Surname Skellie - Meaning and Origin

Skellie: What does the surname Skellie mean?

The last name Skellie is most likely of Scottish origin and related to Skelley, which is a variant spelling of Skelly, a Northern Irish Anglicized form of Gaelic Ó Scolaidhe, a nickname from scolaidhe meaning 'scholar' or 'student'. Therefore, Skellie could also potentially mean 'scholar' or 'student.' Like many surnames, the exact meaning can vary based on regional differences and evolutions of the language over time. As surnames were often derived based on an occupation, personal descriptor, or location, 'scholar' or 'student' may have originally referred to a scholastic or erudite individual. Thus, Skellie is likely rooted in a descriptor of academic or scholarly pursuits. It is, however, important to note that the exact origins and meanings of many surnames are often lost to history and can only be speculated upon based on linguistic and historical knowledge.

Skellie: Where does the name Skellie come from?

The surname Skellie is a variant of the surname Shillie, which has origins in Ireland and Scotland. It is particularly common in the Scottish Highlands and the Irish counties of Donegal and Mayo. Outside of Ireland and Scotland, it is found most commonly in the eastern United States, especially Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland and Massachusetts.

The surname was adopted by early Scottish settlers to Ireland and is derived from the Gaelic word "sgil", which refers to a small stream or rivulet. People associated with these rivulets would have been known as the Skellie clan. The Skellies were descended from a Scottish family who moved to Donegal and Mayo in the 1600s and were likely of Norman descent.

The most famous bearer of the Skellie surname is the Scottish-born actor Sean Connery, who was born Thomas Sean Connery and changed his surname to Skellie when he started acting. Today, the surname can still be found in Scotland and Ireland, as well as in the United States. It is particularly common in the eastern states.

Variations of the surname Skellie

Skellie is a surname of English and Scottish origin, derived from the Old English and Norse terms meaning “shield” and “army.” It first appeared in documents from the 13th century in England. It is also derived from a place name in southern Scotland, indicating that early families may have originated there.

Variations of the Skellie surname may include Skell, Skelly, Skelley, Skelling, Skealley, Skeles, Skels, Skelsie, Skells, and Skewls. Spellings could be Skellie, Skellye, Skellye, Skelly, Skeley, Skely, Skealy, Skilley, Skeallee, Skealie, Skealley, Skeale, Skelie, or Skille.

Skellie may also be related to the surnames Skelly, Skelt(on), Skellon, Shelly, Shel(l)ey, Shel(l)y, Sheal(e)y, Sheal, Ski(e)l(e)y, Skile, Skeals, Skeel, and Skeal. All of these names may be of the same origin, meaning shield or army.

Today, the Skellie surname is particularly popular with families across the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, England, Scotland, and Wales. It is also found in France, Germany, and other parts of Europe.

Famous people with the name Skellie

• Miranda Skellie, actress and TV presenter
• Olivier Skellie, Canadian-American software architect
• Lydia Skellie, British actress
• Paul Skellie, jazz drummer
• Mark Skellie, American actor
• Geoffrey Skellie, British sculptor
• Fred Skellie, American tennis player
• Philip Skellie, explorer and geographer
• Lyra Skellie, CEO of a fashion design company
• Sue Skellie, British singer-songwriter

Other surnames

Skelly