Surname MacGilmore - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'M'
MacGilmore: What does the surname MacGilmore mean?
The last name MacGilmore is derived from the Gaelic and Old Irish language and translates to "son of the Servant of Saint Mary". The MacGilmore name has been traced back to the ancient Gaelic kingdom of Dál Riata, which was located on the western coast of Scotland during the Middle Ages.
The operational septs of the MacGilmore name as it was formed in Scotland included the contiguous district of Gleann Bhearnuill and Seangaille, near Loch Fyne in Argyll, Scotland. The MacGilmore were a powerful clan in this region of Scotland and were recognized as one of the distinguished families of the west coast of Scotland.
The MacGilmore were notorious for their fierce loyalty to the Scottish royal house of Stewart and were famous for their bravery during the battles of Culloden and Bannockburn. Even after the demise of the feudal system in Scotland, the MacGilmore clan continued to serve the Stewart family into the 19th century.
Today, MacGilmore is a relatively common surname in Scotland and other part of the United Kingdom and the rest of the English-speaking world. The MacGilmore clan continues to honor their historic traditions of bravery, loyalty, and commitment to a cause while maintaining a strong connection to their Gaelic roots.
Order DNA origin analysisMacGilmore: Where does the name MacGilmore come from?
The last name MacGilmore is commonly found in Ireland, Scotland and the United States. Today, most MacGilmore's can be found in either Ireland or Scotland in great numbers, particularly in the Highlands of Scotland.
In northern Ireland, MacGilmore is especially common near the town of Newry where the clan traditionally held its surname. Other areas with particularly strong populations of MacGilmore's in Ireland include Ulster and Connaught, although they are to be found throughout the country.
In Scotland, MacGilmore families tend to be found concentrated around the Highland regions of Ross-shire, Sutherland, and Caithness. This was once the area of Scotland where the MacGilmore's held much of their power and their lands.
In the United States, the MacGilmore family migrated mainly from Scotland and Ireland during the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, the surname can be found all across the country, although many tend to congregate around those areas with large Irish and Scottish populations. Areas like Pennsylvania, New York, Massachusetts and Illinois in particular have some of the largest MacGilmore populations in the United States.
Variations of the surname MacGilmore
The variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for the surname MacGilmore are MacGillemore, MacGillamore, Gillemore, Gillamore, Gilamore, Gillemor and Gilmore. All of these variants can have various spellings, making tracing family trees through this surname difficult.
The MacGilmore surname is of Scottish and Irish origins, from the Gaelic name meaning “servant of the stranger”, derived from the Gaelic elements ‘Mac’ meaning ‘son’ or ‘servant’, and ‘giolla mor’ meaning ‘larger servant’.
The MacGilmore surname is most commonly found in Scotland, particularly in the regions of Argyll and Inverness. It is also most commonly found in the US, where it was first taken in the 18th century, by families looking to begin a new life in the New World.
Variants of the MacGilmore surname are commonly found throughout the US and Canada, making it slightly easier to trace these families across North America. The MacGilmore name has been anglicised over the years, erasing any connection to its Gaelic roots. It has also changed and adapted into new spellings, such as Gillemor and Gilmore, due to mispronunciation and spelling errors.
In Scotland, the MacGilmore name is commonly found in the Highlands and islands, where Gaelic speakers live. This indicates that the MacGilmore surname is still being maintained through Gaelic culture, and is still connected to its roots.
Throughout history, the MacGilmore surname has evolved, but still remains rooted in its Gaelic origins. Its existence and popularity are testament to the strength and longevity of Gaelic language and identity in Scotland, Ireland and elsewhere.
Famous people with the name MacGilmore
- Melissa MacGilmore: Canadian actress best known for her work in Canadian LGBTQ media
- Rory MacGilmore: protagonist in popular television show, Gilmore Girls
- John MacGilmore: professional snowboarder and former X Games champion
- Colin MacGilmore: American singer-songwriter
- Jennifer MacGilmore: award-winning author and National Geographic wildlife photographer
- Kai MacGilmore: British Olympic sprinter
- MacKenzie MacGilmore: model and influencer
- Darwin MacGilmore: professional golfer on the PGA Tour
- Jordan MacGilmore: NFL quarterback
- Bradley MacGilmore: NBA point guard