Surname MacKilrea - Meaning and Origin
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MacKilrea: What does the surname MacKilrea mean?
The surname MacKilrea is derived from the Gaelic phrase “Mac gille Riabhach”, which translates to “son of the grey one”, and is of Scottish origin. In Scotland, Kilrea is derived from the ancient Dalriadan kingdom of Dál Riata, which encompassed parts of eastern Argyll and western Antrim.
MacKilrea can be found in records dating back to the twelfth century. Historically, the surname is associated with the younger son of the Highland kings of the Isle of Skye. A younger son of the MacKilrea family, called Rory, eventually became the Chief of Clan MacKilrea.
The MacKilrea family was involved in many of Scotland’s major historical events, including the Scottish Wars of Independence. The family was also part of the Covenanter movement, an ideological conflict between the Royalists and the Presbyterian Church of Scotland.
Today, the surname MacKilrea is still found throughout Scotland and also amongst families of Scottish descent in other countries. Those who bear the surname might also be traced back to the areas of Dalriada, Antrim, and Skye. They are proud of their long-standing heritage, and of their prominent and influential role throughout history.
Order DNA origin analysisMacKilrea: Where does the name MacKilrea come from?
The last name MacKilrea is most commonly found in Canada, with a significant number of individuals tracing their heritage back to Ireland. The surname originated in County Armagh and is thought to be derived from the ancient Irish Mac Shamhradhain, meaning ‘son of the winter ruler’.
Today, many MacKilreas can be found living in the province of Ontario, particularly in the Greater Toronto Area and the Ottawa area. There are also descendants in the neighboring provinces of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island.
Given the family’s strong connections to Canada, it’s not surprising to find a large population of MacKilreas living in the United States, especially West coast states such as California and Oregon. Many American MacKilreas are descendants of the British Isles, Scotland, and Australia.
Today, MacKilreas all over the world form a tight knit community, often gathering together to celebrate their heritage. The family’s crest is the same as that of Clan Mackenzie. Its symbol is a red rampant lion, which can be seen on the shield of the MacKilrea coat of arms.
Though the surname is not especially common, those who can trace their ancestry back to it often take pride in its unique history and strong meaning. The sense of solidarity and brotherhood within the MacKilrea family is a testament to the lasting effects of centuries-old traditions and the power of family bonds.
Variations of the surname MacKilrea
The surname MacKilrea is a Scottish variant of the surname MacGilroy/MacElroy which is derived from the Gaelic Mac Giolla Rua, which means “son of the red-haired servant”. It is also sometimes spelled as MacKilroy, MacKilray, McElrea, and McElroy.
The surname is fairly common, having spread throughout Scotland and Northern Ireland. It is especially prominent in County Down in Northern Ireland where there is a Kilrea town. It is thought that many members of the MacKilrea clan originally migrated from Donegal in Ireland.
Variants of the surname can be found in the United States and Canada as well. In the United States, the surname is often spelled as Kilroy and variants like Killroy, Kilree, and Kilrea. In Canada, some Anglicized variants include Villarey, Elerey, and Killree.
The name can also be found in countries in Europe, such as France, Spain, and Germany where it is usually spelled as Killrée or Killery. Lastly, variations of the name can be found in Lao and Cambodian backgrounds, where the surnames are spelled as Kiriray and Kelrey respectively.
Overall, the surname MacKilrea has become incredibly widespread due to the diaspora of the Scots, Irish, and other related cultures. Over the centuries, the name has evolved into many different variants and spellings, but they all maintain the same meaning and origin.
Famous people with the name MacKilrea
- Marc Kilrea: Canadian former professional hockey player and current head coach for the Ottawa 67’s of the Ontario Hockey League.
- John Kilrea: Canadian politician and former Member of Parliament
- Shannon Kilrea: Canadian author and TV host
- Dan Kilrea: Canadian singer/songwriter who is currently a part of the duo Dan & Ben
- Catharine MacKilrea: Canadian professional photographer
- Chris MacKilrea: Canadian businessman and entrepreneur
- Cameron MacKilrea: Canadian actor and current star of the stage adaptation of “Little Women”, currently playing in Toronto, Canada
- David E. Kilrea: Canadian lawyer and past President of The Empire Club of Canada
- Charlie Kilrea: Canadian carpenter and home renovator
- June Kilrea: Canadian nurse and current Director of Nursing at Woodbine Nursing Home.