Surname McKmillan - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'M'
McKmillan: What does the surname McKmillan mean?
The surname McKmillan is Scottish in origin and is derived from the Gaelic word "MacMhaolain", which translates to "son of the tonsured one." The concept of "tonsure" refers to a particular type of religious haircut, often used to denote a specific class of holy men or monks during the medieval period. Therefore, the last name McKmillan generally signifies "descendant of a servant of the Church." It is also a patronymic surname, meaning it is based on the name of a male ancestor. As with most old Gaelic surnames, there are numerous variations in spelling, such as MacMillan, Macmillan, McMillan, and so on. Over time, families with this surname have spread throughout Scotland and beyond.
Order DNA origin analysisMcKmillan: Where does the name McKmillan come from?
The surname McKmillan is of Scottish origin. Its roots can be traced back to the ancient Scottish Kingdom of Dalriada, before the time of recorded history. The name derives from the Gaelic term "Macghillemhuire," which means "a servant of the Virgin Mary."
The use of “Mac” or “Mc” in Scottish and Irish surnames means "son of," hence indicating a familial relationship. Though it is not always indicative of direct lineage, it often represents a spiritual or symbolic connection.
The MacMillan clan was once powerful in Scotland, with lands in Lochaber and Knapdale. Their clan seat was first at Castle Sween and later at Fincharn Castle. They also held an important fort at Loch Arkaig.
Presently, the surname McKmillan or its variant spellings such as McMillan, MacMillan, Macmillen, are fairly widespread, not just in Scotland but globally due to the Scottish diaspora. They are most common in countries with large populations of Scots, including the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Though it may not be as prevalent as other Scottish surnames, it still holds historical and cultural significance particularly to those of Scottish ancestry.
Variations of the surname McKmillan
The surname McKmillan likely came from the Scottish surname "MacMillan" or "McMillan". The variants of this surname include MacMillen, MacMillon, MacMillun, MacMullan, McMillen, McMillon, McMillun, McMullan, among others. The "Mac" or "Mc" in the surname means "son of", while "Millan" or "Millen" refers to a monk. Therefore, MacMillan or McMillan can refer to a "son of a monk".
Some surnames related to MacMillan or McMillan due to a common origin include McMahon, MacMahon, McMahan, MacMahan, which are surnames of Irish origin referring to "son of a bear". Also related could be MacMullen or McMullen, with similar meaning to MacMillan or McMillan referring to a "bald" or "bald-headed tonsured monk".
The spelling variations and surnames related to MacMillan or McMillan are due to the changing spelling conventions over time, under influence of literacy levels, dialects, translation from one language to another, and even clerical or recording error.
Famous people with the name McKmillan
- Kayla McMillan: Professional beach volleyball player who competed in the 2016 Summer Olympics.
- Bill McMillan: American poker player who has won numerous World Series of Poker events.
- Janet McMillan: Writer and professor of the University of Southern California, best known for her books on racism and immigration.
- Donnie McMillan: Member of the R&B and soul boy band After 7.
- Maurice McMillan: Professional basketball player who played for the Atlanta Hawks.
- Lonnie McMillan: Former NFL running back who played for the Cleveland Browns.
- Heather McMillan: Paralympic athlete who won gold medals for sprint, long jump and javelin throwing.
- Kim McMillan: Former Tennessee House Speaker and Democratic Party leader.
- Christopher McMillan: Professional hairstylist to celebrities, including Cindy Crawford, Jennifer Aniston, and Kim Kardashian.
- Robert McMillan: Canadian journalist and novelist. He is the author of the Maclean's Award-winning book, John and Mary's Childhood.