Surname MacKillen - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'M'
MacKillen: What does the surname MacKillen mean?
The last name MacKillen (occasionally spelled MacKillan) is an Irish surname that originated in County Donegal. The name is thought to derive from the Gaelic name Mac Giolla Fhaolain, which translates to “son of the follower of St. Paul”. This suggests that the first MacKillen was a member of a religious order. Alternatively, records dating back to the 1500s suggest it might have been a nickname for a person “with a ruddy complexion".
The MacKillen family were part of the powerful northern O’Neill clan. They were located in the Fews area, near the kingdom of Ulster. The O'Neills were constantly in conflict with the British for centuries. As a result, some members of the family emigrated in the 1700s to Scotland, the United States, and other parts of the British Empire.
The MacKillens today are a diverse group. Some are still in Ireland, while others have made their homes in other parts of the world. Many of their descendants continue to carry on the proud traditions of their heritage through language, culture, and faith.
Though the original spelling of their surname has morphed over the centuries, the MacKillens remain a well-respected family and a testament to their shared heritage.
Order DNA origin analysisMacKillen: Where does the name MacKillen come from?
The last name MacKillen is most commonly found today mainly in Ireland, particularly in Counties Mayo and Galway, as well as in Scotland, England, and the United States.
In Ireland, the MacKillen name is most associated with the Province of Connacht, particularly Galway and Mayo. The surname is strongly associated with County Mayo in particular. Records show the surname is far more common in Galway and Mayo then in other Irish counties.
In Scotland, the MacKillen name is most associated with the Western Isles and Argyll & Bute. In England, the name is most heavily associated with the counties of Cumbria, Yorkshire, Cheshire, and Lancashire. In the United States, the MacKillen name is most commonly associated with Texas, New York, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania.
The MacKillen surname is a derivative of the Irish Mac Giolla Fhionnáin meaning “son of the servant of FAINNÁN”. The prefix “Mac” signifies “son of” in most Irish contexts and the original Irish form of the surname, Mac Giolla Fhionnáin, can be found in records from the 17th century.
The spelling of the surname is quite varied. Spellings such as MacKillen, McKillen,MacGillen,McGillen, and McKillen can be found in records.
All in all, the MacKillen surname, while primarily found in Ireland, is also associated with Great Britain, the United States, and other parts of the world.
Variations of the surname MacKillen
The MacKillen surname has many variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. Variants of the MacKillen surname include MacKellen, MacKillin, MacKilling and McKillin. Spellings of the MacKillen surname have many variations such as MacKilleen, MacKielen, MacKillion, and MacKilon. Another spelling is McKilen, McKillen, or McKellan. Although these spellings differ, they are all of the same origin, which is MacKillen.
Surnames of the same origin to MacKillen can include MacGillen, McAllin, McCallion, MacDonnall, McCullen, and Gilleece. All these surnames come from the same root clan, which is MacKillen.
It is possible for a person to have a variation of MacKillen but still be of the same origin. The surname McAllin, for instance, is related to the naming group of MacKillen. While the surnames McAllin and MacKillen may sound completely different, they share a common origin.
In different places, the MacKillen surname may be spelled differently or have a prefix. In Ireland, where the MacKillen clan originated, it has been variously recorded as Mac Giolla Eoin (meaning son of John), MacGillen, McGillen, McEllen, McCailin, and even Gilleece.
Overall, the MacKillen surname has many variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. Variations of the MacKillen name are all related to the same clan, which makes tracing the family history less difficult.
Famous people with the name MacKillen
- Peter MacKellen: English actor best known for his roles in the Lord of the Rings trilogy and X-Men films.
- Jack Stanton MacKellen: American Youtuber and vlogger. 3.Thomas MacKellen: Canadian playwright and actor.
- Jennifer MacKellen: Hollywood costume designer best known for her work in the television series “Mad Men.”
- Robert Mackellen: Canadian film and television actor most notable for his role in Love and War.
- Ben MacKellen: Canadian actor, comedian and author.
- Muireann MacKellen: Irish singer songwriter.
- Annie MacKillen: American folk singer/songwriter.
- Sean MacKellen: Scottish actor known for his role in television series “Gangs of London”.
- Rob MacKellen: English actor and comedian who appeared in the comedy series "Babylon."