Surname MacQuilkin - Meaning and Origin
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MacQuilkin: What does the surname MacQuilkin mean?
The last name MacQuilkin is a Scottish surname deriving from the ancient Gaelic language. It is believed to be derived from various words such as "mac" meaning "son" and "uileacain" meaning "hollow". It is believed that the surname originated in Scotland near the area of Aberdeenshire where the family was believed to be originally settled.
The meaning of the surname MacQuilkin is typically interpreted as meaning "son of the hollower" or "son of the rocky hollow" or even "son of the ancestor of the rocky hollow". It is a surname associated with a proud Scottish heritage, historically linked to a region of Scotland known for its stunning scenery and strong sense of identity. The landscape of this region is dotted with historical castles and distinct geographic features such as valleys and mountains.
The MacQuilkin family is believed to have had a very strong sense of tradition and honor, likely stemming from the rugged, independent nature of the people of Aberdeenshire. The particular spelling of the surname was further determined by the origin of the family's dialect, which is a variant of Scottish Gaelic. It also points to a particular region, as MacQuilkin is not a common spelling elsewhere in Scotland.
The surname MacQuilkin recalls a proud lineage of a particular region of Scotland, as well as a deep-rooted sense of idealism and honor. It is meaningful to those who bear the name, as it is a reminder of their heritage and the unique and rugged beauty of their ancient home.
Order DNA origin analysisMacQuilkin: Where does the name MacQuilkin come from?
The last name MacQuilkin is not especially common today, although it is found in small numbers around the world. In the United States, it is much more common than in other countries, with over 500 individuals living in the United States who have the name.
The first known record of the MacQuilkin name is in a document from Scotland in 1584, and subsequent records have located the family in Ireland, Scotland, England, and the United States.
The United States is the country of residence for the most MacQuilkins today. The states of New York, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Illinois are home to many MacQuilkins, while smaller numbers can be found in California, Massachusetts, Missouri, Arizona, and North Carolina as well.
The MacQuilkin name is also found in the Irish Republic, with clusters of individuals åliving in Dublin, Cork, and Galway. The Canadian provinces of Ontario and Nova Scotia also have small numbers of MacQuilkins, and are the only countries outside of the United States and Ireland where the name is commonly found.
It is difficult to determine the origin of the MacQuilkin name as the exact spelling varies from country to country, and the origins of the family before the 1500s are unknown. However, we know that today the MacQuilkin name is most commonly found in the United States, Ireland, and Canada.
Variations of the surname MacQuilkin
The surname MacQuilkin is derived from MacUilcin, a Gaelic patronymic name meaning "son of Uilcin." The variants, spellings and other surnames of similar origin for MacQuilkin include MacQuillan, MacQuillen, MacQuillin, MacKillin, McKillen, McGilkin, McGuillan, and MacGillan.
MacQuilkin is found primarily in Scotland, Ireland, and Ulster in Northern Ireland. The earliest records of its use appear to date back to 1353 in Scotland, when "Uillam mac Uilchon" is recorded as a witness to a document in Forgan, Fife. The name is said to originate from the region of Auchtermuchty in Fife, Scotland. Similar surnames that are derived from this location include Gillespie.
There are a number of variants of the surname, most of which are found in Scotland and Ireland. One of the earliest variants appears to be MacQuillan, which dates back to the 13th century in Ireland. MacQuillin is another Scottish variant which appears to be derived from MacUilcin. McKillen is a surname usually found in Ulster, which is derived from MacUilcin as well.
In Ireland, the name appears in several variant spellings, such as McGilkin, McGuillan, and MacGillan, which were first documented in the 16th century. All of these names are variants of MacUilcin, and the spellings are thought to have been altered when crossing the Irish Sea.
Regardless of where the surname is found today, it is ultimately derived from MacUilcin, whose origins lie in the ancient homeland of the Scotts of Ireland and Scotland.
Famous people with the name MacQuilkin
- Lauren MacQuilkin, a popular Canadian singer-songwriter whose sensuous voice and enchanting music captivate audiences from around the world.
- Rhys MacQuilkin, a renowned Northern Irish actor who has been in several popular films such as the fantasy comedy Bedazzled.
- David MacQuilkin, a successful American entrepreneur and philanthropist who founded one of the largest organic smoothie companies called Simple Pleasures.
- Cathal MacQuilkin, a celebrated Irish artist whose works have been featured in several art galleries and exhibitions across Europe. 5.Thomas MacQuilkin, a highly-regarded Scottish physician who is a renowned specialist in preventive medicine.
- Shane MacQuilkin, an award-winning Australian fashion designer and creative director who is known for his avant-garde clothing designs.
- James MacQuilkin, an esteemed United States Navy admiral who was instrumental in modernizing the service’s operations and tactics.
- Natasha MacQuilkin, a celebrated Canadian athlete and Olympic medallist who has achieved several gold medals in volleyball.
- Brendan MacQuilkin, a notable British actor and comedian whose stand-up routines and television performances are renowned in the UK and abroad.
- Ethan MacQuilkin, an acclaimed Canadian filmmaker and director whose works have won international awards.