Surname MacKilmet - Meaning and Origin
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MacKilmet: What does the surname MacKilmet mean?
The last name MacKilmet is derived from a Gaelic phrase meaning “son of the chieftain”. It is a common name in Scotland, particularly in the Highlands.
The name MacKilmet likely has Norse and Pict origins with the addition of the Gaelic prefix 'Mac', which translates to “son of”. This indicates that the original name likely belonged to an important person, such as a leader or chieftain. The name may also be derived from 'cielmuight', which means 'servant to the chief'.
The MacKilmet's have a rich and long history in Scotland. Records indicate they were involved in the Battle of Culloden in 1746, a conflict between the forces of the British government and the Jacobite insurrectionist alliance, in which over 4,000 lives were lost.
The name MacKilmet is common throughout Scotland, particularly in the Highlands, and is also found in other countries, such as New Zealand, the United States, and Canada. There have been many notable people who have had the surname. These include Robert MacKilmet, a famous blacksmith who created swords and armor for Highland soldiers in the 1700s, as well as William MacKilmet, who ran a successful farm in New Zealand.
Overall, the name MacKilmet has a long and proud history in Scotland, with descendants being found across the world. It is a reminder of the importance of the role chiefs and chieftains had in the history of the land.
Order DNA origin analysisMacKilmet: Where does the name MacKilmet come from?
The last name MacKilmet is particularly common in Scotland and Ireland, although it also has small pockets of prevalence in other countries around the world. Today, it is most common in Scotland, where the most populated regions are Aberdeenshire and the Highlands. In Ireland, counties such as Dublin, Antrim and Galway all have a relatively high population of MacKilmets.
MacKilmet is believed to be derived from the ancient Gaelic Mac Giolla Mheithe, which roughly translates to son of the servant or follower of St. Maolmtae. It is thought to be of ancient origin, with the first recorded MacKilmet said to be Ichtubhal Mac Giolla Mheithe, the local constable of the seven parishes in Scotland in 1242.
As a result of mass emigration during the 19th and 20th centuries, MacKilmets can be found in other countries, most notably in the US, Canada and Australia. The US Census Bureau estimates that there are around 1,500 with the name currently living in the US spread out across almost every state, and in Canada the number is thought to be around 500. In Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and Western Australia are believed to house the highest number of MacKilmets.
It is possible that MacKilmet takes many different forms in some countries, due to the various ways that immigration officials or other individuals spelled the name upon arriving in a new country. Consequently, the name may also be found spelled as MacKilmead, McKilmet, Kilmeet and McKilmead.
Variations of the surname MacKilmet
MacKilmet is a surname of Scottish origin. It is mainly used in the Scottish and Irish versions of the English language, but can be used elsewhere as well. Variants of this surname include McKilmett, MacKilmett, and MacKilmette. It can also be spelled as MacKilmett, MacKilmette, MacKilmit, and MacKilmitt. Other surnames that have the same origin as MacKilmet include MacKilmeade, MacKilmon, and MacKilmore.
The surname MacKilmet is derived from an Anglicization of the old Scottish and Irish Gaelic name Mac Gilmhairidh. The surname is derived from a combination of words, including “mac” meaning “son of” and “Gilmhairidh”, a personal name derived from “gille” meaning “servant of” and “muireanc” meaning “lord”. This combination of words literally translates to “son of the servant of the lord”.
In Ireland, MacKilmet is mainly found among the province of Ulster. There may be other variants in Ireland as well, as it is an Anglicized Irish Gaelic name, but the most popular variant is probably MacKilmet.
In Scotland, the surname is quite common in Aberdeenshire, Angus, and Perth and Kinross, though it can be found all over the country. Interestingly, the surname is also quite common in the United States, especially in Pennsylvania, suggesting that it is of Scottish-Irish origin in the US.
Variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin, for the surname MacKilmet cover a wide range, and help to expand the understanding of the family and its many different branches over the centuries.
Famous people with the name MacKilmet
- John MacKilmet, American professional golfer
- Tami Mackilmet, American musician and painter
- Alasdair MacKilmet, former broadcaster, writer, researcher, and conservationist
- Dorn MacKilmet, American professor of mathematics
- Zoe MacKilmet, award-winning British TV producer
- Sarah MacKilmet, English nurse
- Robert MacKilmet, Scottish politician
- Neil MacKilmet, Scottish footballer
- Mary MacKilmet, Australian feminist and art historian
- William MacKilmet, American lawyer and politician