Surname MacElhill - Meaning and Origin
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MacElhill: What does the surname MacElhill mean?
The surname MacElhill is derived from two Gaelic words, "mac", meaning "son of", and "Elhill", the personal name of a particular ancestor. The root of the name is likely derived from Gaelic personal names, such as "Ailill" or "Ailfrid", the latter being of Germanic origin.
In ancient times, the name may have been associated with noble families, as the root of the name is found in several European titles and kingdoms. It's believed that early MacElhill offspring were originally a branch of the grand royal family in Scotland.
Today, there are several different branches of the MacElhill family spread throughout the United States, Canada, Scotland, and Australia, although none of the branches have formed a strong bond among their members due to modern migratory behaviors.
The MacElhill surname is thought to represent a specific clan with origins in Scottish Highland ancestry and possibly Viking bloodlines. The name has been passed down for generations and is believed to be a symbol of a long, proud Irish and Scottish heritage.
In today’s era, the MacElhill name serves as a reminder of the family’s strength and fortitude. It is a reminder of the hard work and determination required to continue a legacy of success and is a proud legacy that is well-deserving of being preserved for generations to come.
Order DNA origin analysisMacElhill: Where does the name MacElhill come from?
The last name MacElhill is primarily found in Northern Ireland, where it is most commonly associated with County Antrim. In recent years, the name has spread to other parts of Ireland as well as into England, Scotland, and Wales. Outside of the British Isles, MacElhill has been reported in the United States, Canada, and Australia.
In Northern Ireland, McElhill is the 13th most common last name according to Ulster Ancestry. It is particularly prevalent around the Slemish Mountains and Glencraig, a hamlet located in County Antrim. The origin of the surname is believed to be from Kinnaird/Kynnaird/Skynnaird; the McElhill spelling comes from the Gaelic Mac
The name is also common in County Monaghan, further south in the Republic of Ireland. Migration from northern Ireland to the south of the island brought the name to this region in the 19th century, and is still common today.
Outside Ireland, MacElhill has spread as far as the United States, Canada, and Australia. This is a result of Irish migration over the last two centuries in search of economic opportunities and better living conditions. The name can now be found in cities around the world with strong Irish heritage, such as New York, Boston, Chicago, Toronto and Sydney.
In such countries, McElhill remains a relatively rare surname. It can be difficult to trace details of its origin and its current spread for anyone outside of Ireland. However, it is clear that the name MacElhill is still widely used today in Northern Ireland, as well as in other parts of the world.
Variations of the surname MacElhill
The surname MacElhill is a surname of Scottish origin. It is an Anglicized form of the Gaelic MacGiolla Ghallchaidh, which means "son of the servant of the foreigner". It is especially common in the region of Argyllshire in Scotland.
The variants for the MacElhill surname include MacGillihooley, MacGillieheli, MacGillealliu, MacGillhill, and MacGillillie. Spellings of the surname can also be found in the form of MacGallehlief, MacGillehill, MacGillechelli, and MacGillechallie.
Some surnames of the same origin that are derived from the MacElhill surname include MacGeehill, MacGillhill, MacGillekle, MacGillichallie, and MacGillighelli. Others include Magillihooley, Magalliehlief, MacGillemacreil, MacGillehalley, and MacGillileheli.
In conclusion, the MacElhill surname is an Anglicized form of the Gaelic MacGiolla Ghallchaidh. There are a variety of variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin derived from the MacElhill surname, such as MacGeehill, MacGillhill, MacGillekle, MacGillichallie, and MacGillighelli.
Famous people with the name MacElhill
- David MacELHILL: American actor
- Abernethie MacELHILL: Irish lawyer
- Hannah MacELHILL: American actress
- Eric MacELHILL: Scottish politician
- Kelly MacELHILL: American businesswoman
- Duncan MacELHILL: British TV presenter
- Rebecca MacELHILL: English actress
- Ian MacELHILL: Canadian writer
- Aaron MacELHILL: American actor
- Alex MacELHILL: Canadian Hockey Player
- Joel MacELHILL: Australian musician
- Raymond MacELHILL: Canadian actor
- Sam MacELHILL: British footballer
- Audrey MacELHILL: American politician
- Gary MacELHILL: British TV presenter
- Jon MacELHILL: British historian
- Wayne MacELHILL: American filmmaker
- Amy MacELHILL: Canadian doctor
- Stephen MacELHILL: Irish actor
- Gordon MacELHILL: Canadian wildlife photographer