Surname McGilmoyle - Meaning and Origin

McGilmoyle: What does the surname McGilmoyle mean?

The surname McGilmoyle is of Irish origin and is derived from the Gaelic Mac Giolla Mhaoil, which translates as "son of the bald or tonsured one." The term "Giolla" means servant or devotee, and "Mhaoil" refers to someone who is bald or tonsured, often indicating a religious devotee or possibly a monk. So, the name implies that the initial bearer could have been the son of a religious devotee or servant. Like many Irish surnames, it has been anglicized in various forms, including Gilmore, Gillmor, McIlmoyle, and others. It's important to note that the meanings of many old Gaelic surnames are based on speculation and historical linguistics as true meanings could have shifted context over time.

McGilmoyle: Where does the name McGilmoyle come from?

The surname McGilmoyle is of Scottish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic Mac Gille Mhaoil, which means "son of the bald or tonsured one." This might imply a religious connection, as it was common for monks to be tonsured. The surname implies a familial connection or descent from a likely Celtic monk or religious figure.

Scotland and Ireland are the two primary countries where the McGilmoyle surname was originally found, specifically in the Hebrides region of Scotland, and in Donegal and Leitrim counties of Ireland. Over time, due to migration and diaspora, the name has spread to other parts of the world.

Today, individuals bearing the McGilmoyle surname can be found in various nations. It is still relatively common in Scotland and Ireland. However, as a result of historical migration patterns, especially during the time of the Great Famine in Ireland during the mid-19th century, the surname can now found in other countries where the Scottish and Irish diaspora relocated to, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. It does remain, nonetheless, an uncommon surname in worldwide terms.

Variations of the surname McGilmoyle

The surname McGilmoyle, an Irish name, has several variants due to differences in translation, spelling, and anglicization from the original Irish Gaelic. It can be traced back to the Gaelic Mac Giolla Mhaoil, which loosely translates to "son of the bald or tonsured one."

Variants and similar surnames of the name McGilmoyle include:

- McGilmoyl: Sometimes the 'e' at the end is dropped when Anglicized.

- McGuilmoyle: The emphasis on the 'u' would also be common in translation.

- McGilmole: This is another common variant less emphasizing the 'y'.

- MacGilmoyle: Prefixed with 'Mac' instead of 'Mc', but maintains same meaning.

- MacGilmole: Variation similar to 'McGilmole', but with a 'Mac' prefix.

- MacGilmoyl: Refers to same origin surnames but changes 'Mc' to 'Mac'.

- Gilmoyle: The prefix 'Mc' or 'Mac', denoting 'son of', is sometimes dropped.

- Gilmoyl: Another example where 'Mc' is dropped, resulting in this variant.

- MacIlmoyle: Here, the 'g' has been dropped, which is usual in some Irish names.

- McIlmoyle: Similar to the above, just changes 'Mac' to 'Mc'.

- McElmoyle: This is a somewhat Anglicized variation.

Each variant maintains similar origins and meanings, despite the slight changes in spelling and pronunciation.

Famous people with the name McGilmoyle

• Tiernan McGilmoyle: Lead singer and guitarist of Irish punk band The Mahones.
• Áine McGilmoyle: Irish journalist and former Newstalk radio presenter.
• Connor McGilmoyle: Professional Gaelic Footballer for the Antrim team.
• David McGilmoyle: Scottish painter and former art teacher at several universities.
• Niall McGilmoyle: Irish-born actor and dancer.
• Patrick McGilmoyle: Irish-American former FBI agent and federal prosecutor.
• Liam McGilmoyle: Singer and songwriter originally from Cork, Ireland.
• Maureen McGilmoyle: Irish fashion designer, model and influencer.
• Mary Kay McGilmoyle: American television and film writer.
• Stephen McGilmoyle: Irish international cricketer.

Other surnames

McGilmole