Surname MacElhose - Meaning and Origin
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MacElhose: What does the surname MacElhose mean?
The surname MacElhose is of Scottish origin, derived from an ancient Celtic clan name. The MacElhose family likely descends from the kingdom of Dal Riata, located in present-day Scotland. This makes the MacElhose clan an old and proud Scottish family.
The MacElhose surname is thought to originate from the old Scottish name "Mac Gilhusa", which translates to "son of Elhusa", with "Elhusa" originating from the old Gaelic word "Ail Husamail", meaning "devotee of Jesus". This gives a glimpse into the religious and cultural roots of the MacElhose family.
The MacElhose name has been carried by many generations over centuries of Scottish history, giving evidence that the surname has been in use since at least the 13th century. The original and modern-day MacElhose families carried with them a strong sense of loyalty and pride, and no doubt a deep respect for their Scottish heritage.
Throughout the centuries, there have been many famous MacElhose individuals who have gone on to make significant contributions to a range of fields, including politics, the military, and science. Today, the proud heritage of the MacElhose family is reflected in its many members who continue to proudly carry on their family's name and traditions.
Order DNA origin analysisMacElhose: Where does the name MacElhose come from?
The last name MacElhose is commonly found in Scotland and Ireland. The earliest known records of the name can be traced back to the 11th century in Scotland, when a settler from the clans of Macleod and Macalister arrived in Glen Elg and established a small population. The name then spread throughout Scotland and other parts of the British Isles as members of the clan migrated to different regions.
Today, the name MacElhose is most common in Scotland and Ireland. It is also found in parts of Canada, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand. The surname is still quite widespread in Scotland, primarily concentrated in the Highland regions of Angus and Inverness-shire.
In Ireland, the name is common primarily in the counties of Antrim, Louth, and Waterford, where many descendants of Scottish emigrants live. MacElhose is also found in other parts of Europe, particularly in France and Germany, due to the widespread migration of Scots in the past centuries.
Overall, MacElhose is a relatively uncommon name compared to other surnames in the United Kingdom and Ireland. However, it is still found in many regions of the world and is most commonly associated with Scotland and Ireland.
Variations of the surname MacElhose
The surname MacElhose is a Scottish surname derived from the Gaelic Mac-Giolla-Easbuig, meaning ‘son of the follower of Easbuig’. It is most commonly spelled MacElhose, but other variants and spellings can also be found in Scotland and beyond.
Variants of the surname MacElhose include MacEllis, MacElhose, MacIlsa, MacAlause, MacAlas, and MacGillespie. Surnames with the suffix ‘-son’ are also common variants of MacElhose, including MacEllis-son, MacAlas-son and MacGillespie-son. The prefixed spelling ‘Mc’ is also seen, as in McEllis, McAlas and McGillespie.
Other surnames of a similar origin include MacGilhose, MacIlhose, MacAlpin, MacKaise, and MacCloud. Spellings that incorporate a hyphenated double-barreled structure, such as Mac-Gillespie, Mac-Alause and Mac-Ilhose, are becoming increasingly popular.
The usage of MacElhose abroad is not common but the surname can be found in Australia, America and Canada. Variations such as Mac-McEliose, McCellis and McEllis have since developed in these countries, as well as alternative spellings such as MacEllios and MacElhaus.
In conclusion, the surname MacElhose has a variety of variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. This range of variations reflects the global nature of the surname and its origin in Scotland.
Famous people with the name MacElhose
- Sir Kenneth Alexander Maclehose, KCMG, GCMG, 4th Baronet of Thanning (1921–2000), known as Indian and Hong Kong Government Official
- Sir Robert Hickman Maclehose, KCIE, PC, GBE, 5th Baronet of Thanning (1878–1958), known as the Governor of Hong Kong
- James Maclehose (1834–1919), known as a Scottish publisher
- Iain Maclehose, 9th Laird of Raasay and 14th Chief of the Clan Macleod (born 1957)
- Carl Maclehose, American roots-rock guitarist and songwriter
- Lorene Maclehose, American politician
- Martha Maclehose, American politician
- John Maclehose (1824–1895), known as the founder of Macmillan Publishers
- John Maclehose Jr.,1st Baronet (1826–1903), known as a Scottish publisher
- Charles Maclehose (1799–1883), known as a Scottish clergyman and botanist