Surname MacKilgar - Meaning and Origin
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MacKilgar: What does the surname MacKilgar mean?
The surname MacKilgar is of Scottish origin. It likely originated as an Anglo-Scottish name derived from the Gaelic Mac Giolla Ghairidh, meaning "son of the devotee of St. Garidh" or "son of the follower of the short man”. St. Garidh, or Garadius, was a seventh century saint, known for his short stature. The surname is derived from the anglicized form of Garadius, which is Kilgar.
The surname MacKilgar is a specifically Scottish form of the name, as it is recorded as early as the fifteenth century in the Aberdeenshire area near St. Garidh's monastery. The surname belonged to numerous clans in Scotland, including the Earl of Airlie. Numerous branches of the MacKilgar family can be found in Scotland, Ireland, and other parts of the British Isles today, as well as other countries across the globe.
The meaning of the last name MacKilgar is thus indicative of one’s religion and ancestor’s belief system. It also speaks to the family’s origin in Scotland, and its various branches scattered across the world today, retaining their connection to their ancestral homeland while simultaneously carving out new identities. MacKilgar is a Scottish surname that carries both the many past generations of devout followers of St. Garidh, as well as that of a unique, globally dispersed clan.
Order DNA origin analysisMacKilgar: Where does the name MacKilgar come from?
The last name MacKilgar is most commonly seen today in the regions of Ireland and Scotland. The origin of the name is said to have come from MacEilgair, meaning "son of Elgair". This is an old Scottish-Gaelic name, derived from Elgair, a byname derived from a pet form of various Irish and Scottish names beginning with "Ailg". The MacKilgar surname is thought to be connected to an ancient Ulster-Scots family, similar to the MacAlister.
Surname records indicate that MacKilgar was a prominent surname in Ireland in the 1700s and 1800s. Most of the time, it was found in counties Down, Tyrone, and Antrim in Northern Ireland as well as southwestern Scotland, especially in Ayrshire and Renfrewshire. Of the Irish records, many shows that MacKilgars had moved to countries such as Canada, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand.
Today, the MacKilgar surname is less commonly found in its original locations of Ireland and Scotland. In the United States, particularly in California, New York, and Illinois, there has been pockets of MacKilgars who have migrated over the years for various reasons. Canada also boasts quite a significant population of MacKilgars due to its long history of Irish and Scottish immigration. Therefore, these regions have become the most popular places to find this compelling surname.
Variations of the surname MacKilgar
MacKilgar is an Anglicized spelling of the Scots Gaelic MacGilleghar, which is derived from the root "gille," meaning "servant of."
Variant spellings for MacKilgar include MacGilleghar, MacGilligar, MacGillgar, MacGiliar, MacKilligar, MacKligar, MacKiligar, and MacKilla.
Surnames with the same origin as MacKilgar are Gille, Gils, Gillar, Gilli, Gillick, Gillie, Gillies, Gillett, Gillet, Gilliot, Gillieson, Giller, Gillray, Gilleran, Gillanders, Gilley, Gillie, Glaser, Glazier, Glaser, Glasier, Glover, Glesner, Gleister, Glessner, Glaister and Glaser.
Each of these surnames varies from MacKilgar in some way, but all share the same root, indicating that their holders had ancestral ties to Scotland. From ancient Gallic warriors to today's immigrant families, the name MacKilgar is an enduring symbol of Scottish origin and resilience.
The history of the MacKilgar surname has been intertwined with the history of Scotland for centuries. It is one of the oldest surnames in Scotland, with the first recorded mention dating back to 1319. While some of the variants and spellings are considered extinct, some have survived to modern day and their bearers are still proud to carry the name MacKilgar.
Famous people with the name MacKilgar
- Tichina Arnold: Actress; Best known for her starring role in the sitcom Martin.
- McCormick Turner: Professional soccer player
- Hannibal MacKilgar: Famous for his pioneering work in the development of the steam engine
- Colin MacKilgar: Former professional rugby player from New Zealand
- Rory MacKilgar: Hollywood director and screenwriter
- Mairead MacKilgar: Olympic rower
- John MacKilgar: Professional golfer
- Michael MacKilgar: Astronaut
- Hugh MacKilgar: Musician and songwriter
- Cory MacKilgar: Professional stunt driver