Surname Macilwham - Meaning and Origin

Macilwham: What does the surname Macilwham mean?

The last name Macilwham is a diminutive of the Scottish name MacIlle Mhicheil, which closely translates to “son of the devotee of St. Michael.” The patron saint of the family is St. Michael, the Archangel. According to tradition, Macilwham is a sept (clan) of Clan Cameron, which is one of the oldest and largest clans in Scotland.

Historically, there is evidence that indicates Clan Cameron was one of the ancient kingdoms in Scotland. As a clan, the Camerons were highly respected for their brave and noble heritage. For centuries, they held onto their traditions as they fought in various wars such as the Crusades, the War Of The Three Kingdoms, and the Jacobite Uprising.

The family name Macilwham derives from the Gaelic phrase "Mac-giolla-mhuimhneach" which means "Son of the devotee of the dear one". The name reflects the strong traditional ties of the family to their patron, St. Michael.

Today, Macilwham is still considered a prestigious last name in Scotland. It is seen as a symbol of proud Clan Cameron heritage, with many modern descendants adhering to their ancestral customs and values.

Macilwham: Where does the name Macilwham come from?

The last name Macilwham is most commonly found in Scotland today. It originated from a particular family of Stewarts who lived in Ayrshire, Scotland in the 16th century. This surname is also found in Canada, the United States as well as other parts of the UK, United States and Australia.

The Macilwham family originated from Ayrshire, Scotland prior to the 16th century in the area of Colmonell. The Prestwick area, where the Macilwham's lived, is a small farming town surrounded by lush green fields.

The Macilwham name has anglicized in the United States and Canada, appearing as MacMillan, MacMillen and MacElwain. The spelling has been slightly altered to fit better with the English language used by the Scottish in North America.

The family is believed to have arrived in Canada in 1772 and the United Stated in 1645. Throughout both Canada and the United States, there have been people who bear the name of Macilwham.

In Scotland, there are still many people with the Macilwham surname living in Ayrshire, East Renfrewshire and Kilmarnock, as the last name is still an active part of the Ayrshire community.

Today, the Macilwham name is most common in Scotland. The name is still found in other countries including Canada, United States and Australia, but predominately in Scotland. The spelling may have changed slightly over time and the family may have branched off to other countries, but the Macilwham name still lives on in Scotland.

Variations of the surname Macilwham

The surname Macilwham is typically spelled Macilwham, but may also be spelled Macilwhamm, Macilham, or Macilhamm. It is an older name and can be found as far back as records were kept in Scotland and England.

Alternative spellings or variants of the surname Macilwham include MacIlwain, MacIlwaine, MacIlwean, and MacIlweane. Other derivatives of the origin include MacCullum, MacCillum, and MacCully. Surnames of similar origin are McClellan, McClelland, and McClelland which all derive from the Gaelic Mac Gille Fhaolain meaning ‘son of the follower of St Fillan’.

Other surnames of the same origin include MacOllum, MacCollum, MacCullem, MacCullom, MacCulham, MacColham, and MacCoolham. Also, MacOllum and MacCollum are often related surnames with relation to Macilwham.

Macilwham is an old Scottish and English name, found in heraldic records. The name was originally derived from the Gaelic MacGilleFhaolain, meaning 'son of the follower of St Fillan'. As the name travelled and expanded, its many forms and spellings can still be seen today.

Famous people with the name Macilwham

• Bill MacIlwain: Major League Baseball player.
• James Macilwain: American folk and country singer-songwriter.
• Alastair MacIlwham: Canadian actor and director.
• Stuart Macilwain: Australian rugby league player.
• Bob MacIlwain: Canadian hockey player.
• Gerry MacIlwain: British politician.
• Scott MacIlwain: Primary School teacher and author.
• Calum Macilwam: Scottish rugby union player.
• John MacIlwam: Scottish footballer.
• Pat Macilwain: Australian television producer.

Other surnames

Macilwhom