Surname MacIlmoyle - Meaning and Origin
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MacIlmoyle: What does the surname MacIlmoyle mean?
The last name MacIlmoyle is an Anglicized form of the Scottish name Mac Giolla Mhaoil, meaning "son of the devotee of the crown." Historically, this name may have indicated devotion to one of the ancient clans that held royal status in Scotland. Alternatively, the name may have originated as a form of devotion to the Stewart Kings of Scotland, referred to as the House of Crowns.
The name originates from several locations in Scotland, including the Isle of Skye and the Borders regions, and may have been derived from a Gaelic phrase meaning "son of the servant of the king." It also appears to be related to other surnames derived from Ireland and Wales.
MacIlmoyle is a common name in Scotland, but not one that is commonplace in other parts of the world. Those closer to Scotland with the name are likely to bear a strong connection to Scotland, either through family ties, ancestry, or through heritage.
The MacIlmoyle name combines strength, honour and nobility, and is a crystallization of the spirit of the determined and strong people of Scotland. The name conjures up a sense of the pride, dignity and courage associated with the people bearing the name. This historical designation is a testament to the spirit of the Gaelic people.
Order DNA origin analysisMacIlmoyle: Where does the name MacIlmoyle come from?
The surname MacIlmoyle is derived from the Gaelic name Mac Giolla Mhaoil, which translates to ‘son of the servant of St. Maol’. It is a surname of Celtic origins, and is most commonly found in Ireland, Scotland and America, with small concentrations present in Wales, Canada, and Australia. The most prominent concentration of the name MacIlmoyle is located in the north-east of Ireland, particularly in the counties of Tyrone, Armagh and Antrim.
Within Ireland, the name MacIlmoyle originated in the townlands of Killen and Red Hall on the border of parishes between Omagh and Carrickmore, County Tyrone. It is suggested that the ancestor of the clan was Giolla Mhaoil MacIlmoyle, a 12th century bishop of the Diocese of Rugby in Scotland.
In Scotland, the name MacIlmoyle is most common in the islands of Skye and Lewis, in the Outer Hebrides. However, the majority of the remainder of the Scottish population is concentrated in the two main cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh.
The United States is currently home to the most MacIlmoyle’s in the world, with over one thousand individuals bearing the surname. Most of these individuals arrived in the eighteenth century to settle in Pennsylvania, New York, Maryland, Virginia, and South Carolina. Today, large MacIlmoyle populations are found in Illinois, California, and Texas.
Internationally, Australia also boasts a population of MacIlmoyles, although most bear the spelling Makilmoyl, having been anglicised upon their arrival in Australia. The population is mainly located in Fremantle, Warrnambool and the Pilbara regions.
Overall, the MacIlmoyle surname is most commonly found in Ireland, Scotland, the USA, Canada, Australia, and Wales. It has become a true diaspora surname, as members of the family have settled in various countries throughout the world.
Variations of the surname MacIlmoyle
MacIlmoyle is an anglicised form of the Gaelic Irish surname Mac Giolla Mhaoil which literally translates to mean son of the servant of St. Maol.
Variants of the name MacIlmoyle include MacIlmoloy, Macllmoil, Macllmoil, Mac mulloyle, Macilmolly, and Macilmolly. Spellings of the same surname may include MacIlmoyle, MacIlmoyl, McIlmoyle, McIlmoyl, and MacElmoyl.
Surnames of the same origin as MacIlmoyle include O'Malley, MacMullen, O'Mailey, Mailey, Mullowney, MacMaolain, MacMillen, DeMaolain, MacLaighin, MacGillvoy, MacEl Moyl, and MacEl moyle.
In some cases, MacIlmoyle may also be spelled as Mac Elmoil, MacElmoil, or MacElmcill, with alternate spellings existing alongside surnames derived from O'Molloy, MacMaulis, and McMauley.
The form of the surname, Mac Ilmoyle can be found throughout Ireland, often recorded as Mulloy, Maloy, O'Malley, and Mellevy. The form MacIlmoyle may also be found in Scotland in the form of Mullow.
Famous people with the name MacIlmoyle
- Robert MacIlmoyle: Robert MacIlmoyle is a professional ice hockey player who last played for the Toronto Maple Leafs in the early '90s.
- Alexander MacIlmoyle: Alexander MacIlmoyle was an English actor who appeared in a variety of films and television series. He is known for his roles in such films as Crying Game, Sense and Sensibility, and The Long Good Friday.
- Guy MacIlmoyle: Guy MacIlmoyle is a British businessman and former television executive. He held various senior positions at Channel 4, BBC, and ITV, and was the chairman of the Royal Television Society.
- Tony MacIlmoyle: Tony MacIlmoyle is a Scottish football manager and former player. He was the manager of Blackburn Rovers, and also held a variety of senior positions at clubs such as Calgary Boomers and Falkirk FC.
- Andrew MacIlmoyle: Andrew MacIlmoyle is a Canadian entrepreneur and real estate developer. He is the owner and CEO of MacIlmoyle Enterprises, a real estate development company based in Vancouver.
- John MacIlmoyle: John MacIlmoyle is a former English cricketer. He played for several county clubs including Nottinghamshire, Lancashire, and Essex.
- Craig MacIlmoyle: Craig MacIlmoyle is a British entrepreneur and aircraft leasing expert. He was the founder of Alba Leasing, the world's largest independent provider of aircraft leasing and financing.