Surname MacKilleran - Meaning and Origin
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MacKilleran: What does the surname MacKilleran mean?
The last name MacKilleran is an anglicised form of the Gaelic name Mac an Ghealair, which translates as “son of the blond” in English. Originally the name originated as a Scottish clan from the Hebrides, specifically the Isle of Barra, but it is now found spread across the world.
The MacKilleran surname is most commonly associated with the Isle of Barra, where the clan is thought to have been founded by Aindrea Mhic an Ghealair MacKilleran in the 13th century. As with most Gaelic names, the surname is steeped in regional culture and was likely taken on as a marker of one’s origin. His descendants are thought to be the original settlers of the Barra islands.
Today, the MacKilleran surname can be found throughout Scotland, Ireland, and beyond. It may be still typically associated with the Hebrides, but the family has certainly expanded beyond the nature of its genealogical descent. Derived from a Celtic tradition of combining the father’s first name and given surname, the MacKilleran name may appear in different variations as its owners have shared their name with their descendants. It may not provide an overwhelming amount of information, but this last name certainly carries with it a sense of its Celtic origin.
Order DNA origin analysisMacKilleran: Where does the name MacKilleran come from?
The last name MacKilleran is most commonly found in Scotland and Ireland. Control of these islands has historically shifted between different nations, including Scotland, Ireland, England, and Wales, and more recently the European Union, making it difficult to trace names like MacKilleran over time.
In Scotland, early records on the MacKilleran surname go back to the early 15th century, with references made to members of the family living in the Central Highlands. It is believed that the MacKilleran’s are related to the larger Clan Donald (Clan MacDonald) through their common ancestor, Angus MacDonald.
In Ireland, the MacKilleran surname is thought to have been introduced there as a result of Norman influence. The earliest known records of the surname appear in the Annals of Ulster from the 12th century. A branch of the Irish MacKilleran family, known as the MacKillerans of Corrib, were mainly concentrated in the Galway area.
Today, the McKilleran surname is most commonly associated with Scotland and Ireland, although small pockets of people with the surname can be found in America, Australia, and other nations around the world.
Though it is difficult to track the exact number of McKillerans living today, recent research estimates the number to be around 2,500-3,000 globally.
Variations of the surname MacKilleran
The MacKilleran surname has many variant spellings and alternate surnames. MacKilleran is spelled differently depending on the origin and dialect of speakers. The MacKilleran suffix can also occur with variant spellings, including MacIllarain, Killeen, Killoran, Killern, MacEllarayn, and MacIlleran.
The surname is most commonly seen with a ‘Mac’ beginning, and is an anglicized variant of the Gaelic names Mac Giolla Dhomhnaill, meaning “son of the devotee/servant of St. Domhnall”. It is derived from the Irish and Scottish Gaelic first name “Domhnall”, which is the modern form of the ancient name “Domhnall”.
Other variants of MacKilleran found in records include McKeyrnan, McKylarn, MacKillon, MacKelron, MacKeelran, MacKirilan, MacKillarn, MacKelaran, and MacKelleran.
There are various surnames related to the MacKilleran line, including Mcelarney, Okellern, MacKilarney, MacKireland, MacKiron, and MacEllarain.
Within the most predominant form of the name, the suffixan is typically attached to the following prefixes, such as Mac-, Mc-, O’-, Ó- or simply just the letter K-.
Thus, MacKilleran is the traditional spelling of the surname. However, with all the variant spellings available, it could give the misleading impression that the surname is more widespread than it actually is. The spelling still serves as a direct link to a long line of ancient Scots, Irish and Gaelic descendants.
Famous people with the name MacKilleran
- Roger MacKilleran (born ca.1372), 14th-Century Scottish nobleman.
- Alastair MacKilleran (17th-Century Scottish soldier).
- Dr. Margot MacKilleran (18th-Century Scottish microbiologist).
- Barry MacKilleran (19th-Century Scottish historian).
- Daniel MacKilleran (20th-Century Scottish folk singer).
- Hugh MacKilleran (21st-Century Scottish politician).
- Maxwell MacKilleran (1977-present), Scottish actor.
- Clair MacKilleran (1978-present), Scottish music producer.
- Sarah MacKilleran (1982-present), Scottish talent manager.
- Patrick MacKilleran (1990-present), Scottish soccer player.