Surname MacKilvant - Meaning and Origin

MacKilvant: What does the surname MacKilvant mean?

The last name MacKilvant is a variation of the Irish surname MacGilvraith, which comes from the Old Gaelic Mac Giolla Bhrighde, literally meaning ‘son of the servant of St. Bride’. The name is a patronymic surname, deriving from the forename of the original bearer’s father. This name is considered to derive from the medieval Gaelic given name Giollabrighde, which is composed of the elements ‘giolla’ meaning ‘servant’ and ‘brighde’ referring to St. Bride, an Irish saint.

The MacKilvant surname can be found primarily in the Northern areas of Ireland, where the historical Clan MacGilvraith was centered. The MacGilvraith's were an Irish aristocratic family and they played a major role in the history of North Ireland.

Although the name itself has somewhat diminished in frequency in Ireland in more recent times, it is more widespread in other parts of the world due to immigration. It is still found in many parts of Scotland, and is prevalent in North America, particularly in the United States and in Canada.

Through its varied spellings, the MacKilvant name can be seen as a reminder of the history of the Gaelic people and of the shared culture and heritage of Ireland, Scotland and other countries around the world.

MacKilvant: Where does the name MacKilvant come from?

The last name MacKilvant is most commonly found in Scotland today. It is a relatively uncommon surname in Scotland and overall in the world. As of 2018, there were only eight people in Scotland with the last name MacKilvant.

MacKilvant is a name of Scottish origin thought to have been derived from the Gaelic word ‘MacGilleMhàinntain’, which means ‘son of the craftsman’. It is likely that the first MacKilvants in Scotland were skilled craftsmen or professionals in the Middle Ages.

Today, several generations after the first MacKilvants in Scotland, the last name is not as common as it once was. In 2000, there were only 38 people in Scotland with the last name MacKilvant. This is a very small amount of people for a surname.

The last name MacKilvant is still present in Scotland, though not as common as other Scottish surnames. The eight people in Scotland with the last name MacKilvant in 2018 are likely distant relatives from their ancestral family.

Variations of the surname MacKilvant

MacKilvant is a surname that originates from the Scottish clan of MacAllans. The name MacKilvant can also be spelled MacKilvain, MacKillvan, MacKelvin and MacKilvean. It is possible that other surnames have similar origins, as many Scottish surnames have been altered by various spellings over the years.

The surname MacKilvant may also have variants in some families that are not directly connected to the original MacAllans. Some possible variants include M'Kelvie, MacKelvee, MacKelvey, MacKilvain, Mackinlay and Macklin. There are also multiple spelling variations of the name including MacKillvan and MacKelvean.

Surnames with similar origins include MacAlpine, MacColl, McCormick, MacNab, Maccab, MacNeil, MacLennan and MacQuarrie. These names are closely related in terms of their etymological origins, but are also distinct from each other. For example, MacAlpine is derived from the Gaelic word for Scotland, whereas MacNab is derived from the Gaelic word for a hilly place.

In some parts of Scotland, the spelling MacKrravelt is also used. This form of the surname likely originates from the Gaelic Mac or son of Craevelt, meaning son of the wild one or son of the brave one, although its exact ancestry is uncertain.

Regardless of the spelling, the MacKilvant surname dates back to early Scottish history and can be found in many areas of Scotland today.

Famous people with the name MacKilvant

• Dylan MacKilvant: American YouTuber, social media influencer, and musician from Los Angeles
• Richard MacKilvant: known for doing cinematography for movies like The Last Starfighter and Brainstorm
• Roger MacKilvant: doctor who was the inspiration for the character, Charles Trinity, in the novel The Pill From Nacogdoches
• Joseph MacKilvant: prominent astronomer and space scientist
• May Grace MacKilvant: well-known vocalist and award-winning songwriter
• Tyler MacKilvant: professional golfer, ranked 21st in the world
• Mike MacKilvant: member of The Kinks and played bass and guitar for over 20 years
• Kenny MacKilvant: award-winning documentary film director
• Anne MacKilvant: Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author
• Jack MacKilvant: prominent doctor in the field of infectious diseases

Other surnames

MacKilveen