Surname MacKillip - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'M'
MacKillip: What does the surname MacKillip mean?
The surname MacKillip is of Scottish origin, derived from the Gaelic "MacFhilib", meaning "son of Philip". It signifies ancestry or lineage extending from a patriarchal figure named Philip. Many Scots who migrated to Ireland carried this surname, consolidating its prevalence in regions of Northern Ireland today. It is also found, although less commonly, in certain regions of Scotland. Over time, the spelling may have changed due to phonetic interpretations, leading to variations such as McFillip, McFellip, MacPhilip, and others. The name Philip, from which it originates, is of Greek origin meaning "friend of horses”, suggesting that the original bearers may have had connections to horse breeding or training. However, as surnames became hereditary over time, their original occupational or characteristic significance often became less pertinent.
Order DNA origin analysisMacKillip: Where does the name MacKillip come from?
The surname MacKillip is derived from the Scottish Gaelic name MacFhilib, Anglicized as MacPhillip, which means "son of Philip." It belongs to the category of patronymic surnames - surnames derived from fathers or paternal ancestors. The name is believed to have been commonly associated with the Scottish Highlands and Islands, particularly the Isle of Skye.
Today, like many Scottish surnames, MacKillip can be found in countries where the Scottish diaspora settled. These places include the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, to name a few. However, it remains quite rare and unique. Each variant of the name (MacKillip, MacPhillip, McPhillip, etc.) may have different levels of prevalence in different regions, owing to historical movement and migration. It is important to understand that the distribution may be influenced by many factors and can change over time. It is also possible to find the name in Scotland, where some families might have maintained their historic surnames over the centuries.
Variations of the surname MacKillip
The surname MacKillip is of Scottish origin and derives from the patronymic form of the personal name Phillip. The name Phillip means "lover of horses". The surname has various spellings due to regional dialects and phonetic spellings over time. Variants of the surname MacKillip can include McKillip, McKillop, McKillup, McCillip, McCillop, McCillup, MacKillop, MacKillup, among others. The prefix Mc/Mac generally signifies "son of".
Unfortunately, due to historical record keeping and the variation in spelling, it can be challenging to trace the original form of the name. Some surname variants may have developed independently in different regions or even different countries. The use of both Mc and Mac can be interchangeable depending on the historical context. Not all individuals with these surnames may be directly biologically related as adoptions, name changes, and other factors may impact the surname someone carries.
The double "L" and "P" are common across many variations of the name and it appears to be a key phonetic component, although single "L" and "P" versions exist such as McKilop or McKilip. Other related surnames of the same origin could also potentially include Phillipson or Philips.
Famous people with the name MacKillip
- Duncan MacKillip: Australian actor, best known for his Golden Globe-nominated role in Razorback (1984).
- Lindsey MacKillip: British television presenter and weather presenter who is currently a presenter on BBC Radio Devon and a reporter for Sky News.
- Iain MacKillip: Scottish author and poet, best known for his novels such as Back to the Highlands and Farwell Days.
- Ryan MacKillip: Canadian businessman and entrepreneur, founder and CEO of MacKillip Enterprises, an investment banking and venture capital firm.
- Heather MacKillip: American DJ and musician, most notably known as the bassist for the band Munk.
- Patrick MacKillip: Irish actor and screenwriter, best known for his role in the TV series Vikings.
- Wallace MacKillip: British architect, known for his work on the restoration of British military buildings, such as the Tower of London.
- Kathryn MacKillip: American actress, best known for her role as the lead in the 1992 horror film Campfire Tales.
- Charles MacKillip: Scottish painter, best known for his landscape and portrait works, as well as his murals.
- James MacKillip: British athlete and Olympic bronze medalist in the 100m sprint.