Surname McIlmoil - Meaning and Origin

McIlmoil: What does the surname McIlmoil mean?

The last name McIlmoil is of Scottish origin, specifically from the Gaelic-Scottish community. However, the specific meaning of McIlmoil is not well-known or documented, as is the case with many surnames that have somewhat obscure historical origins. "Mc" or "Mac" in Scottish and Irish surnames typically translates to "son of," an indication of a patronymic naming tradition. However, the second part "Ilmoil" is not a recognized or common term or name in Gaelic, and the surname does not appear frequently which makes it harder to establish an origin or meaning. Also, over the years, the surname may have undergone significant transformations, altering its original form beyond recognition. It is always best to research individual family history to gain accurate insights into the specific lineage and evolution of the name.

McIlmoil: Where does the name McIlmoil come from?

The surname McIlmoil is of Scottish origin. It is an anglicized form of the Gaelic name MacGilleMhaoil, which means 'son of the servant of the bare-headed one'. This is a patronymic surname derived from a personal name or occupation, typical of Gaelic surnames.

Evidence indicates that this surname can be traced back to the western Scottish regions, particularly the area of Argyllshire. It appears to be quite rare in contemporary times and is not particularly common anywhere, likely due to many phonetic variations caused by centuries of regional linguistic influences.

The exact geographical and numerical spread of people with the McIlmoil surname today is not well documented publicly. However, it could very well exist in countries with a substantial Scottish diaspora, like the United States, Canada, and Australia. Regardless, it remains a unique and uncommon surname worldwide.

Variations of the surname McIlmoil

The surname McIlmoil is of Scottish origin, specifically linked to the Hebridean island of Colonsay. The surname is relatively uncommon, and variants are consequently not easily found. At times, the name may appear as McIlmoyle, McIlmoil, MacIlmoil, or MacIlmoyle, all of which indicate roughly the same origin. Mac Ilmoyle could even be a variant of this surname.

There also might be some connection to the Irish surname McElmoyle, which originates from Mac Giolla Mhaoil, in modern Irish Mac Giolla Mhéil, as the suffixes "-moil" and "-mhaoil" might be phonetically similar. In English this surname is often morphed into MacElmoyle or MacElmeel.

As there are no significant clan affiliations indicated by this surname, people with the last name McIlmoil likely had ancestors who were named in relation to their location or perhaps an obscure personal nickname. More research and genealogical testing might provide a clearer picture of the surname’s history.

It is always beneficial checking parish records, immigration documents, and other historical papers for possible spelling variations, as names were often spelled phonetically in previous centuries, leading to widespread discrepancies in their documentation.

Famous people with the name McIlmoil

• Alex McIlmoil, Scottish rugby union player
• Brodie McIlmoil, Scottish singer-songwriter
• Charles McIlmoil, American TV producer
• Colin McIlmoil, former footballer from Northern Ireland
• Dan McIlmoil, former Major League Baseball pitcher
• Dave McIlmoil, television director from Northern Ireland
• Derek McIlmoil, Scottish author
• Douglas McIlmoil, Scottish actor
• Graham McIlmoil, former National Hockey League player
• Jack McIlmoil, Northern Irish former footballer
• Lewis McIlmoil, British actor
• Mark McIlmoil, former Major League Baseball pitcher
• Michael McIlmoil, former head of the National History Museum in London
• Peter McIlmoil, British musician

Other surnames

McIlmoillMcIlmoyle