineer.
- David MacIlhoyle- an author who wrote the book ‘The Metaphysical Principles of Self Transformation’.
- William MacIlhoyle- Major General in the US Air Force.
- John MacIlhoyle- a former Parsi cricket player in the 19th century.
- George MacIlhoyle- an American lawyer in the 19th century.
- Abigail MacIlhoyle- a British actress notable for her performance in the movie ‘Forty Years of Fun’.
- Helen MacIlhoyle- a British poet and author who wrote several best-selling books.