Surname MacIlhome - Meaning and Origin
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MacIlhome: What does the surname MacIlhome mean?
The last name MacIlhome is a Scottish surname of Clan MacIlhose, which is derived from the given name “Mac Ghille-homhair,” meaning “son of Gilliemore.” This surname likely originated in the 12th century and is associated with the MacIlhose family who lived in Wigtown and its environs in the historical county of Galloway, Scotland.
The name MacIlhose itself is derived from an old Gaelic phrase ‘mac gille-homhair’, which literally translates as ‘son of the great lord’. This name is most likely derived from the Gaelic clan name Mac I’homhair which means “son of the Lord”, where ‘homhair’ is a variant of the Gaelic ‘iomhair’, meaning lord or nobleman.
The coat of arms of the MacIlhose family is a silver shield with a black saltire, which is an ancient heraldic symbol and this coat of arms is one of the oldest in the country. It is believed to refer to the first MacIilhose, Teobald who was awarded the title of 'MacGille Homhair' by King Malcolm IV of Scotland in 1160 AD.
The MacIlhose clan symbol is two crossed swords as a crest, denoting the ancient tradition of swordsmanship within Scotland. The clan motto of MacIlhose is ‘In Aedens Operimento’ which translates to ‘Under God’s Protection’.
Today, the surname MacIlhose is still quite common in Scotland and can be found in many local communities, particularly in Wigtownshire and Dumfries and Galloway. The surname MacIlhose is often used interchangeably with the surname MacIlhome, likely due to its origin. This geographical concentration of the surname has lent it the prestigious title of a clan, and this is indicated by its official crest.
Order DNA origin analysisMacIlhome: Where does the name MacIlhome come from?
The last name MacIlhome is most common in parts of Europe and Canada today. Specifically, the highest concentrations of MacIlhome can be found in Scotland, England, Ireland, and Canada.
Of these, Scotland is the country with the highest concentration of people surnamed MacIlhome. MacIlhome is the 30th most common surname in Scotland, and the 5th most common in the Aberdeenshire region according to data from Scotland’s General Register Office. MacIlhome is the 9th most common name in the Shetland Islands and a frequently seen surname in Orkney.
MacIlhome has also been popular in England for centuries. Today, it is most popular in the counties of Greater Manchester, Buckinghamshire, and Nottinghamshire. In the United States, the last name is fairly uncommon, with few MacIlhomes found in the census of 1920.
In Canada, MacIlhome is the 40th most common surname. Data from the 1890s shows it was amongst the most popular surnames in Ontario, along with MacLeod, Mitchell, and McLeod.
Overall, the last name MacIlhome is most popular in Scotland, England, Ireland and Canada, although it can also be found in small numbers in other parts of Europe and the United States.
Variations of the surname MacIlhome
The surname MacIlhome is derived from the Gaelic Mac Ille Mheana, meaning "son of the servant of St. John". Other variants of this surname include MacIlhone, MacIlhon, MacIlveen, McIllone, McIllhone, McIlwee, MacIlwain, McIlwean, MacIlwham, McElvain, MacIlhaney and MacElhone.
MacIlhome is a common Scottish surname. The MacIlhome spelling can be found in records beginning in the early 17th century around the firm of MacIlhome in County Antrim, now Northern Ireland. The name then spread across the north and west of Ireland as the family line developed. By the 19th century, MacIlhomes could be found elsewhere in Scotland as well as in the United States and Canada.
MacIlhomes tend to have a strong attachment to their roots. Genealogists have tracked this surname to the Book of Clan Campbell which shows that the first of the name to experience significant success was Alexander Macilhome of Argyllshire, Scotland, who was appointed Sheriff of Campbell in 1478. By the beginning of the 19th century, the clan had grown to include branches all over Scotland.
Variations of the MacIlhome surname can help genealogists trace their family roots back to their original homeland. Comparing the surnames of the same origin may lead to the discovery of long-lost relatives or ancestors that remain unknown today.
Famous people with the name MacIlhome
- Rod MacIlhome: a Canadian politician who served as the Premier of Nova Scotia from 1993 to 1998.
- Archie MacIlhome: a notable aviation figure in Scotland, serving as the Managing Director of Loganair for over 20 years.
- John MacIlhome: an award-winning Scottish photographer who has exhibited in numerous galleries across the U.K.
- Malcolm MacIlhome: a Scottish explorer and seafarer who sailed around the world in the first half of the 20th century.
- Allan MacIlhome: a Scottish-born racing car driver who competed in various European Formula One events in the 1950s.
- Thomas MacIlhome: a World War II veteran, recipient of the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) for his bravery and tenacity, and is remembered in the book The Six Silver Bullets.
- Albert MacIlhome: a renowned Scottish architect of the Victorian era, responsible for restoring historic buildings throughout the West Highlands.
- Marie MacIlhome: a Canadian artist and illustrator known for her distinctive style of combining traditional mediums with modern forms.
- Ian MacIlhome: a former professional footballer for Scottish club Hamilton Academical, where he made his debut in 1975.
- George MacIlhome: a South African cricketer who played international cricket for the Proteas between 1956 and 1959.