Surname McIlray - Meaning and Origin

McIlray: What does the surname McIlray mean?

The last name McIlray is of Irish origin, stemming from the clans of McIlmurry and McIlhone. It is derived from the Gaelic Mac Giolla Orai, meaning ‘son of the devotee of the gold,’ highlighting the importance and value of wealth and success within the family lineage.

Historically, the McIlray family had a large presence in County Donegal and surrounding areas of Ireland, where the family name is still observed today. Interestingly, the McIlrays were landowners and part of the gentry class of society, as evidenced by the name of their ancestral castle in Gweebarra, Donegal – Castle McIlray.

Throughout time, the McIlray family have had a prolonged presence in Ireland, with the name, itself, being patronymic in origin, indicating its combining with many of the other clan names of the past such as MacElvy, MacLoughlin, and McIlhone.

Today, the McIlray name is known throughout the world, with the family scattered across the globe, including some notable individuals. Patrick McIlray, for instance, was one of the signatories on the United States Declaration of Independence. In addition, the McIlray family has a collection of award-winning books, plays, poems, and screenplays to its credit, showing the family’s continuing demonstration of talent and passion.

Thus, the McIlray family has a rich cultural and historical heritage that has been passed down through countless generations and continues to thrive to this day. As testament to their importance and legacy, the McIlray name is still held in high esteem in many parts of Ireland, the United States, and other parts of the world.

McIlray: Where does the name McIlray come from?

The last name McIlray is most commonly concentrated in Scotland as well as in the British Isles. It is thought to have originated in ancient Scotland and to have become widespread with the later migrations of the Scots during the 19th and 20th centuries. In Northern Ireland, the McIlray name is particularly common in counties Antrim and Down. It is also found in Scotland primarily concentrated in the counties of Argyll, Caithness/Sutherland, and the Central Belt stretching from Lothian to Strathclyde. In 2021, this name can also be found in the United States, where many Scottish people immigrated during the 19th and 20th centuries. Currently, it is estimated that there are as many as 5000 people worldwide with the McIlray surname. There are concentration of McIlrays in South Dakota, Washington, California, New York, Texas, Louisiana, and Florida, as well as in other places around the United States.

Variations of the surname McIlray

The surname McIlray is an anglicized form of the Gaelic name Mac Giolla Riabhaigh (Son of the follower of St.Riabach). Variants of this surname include MacGilree, MacGillree, MacGilray, MacGilrey, MacGilrae, MacGilroy, MacGillray, MacGillrie, MacGillory, MacGillrey, MacGhille Riabhaigh, MacEleverie, MacElverie, MacLaveray and MacIvorray.

Common spellings of MacIlray include McIlray, Gilray, Gilrey, Gilrae, Gilroy, Gillray, Gillrie, Gillory, Gillrey, Ghille Riabhaigh, Eleverie, Elverie, Laveray and Iverray.

In Ireland, McIlray is primarily found in the counties of Donegal and Antrim. Other locations include Perthshire in Scotland and Northumberland in England.

Surnames of the same origin are Mac-Gillray, Mac-Gillrie, Mac-Gillory, Mac-Gillrey, Mac-Ghille Riabhaigh, Mac-Eleverie, Mac-Elverie, Mac-Laveray, and Mac-Ivorray. Variations on these surnames include Mc-Gillree, Mac-Gilray, Mc-Gilrey, Mc-Gilrae, Mc-Gilroy, Mc-Gillray, Mc-Gillrie, Mc-Gillory, Mc-Gillrey, Mc-Ghille Riabhaigh, Mc-Eleverie, Mc-Elverie, Mc-Laveray, and Mc-Ivorray, respectively.

In an effort to preserve the origin of the surname, some McIlray descendants have adopted the original Gaelic spelling, Mac Giolla Riabhaigh, in modern times. Those of Ulster Scots descent may also choose to go by the anglicized McLeveray spelling.

Famous people with the name McIlray

• Rory McIlroy: Professional golfer who has been consistently ranked as one of the best golfers in the world.
• Australians Jimmy and Tommy McIlray: Famous for their veteran acts playing bagpipes for over 70 years.
• Gordon McIlray: Professional racing driver who has competed in the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC).
• Paul McIlray: Renowned British painter who has exhibited work in some of Europe's top galleries.
• Jody McIlray: Award-winning Canadian author of ‘The Warrior of Isis’ and ‘Salmon: A Valley of Tears’.
• Sir John McIlray: Former governor of the Bank of England.
• Celine McIlray: Australian actress who has appeared in films such as ‘Little Fish’ and ‘Echoes of War’.
• Garry McIlray: Former actor who starred in films such as ‘The Man From Snowy River’ and ‘Twilight Man’.
• Megan McIlray: Professional surfer and big wave rider who has won numerous competitions.
• Lenor McIlray: Professional marathon runner who is the record holder for the fastest time to run a marathon in Australia.

Other surnames

McIlreaMcIlroy