Surname McKelvey - Meaning and Origin

McKelvey: What does the surname McKelvey mean?

The last name McKelvey is thought to have originated in Scotland or Ireland. The Irish Gaelic form of McKelvey, Mac Giolla Bhuaidh, means "the son of the servant of victory". It is thought that this name was adopted by the descendants of an individual who had achieved a celebrated victory.

In Scotland, the surname McKelvey could also be derived from a place name. The place name Mackelwey, in the parish of Kirkmaiden in Wigtownshire, means "the hamlet of the son of Hugh". It is possible that the surname McKelvey is derived from this place name.

The last name can also have its origins in Northern Ireland. The surname is thought to stem from the Irish MacGiolla Bhuidhe, which translates as “son of the servant of the yellow one”, and there is evidence which suggests that it was first found in Ulster.

The McKelvey surname is often found throughout Scotland, Northern Ireland and the United States. Today, it is most commonly used as a family name, with families from Scotland and Ireland holding onto the name and passing it down through successive generations.

The McKelvey surname commonly has a strong Irish heritage and is an important reminder of the legacy of Scotland and Ireland. It is a proud surname, connecting generations of families and connecting them to their shared ancestry.

McKelvey: Where does the name McKelvey come from?

The last name McKelvey is quite common in Northern Ireland, with around 600 people bearing this surname recorded in the island nation. It is particularly common in County Armagh, where about one quarter of the total McKelvey population resides. It is also found in other parts of the British Isles, including England and Scotland.

Outside of the British Isles, McKelvey is most commonly found in the United States and Canada. In the US, McKelvey is the 6452nd most common surname in the country, with over 15,000 people in the United States bearing this last name. States with the highest number of McKelveys include New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, New York, and California.

In Canada, McKelvey is a relatively uncommon name compared to other surnames. It is the 3243rd most popular name in Canada, with around 2000 people bearing this surname. The provinces with the highest McKelvey population are Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Alberta, and British Columbia.

Overall, McKelvey is a relatively common name in parts of the British Isles and North America, however it is not overly popular outside of these areas.

Variations of the surname McKelvey

The surname McKelvey is a variation of the Irish surname McIlveen or Mac Ille Bhain. It originated in County Antrim in the Northwest of Ireland and is thought to be a corruption of the Gaelic Mac Giolla Bheathain, which means son of the follower of St. Bheatha (a sixth-century Bishop of Armagh). The common variants and spellings of McKelvey include: McElvey, McIlvain, McIlveen, McKelvie, MacElwee, Kellevey and Mackelvey. Other related surnames or variations include MacCelvey, MacGillivray, MacElwain, MacGillivrain, and MacGilvray.

McKelvey is one of the most popular surnames in Ireland, and the surname is also found in England, Scotland, and Wales. It is also quite popular in the United States, where it has been heavily adopted alongside other Irish surnames. America is home to many McKelveys and their descendants. Some of the more famous McKelvey Americans include the entrepreneur and investor Gary Sharington McKelvey, the solar energy engineer and physicist Jacob McKelvey, and the retired US Navy Rear Admiral Bruce Edward McKelvey.

The surname McKelvey has lived on since its creation by people who chose, maybe unknowingly, to remember their family history. As more people, in different countries and continents, continue to take on the name, it will remain alive and will remain part of this rich family history.

Famous people with the name McKelvey

• Ben McKelvey: Actor; best known for his role as Joey Scalia in the Showtime series Shameless
• Don McKelvey: Football Hall of Fame writer and teacher
• Marcia McKelvey: Actress and stuntwoman; appeared in films such as The Terminator and Basic Instinct
• Marshall McKelvey: Actor; acted in television series such as The Days and Nights of Molly Dodd and Judging Amy
• Matt McKelvey: American pop rock singer-songwriter
• Meghan McKelvey: Professional golfer who has competed in multiple LPGA Tour events
• Pete McKelvey: Professional ice hockey player for the Los Angeles Kings
• Sarah McKelvey: American Olympic synchronized swimmer; member of the US National Team
• Steve McKelvey: Former defensive end for the New York Giants and Pittsburgh Steelers
• Susan McKelvey: Elected member of the Canadian House of Commons in the riding of Richmond-Arthabaska

Other surnames

McKelvieMcKelvy