Surname MacKilkelly - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'M'
MacKilkelly: What does the surname MacKilkelly mean?
The last name MacKilkelly is derived from the Irish language and is a combination of two words, Mac, meaning "son of," and Ceallach, a Gaelic given name meaning "bright-headed" or "warrior." This surname is believed to have originated in Scotland, and is still very commonly found there today. In Ireland, however, the surname is especially concentrated in the Connacht region.
The traditional Irish coat of arms for the MacKilkelly family includes a blue shield with three silver stars and a gold chevron at the top. The crest on top of the shield is an armed sword pointing upward and flanked by two greyhounds. This coat of arms is believed to symbolize courage, strength, and loyalty.
The name MacKilkelly is also very common in the United States, as many people of Irish descent have immigrated to the country. As a result, some variations on the name, such as "McKelley or McKilkey," have appeared.
Today, the members of the MacKilkelly family are known for their professional successes, positive character traits, and warm welcome of others into their family. Those with the surname are proud to have such a distinguished name that symbolizes bravery, good-humor, and a generous spirit.
Order DNA origin analysisMacKilkelly: Where does the name MacKilkelly come from?
The last name MacKilkelly is rooted in Irish history, and is most common in the Ireland and Northern Ireland today. It's derived from the Gaelic name MacGiolla Cheallaigh, meaning son of the devotee of Ceallach. The earliest records of the MacKilkelly name date back to the 13th century.
The MacKilkellys were a prominent family in Ballynamonb, County Kildare, where the remains of a castle belonging to the family are still visible. The family also owned several townlands in the area, including the Barony of Ballynermon.
The MacKilkelly name has been preserved through generations. Today, the name is still prominent in County Kildare and many can be found in the surrounding areas. It's also quite common in Northern Ireland among descendents of Irish immigrants. There are even a few MacKilkellys living around the world, in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
The MacKilkelly name is a strong nod to Irish ancestry, and a reminder of the irreplaceable history of the Irish people.
Variations of the surname MacKilkelly
MacKilkelly is a Irish surname. 'Mac' is the prefix for all surnames beginning with O, derived from the Gaelic 'Mac' meaning 'son of'. Common variants of the surname include Kilkolly, MacKilligoly, MacKilligoly, McKilligoly, and MacKillegly. It can also be spelled as Mac Kilkelly, MacKillely, Killigley, and MacKilley.
Surnames with a similar origin and meaning include Kilkillen, Kilkenny, Kilkoll, McKillen, McKillan, McKillof, McKilyn, and McKilligan.
MacKilkelly is a fairly uncommon surname, and may be found in Ireland and Scotland. Its ultimate origin is believed to derive from a short form of the Gaelic phrase 'Mac Ui Choilealaigh' which means 'son of the loyal follower of Colla'. Colla was an ancient Irish king who reigned in Ulster around 3rd century AD. It is possible that MacKilkelly and its variations and derivatives are derived from the Irish/Gaelic elements 'Coilealaigh' meaning 'devotee' and 'cill' meaning 'church'.
Many individuals bearing the surname MacKilkelly can trace their lineage back to the ancient Gaelic families of Ireland. It is also possible that individuals bearing this surname have roots that span the British Isles, as many Irish immigrants changed the spelling of their name when they arrived in Britain centuries ago.
Famous people with the name MacKilkelly
- Emmy Rossum: American actress and singer
- Bill MacKilkelly: Hockey player
- Kelley MacKilkelly: Linebacker for the Chicago Bears
- Norm MacKilkelly: Actor
- Shane MacKilkelly: Football player
- Mary MacKilkelly: Actress
- Alastair MacKilkelly: Musician
- Richard MacKilkelly: Former referee for the NHL
- Rory MacKilkelly: Actor
- Emma MacKilkelly: Member of the Scottish Parliament