Surname MacIlvany - Meaning and Origin
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MacIlvany: What does the surname MacIlvany mean?
The last name MacIlvany is of Scottish origin and is derived from the Gaelic Mac Giolla Mheanaigh, meaning "son of the devotees of St. Manau". St. Manau was an early Christian saint who established a church at the village of Kilmahazaght in County Kerry, Ireland.
The MacIlvany name is most common in the Northern Irish parts of County Antrim and County Down, where Gaelic was the primary language spoken. It is also found in the Scottish Lowlands, especially on the western seaboard, in the counties of Ayr, Renfrew and Argyll.
The MacIlvanys would have been a family of Gaelic-speaking farmers and craftsmen who lived in rural areas, particularly in the western parts of the Highlands and Islands. They were an independent clan, loyal to their clan chief and to their family. The name itself is a testament to their strong religious faith and their loyalty to their clan.
The MacIlvanys were also known for their hospitality, and they often hosted visiting clansmen and tourists in their homes. They were respected by their neighbors for their honesty and fairness in dealing with people. They were also renowned for their skill as battle strategists, and their loyalty to their clans was legendary.
Today, the name MacIlvany is still found throughout Scotland, Ireland and other parts of the British Isles. Although some of the more traditional aspects of the clan have been lost over time, the name still carries with it the same strong sense of loyalty, honor and community spirit.
Order DNA origin analysisMacIlvany: Where does the name MacIlvany come from?
MacIlvany is a Scottish surname which is most commonly found in Scotland today. It is also found in other parts of the United Kingdom, including Northern Ireland, England, and Wales. The surname is also found in Australia, the United States, Canada, and New Zealand. McIlvany is an alternative spelling of the name sometimes used in these countries.
The name is derived from Mac Gille Bhaighin, which is the Gaelic name meaning son of the servant of St. Bheagan. Saint Bheagan was an early Christian hermit associated with Eglesham, which is just south of Biggar in the historic county of Lanarkshire.
It is possible that the family originated elsewhere, as there is no direct inherited link to the name in the Eglesham area today. The name is also recorded as early as the 13th century in different parts of Scotland, providing further evidence that the ancestral home of the clan may be elsewhere.
It appears that the MacIlvanys were a dispersed family and they spread out in the centuries following the 13th century. This most likely occurred during the forced Highland clearances and other migrations of Scots, or as a result of marriage and other social connections.
Today, MacIlvany is still found in Scotland and the British Isles, but also in North America, Australia, and New Zealand. With Scots having emigrated to new countries and continents over the centuries, it is likely that the surname is more widespread than is currently documented.
Variations of the surname MacIlvany
The surname MacIlvany is a family name derived from Irish origin – specifically from the Scots-Irish language. The MacIlvany name is derived from the Gaelic Mag Amhlavein, which literally translates to ‘son of Amhlavein’ or ‘son of the Irishman’. Common spellings of MacIlvany include MacElveen, MacAuliffe, MacElveny, and McLavin. The McLavin variant is often used by families from Scotland and Ireland who settled in America, while MacAuliffe is more common among Irish families.
The MacIlvany surname is also related to many other Irish surnames, including MacAuliffe, McAlvany, McElvey, and McElveny. These other surnames are derived from the same Gaelic root, Mag Amhlavein, and are closely related to the MacIlvany surname. The McLevin (or MacLevin) variant is also sometimes found in America, and is derived from the Gaelic Mag Labhrain.
Variants from countries outside of the British Isles may also exist. In some cases, it may be necessary to search local records to identify them. For instance, MacIlvany is sometimes spelled MacAlvany in Australia, MacLavany in France, and MacIllvany in Germany.
The surname MacIlvany is associated with courage and strength. It is associated with a long line of proud Irish men and women who have dedicated their lives to making their respective countries a better place for everyone.
Famous people with the name MacIlvany
- Henry MacIlvany: sportscaster
- Charles MacIlvany: Scottish actor
- Dean MacIlvany: British actor
- Malcolm MacIlvany: Scottish-Canadian film, television and theatre actor
- Sonya MacIlvany: New Zealand actor
- Paul MacIlvany: Scottish actor
- William MacIlvany: Scottish actor
- Rodney MacIlvany: British-born American actor and singer
- Gracie MacIlvany: Canadian author
- Arthur MacIlvany: Irish author and poet