Surname McYlrean - Meaning and Origin

McYlrean: What does the surname McYlrean mean?

The last name McYlrean is of Scottish and Irish descent and its earliest known origins can be traced back to the Middle Ages. It is a habitational name, which is derived from the region of Ulster in Northern Ireland, and is thought to mean “son of Ylrean”. This could refer to a number of different individuals with this surname, and as such, the exact definition is unclear.

The name is thought to have come from a Gaelic form of the name Ulrich, particularly Ulreac. This would have been given to someone from the region of Ulster, likely by their father as an honorific. Alternatively, the name may be derived from Aonghais Mhic Ylrean, a Scottish nobleman who was mentioned in the 14th century.

McYlrean is a unique yet enduring surname, and it is found today in both Scotland and Ireland. Those who carry the surname from today are likely to be descended from the same clans in which the name originated. Even now, there is a deep pride associated with the name and those who carry it may use it as a way to connect to their rich family heritage.

McYlrean: Where does the name McYlrean come from?

The last name McYlrean is largely associated with Scotland, Northern Ireland, and the northernmost regions of England, though the name may be found in other parts of the United Kingdom as well. The United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand also have significant populations of people with the McYlrean surname.

In Scotland, McYlrean is especially common in the Scottish Borders region and the northern regions of Glasgow and Inverness-shire. In Northern Ireland it is particularly prevalent in counties Donegal, Antrim and Londonderry, as well as Belfast. In the United States it is most commonly found in the states of New Jersey, California, Massachusetts and New York.

McYlrean is an old Scottish name and the family likely have roots tracing back to the eleventh to twelfth centuries, during the reign of King David of Scotland. The name is derived from the Gaelic words Mac, meaning “son of”, and siol-ruadh, meaning “red offspring” or “red-haired”, indicating that the family may have had red-haired ancestors.

Today, the last name McYlrean remains mainly associated with Scotland, Northern Ireland, and the northernmost regions of England, though its use is arguably declining in number due to migration and intermarriage among peoples of different ethnic backgrounds. Despite this, it continues to be a prominent surname in the aforementioned countries, testament to the family's long and rich history.

Variations of the surname McYlrean

The surname McYlrean is derived from the ancient Scottish and Irish Gaelic name Mac Giolla Riabhaigh, which means 'the son of the devotee of St. Riabhach'. This was an old personal name that was established in Scotland and Ireland before the Norman Conquest of 1066. Over the centuries, the name has developed many variant spellings and surnames of the same origin; these include Gilray, Kilrea, Kilree, Gilrea, Gillree, Gilree, MacGilrea, McYlrea, and Mylrea.

In Scotland, the surname is generally found in the same areas as the ancient Gaelic name it derives from - Highland, Argyll, and Strathclyde. In Ireland, the name McYlrean is popular in County Londonderry as well as the four Irish provinces of Connacht, Ulster, Munster and Leinster.

McYlrean is a variation of the surname M'Elroy, which is derived from the Irish surname O Maolruaidh, which means 'descendant of Maolruaidh'. Maolruaidh was an old chieftain's personal name that was established in the Scottish-Irish borderlands in the Middle Ages. Variations of M'Elroy include Elroy, McElroy, MacElroy, MacIlroy, and MacIllroy.

In addition, the Anglicization of McYlrean is Gillray, leading to its variations Gillray, Gilray, Gilraye, and Gillree. These are commonly found in Scotland.

Overall, the history of McYlrean has resulted in numerous surnames of the same origin, originating from both Scotland and Ireland, all stemming from the Gaelic name Mac Giolla Riabhaigh.

Famous people with the name McYlrean

• Jenny McIlrath: Canadian country music singer/songwriter.
• Angus McIlrean: Scottish actor who has appeared in films such as "The Decoy Bride" and "Under the Skin."
• Paul McIlrean: Former Scottish Labour Party politician who served as Minister of Education and Technical Training from 1979 to 1982.
• John McIlrean: British-born Australian actor best known for his role as Dad McCormack in the television series "Home and Away."
• John MacIlrean: Irish Gaelic footballer who played for Down GAA.
• Billy McIlrean: Scottish ex-professional footballer who played for clubs such as Rangers and Airdrieonians.
• Angus McIlrean: Scottish football chairman who served as Chairman of the Scottish FA from 1965 to 1979.
• David McIlrean: Former Chief Executive of Scottish Natural Heritage.
• William McIlrean: British parliamentarian who served as Member of Parliament for Midlothian from 1837 to 1852.
• Catriona McIlrean: Scottish nurse, midwife and childhood nurse educator who is best known for co-authoring "'The Essentials of Breastfeeding' which is considered a seminal work in the field.

Other surnames

McYlrea