Surname MacKelloch - Meaning and Origin

MacKelloch: What does the surname MacKelloch mean?

The last name MacKelloch is derived from the Gaelic term “MacEalag,” which means “son of the church.” The MacKellochs were a group of Highland Scots who traditionally lived in the region of Stirlingshire, and the family has its roots in the 12th century.

It is believed that the MacKellochs were once one of the most powerful clans of Scotland. In medieval times, their chief was a vassal of the Earl of Lennox and a tenant of the Lord of Balquhidder in the Strathyre region. As feudal guardians of the Stirling Castle, the MacKelloch chiefs held important and influential positions. They were also members of the Court of the Great Steward, eventually becoming hereditary stewards of the Parliament.

Today, the MacKelloch family is dispersed around the world, with people bearing the name now living in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. However, the MacKellochs of Scotland still keep their traditions alive, including the Clan Malcolm Tartan and membership in the Clan MacKelloch Association (CMA).

Their motto, "Fortune and Fill a Feill," which means “Fortune and Fidelity,” remains a reminder of the clan’s dedication to loyalty and strength.

MacKelloch: Where does the name MacKelloch come from?

The last name MacKelloch is a Scottish surname, originating in the Gaelic MacGiolla Challuinn, meaning 14th Century son of the servant of Chapel. It was originally a sept or family branch of Clan Campbell and a clan of North Argyll. The surname was then reduced to a patronymic version of the first name Challe, which is still used today in Scotland.

The name is still common today, mainly in Scotland and Ireland but is found in many other countries. In Scotland, it is most common in the Highland, Argyll, and the Western Isles region. Kirkcudbrightshire in south-western Scotland is the birthplace of many of the MacKellochs. In Ireland, the name is mostly found in counties Donegal, Mayo, and Galway.

In the United States, MacKellochs can be found in many of the states, particularly New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. The greatest concentration of the name is found in the Midwestern states of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Illinois. It is also common in Canada, mainly in the provinces of Nova Scotia, Ontario, and British Columbia.

Travelling further afield, MacKelloch is found in many other countries, including Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and the United Kingdom. With the growth of the internet and the increasing number of MacKellochs who have traveled around the globe, the population of this last name will only grow over time.

Variations of the surname MacKelloch

MacKelloch is a Scottish surname derived from the anglicised form of the Gaelic MacNailleach, which itself is derived from the Gaelic personal name Maconleac or Macconleag. The Gaelic form of MacKelloch is MacNeileach which can be further anglicized as MacKileach.

Variations of the name MacKelloch include MacKellech, MacKelach, and MacKilleach, as well as MacKellog, McKilloch, McKelloch, McKelog, McKeloch, and McNealach, among others. The 'Mc' spelling is also often used in place of 'Mac'.

The surname MacKelloch has many septs or families linked to it. The MacNailleach sept is thought to originate from Scotland's Western Isles and region of Strathnaver, though it is also associated with the Western Isles of Skye and thence the mainland Rosshire and Ardnamurchan in Kilbride. Other septs are associated with Rosshire (mainly Inver and Achnasheen) and the Isles of Skye, Uist, and Islay.

In some cases, the spelling of MacKelloch has been altered to 'Kelloch'. This is because of an anglicisation of the Gaelic name MacNailleach done soon after the transition from Gaelic to English. In other cases, various variations of the original spelling have been used, such as McKeloch, McKilloch, or McKelog. Additionally, other versions of the surname are related to MacKelloch, such as McKillock.

Finally, the MacKelloch surname may be associated with the names Thompson or Thompsen. This is due to the fact that during the days of the Highland Clearances, many of the family members changed their name to simplify matters at the time or due to reduced literacy.

Famous people with the name MacKelloch

• Stewart McKelvey: A Canadian lawyer and served as the thirtieth Chancellor of McMaster University.
• Christopher Macklelloch: A Canadian actor known for his roles in comedic films.
• Anna Macklelloch: A Canadian architect and preservationist.
• Jock McKelvey: A British politician of the Liberal Party.
• Sir J. G. Macklelloch: A Scottish doctor and scientist.
• John Macklelloch: A Canadian politician and member of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia.
• William MacKelloch: A Scottish soldier of the British East India Company who was involved in the Indian Mutiny of 1857-58.
• Bob Mckelloch: An American ice hockey player who won a Stanley Cup with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 1991.
• Sarah McKelvey: An American poet, literary critic, and professor.
• Robert McKelvey: An American film director and producer.
• Mae McKlelloch: An American professional wrestler.
• Tim McKelvey: An American activist and professor known for his works on post-disaster and border issues.
• William McKelvey: An Australian politician of the Australian Labor Party who served as an MP in the House of Representatives.
• Matt McKelvey: An Australian rugby league player who retired in 2017.
• Mary MacKelloch: A British human rights activist who fought for women's suffrage in the UK and was a founding member of the National Union of Women's Suffrage Societies.
• Tom McKelloch: A Scottish footballer who played for several clubs in Scotland, England, and Scotland.

Other surnames

MacKellMacKellachieMacKellaigMacKellanMacKellarMacKellock