Surname Millrea - Meaning and Origin
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Millrea: What does the surname Millrea mean?
The last name Millrea is likely a derived from the Irish surname Mac Giolla Riabhaigh. The prefix mac is derived from the Irish phrase 'mac giolla', which translates to 'son of the devotee', with the suffix Riabhaigh - meaning 'exalted one'.
The surname is found predominantly in the counties of Galway and Mayo in the west of Ireland. It is believed to be of native Gaelic origin, with the earliest recorded reference to the surname being in 1418 in County Mayo, when a certain Uillliam Magilriaray is referred to in a land deed.
When re-anglicized, the surname became Millrea, which by pronunciation is very close to the original Gaelic name. Over time, the surname spread throughout Ireland, as did many old Gaelic names, and today it is still quite common in counties Galway and Mayo.
The surname Millrea continues to be an important part of Irish culture and identity, as it is a testament to the rich and vibrant history of the Irish people. The name is derived from ancient Gaelic roots, and carries with it a sense of deep pride in one's heritage and ancestry.
Order DNA origin analysisMillrea: Where does the name Millrea come from?
The surname Millrea is most commonly found in Ireland. It is believed to be derived from the Irish Mac Miadhachain, which literally translates to "son of little Madigan." The Millrea name is particularly prevalent in the counties of Mayo and Cork, where it is still found in significant numbers. There is also a population of Millrea's in the United States, particularly in areas with well-established Irish-American communities. In the late 19th century, there was a wave of immigration from Ireland to the US, with many Millreas among them.
Millrea's in Ireland are most commonly associated with the Church of Ireland, the Protestant denomination of Christianity. It is a name which is steeped in tradition and there are many variations including McMillrea, Millory, Mallory and MacMullary.
In the US, the name Millrea has been contracted to Malrey or Mallory, particularly amongst the American-born generations. The family of the US author Jack London, best known for his novel White Fang, was descended from Irish Millrea's, and he was known to use the surname Mallory in certain contexts.
Despite its Irish origins, the Millrea surname is clearly of impact across multiple countries. It is a legacy which has been passed down the generations, and one which is still beloved today.
Variations of the surname Millrea
The surname Millrea has several variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. Common spellings include Millar, Millard, Millaray, Millaray, Millery, and Millry. Millar is the most common spelling of the surname, and it is derived from the Old English millere, meaning miller. It is most commonly found in countries of British origin, such as the United Kingdom and the US. Other spellings include Millard, Millaray, and Millery, which have slightly different origins. Millard is a variant of the Middle English milward, meaning guard. Millaray is a variant of the Irish name Maolriag, which means chief or prince. Millery is a variant of the Old French milleur, meaning miller’s son.
Millry, on the other hand, is derived from the old Irish name Mac Maol Riabhach, which means follower of the grey/reddish one. This surname was adopted by many families in Scotland and Ireland before the 16th century. Millrea is also a spelling variant of the surname, which is derived from the Irish name Maolria, meaning devotee of St Riabhach.
The common surnames of the same origin as Millrea include Mill, Miller, Millar, Millet, Millichap, Milligan, Millstone, Millhouse, Millaray, Millery, and Millry. Some of these may be found in more modern contexts, such as in Germany and other European countries.
Famous people with the name Millrea
- Nikki Millrea: Canadian actress who appeared in Supernatural, iZombie, and Smallville
- Caleb Millrea: Former Major League Baseball infielder
- Jason Millrea: Canadian actor known for his appearances in Almost Adults and Republic of Doyle
- David Millrea: American actor, singer and songwriter
- Charles Millrea: Award-winning American musical composer
- Paul Millrea: American voice actor and musician best known for his performances in shows such as Futurama and 6Teen
- Tara Millrea: Canadian actress who appeared in the TV shows UnREAL and Supernatural
- Cameron Millrea: Canadian actor who starred in the sitcom Package Deal
- Terry Millrea: Actor, producer and director best known for his performances in productions such as The Good Witch and Haven
- Shannon Millrea: Canadian actress who starred on the TV series Doc and St. John's Wort