Surname MacGillicudy - Meaning and Origin
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MacGillicudy: What does the surname MacGillicudy mean?
The last name MacGillicudy is an Irish surname that originated in County Donegal. It is a combination of two Gaelic words, Mac Ghille Chudaig, which translated to mean “son of the servant of Cuthag”. “Mac” is the Gaelic prefix used to denote ‘son’, whereas ‘Ghille’ means ‘servant’ and ‘Chudaig’ is a personal name for a man with a variety of meanings but is thought to mean ‘helpful/useful’.
The MacGillicudy family originates from north western Ireland and is still present in the region today. Over the centuries, members of the family began to spread to other parts of the country, and even across the world, taking their surname with them. Today, the MacGillicudy name can be found scattered across the globe, though Donegal still remains a popular home for the name.
The MacGillicudy clan is the custodian of a centuries old mythology and belief system, which tells the story of their patron, Cú Chulainn, a legendary Irish warrior. In modern day, it is believed that the Kilmacduagh Monastery in County Galway was built by members of the MacGillicudy family. As religious structures went, it was one of the smallest in the area.
The MacGillicudy name is still held in high esteem and is an important reminder of the family's rich and vibrant history. This proud name evokes the tales of times past, providing an inspiration and reminder for the generations to come of the indomitable spirit of their ancestors.
Order DNA origin analysisMacGillicudy: Where does the name MacGillicudy come from?
The surname MacGillicudy is commonly found in present-day Ireland and Scotland, as well as other countries with Irish heritage.
The MacGillicudys were historically known as a clan belonging to the southern Irish province of Munster. They can be traced back to the ancient kingdom of Hy-Many, which held parts of modern counties of Galway, Roscommon, Sligo, and Mayo in the western part of Ireland.
The MacGillicudys have a long and rich history. Legend has it that they are descended from Giolla Cuda, a Connacht nobleman and progenitor of the clan. This legend suggests that the surname originated from the arrival of a Viking leader in Ireland, Cuda, who commanded a large fleet of ships which landed in Galway Bay circa 850 AD.
The clan are still found in Munster today, and may have spread into other parts of Ireland over the ages. They also have a presence in Scotland, having settled there after the Highlanders relocated there following the Jacobite uprising of 1715. There are also some MacGillicudys living in the USA, Canada, Australia, and other countries around the world which have an Irish diaspora.
The surname MacGillicudy is a proud emblem of Ireland's past, and is a testament to the strong Irish heritage of many people around the world today.
Variations of the surname MacGillicudy
The surname MacGillicudy is originally an Anglicised form of the Gaelic-Irish patronymic surname Mac Giolla Chuda, meaning "son of the servant of Cuda". Variants, spellings and surnames derived from the Gaelic origin include MacGillacuddy, MacGillicuddy, MacGillicuddy, MacGillicuddyy, MacGilycuddy, Magillicuddy, McGillicuddy, McGillycuddy, MacGillycuddy, MacGillikin and MacGillykin.
In Scotland, MacGillicudy is generally found as MacGillichudy, which is an anglicised form of the Gaelic Mac an Ghoill Fhiodha. The spelling can also be found as MacGillicuddy.
The surname MacGillicudy is also found as a variant in Ireland, particularly in County Mayo. Variants, spellings and surnames include MacGillicody, Magillicuddy, MacGilluke and MacGillyke.
In the United States, due to the nature of immigration and assimilation, many MacGillicudy immigrants have changed their surnames to simpler forms. These include McGilley, McGuillicy, McGilly and McGilligan.
Therefore, in summary, variants, spellings and surnames with the same origin as MacGillicudy include MacGillacuddy, MacGillicuddy, MacGillicuddyy, MacGilycuddy, Magillicuddy, McGillicuddy, McGillycuddy, MacGillycuddy, MacGillikin, MacGillykin, MacGillichudy, MacGillicody, Magillicuddy, MacGilluke, MacGillyke, McGilley, McGuillicy, McGilly and McGilligan.
Famous people with the name MacGillicudy
- Ted MacGillicuddy: a four-time Emmy-nominated actor, known for his appearances in House and Scrubs.
- John MacGillicuddy: a one-time Grammy Award winner, renowned for his work in creating and producing hit songs.
- Mark MacGillicuddy: a renowned film director, known for numerous cult films such as Scream and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre franchise.
- Conor MacGillicuddy: an acclaimed stage and screen actor, known for his roles in The Prestige and American Hustle.
- Colin MacGillicuddy: an Academy Award-winning screenwriter, known for his work on Confirmation and The Iron Man trilogy.
- Jason MacGillicuddy: a six-time Golden Globe-nominated actor, best known for his roles in Clueless and Rush Hour.
- Sean MacGillicuddy: a two-time Oscar-nominated actor, known for starring in Romeo + Juliet and on the former NBC drama Parenthood.
- Arthur MacGillicuddy: a celebrated author, best known for his fantasy novel series Chronicles of Narnia.
- Richard MacGillicuddy: a professional ice hockey player who played in the NHL from 1970-1984.
- Florence MacGillicuddy: a noted fashion designer, who also served as creative director for Prada in the early 1990's.