Surname MacKilgallen - Meaning and Origin
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MacKilgallen: What does the surname MacKilgallen mean?
The last name MacKilgallen is an anglicized form of the Gaelic Mac Giolla Ghalláin, which translates to "son of the servant of the stranger." The surname can be traced back to ancient Gaelic clans, specifically the Gillegallen clan located in the ancient kingdom of Breifne which is now located in today's counties of Leitrim and Cavan, Ireland. This clan was said to have been descendants of the High Kings of Ireland and members of the O'Rourke Dynasty, a prominent ruling family of the area in the 14th century.
The Mac Kilgallen family is closely associated with the Kilgore and Kilgallon clans since they all share the same lineage and shared territory. Historians describe that the Mac Kilgallen's, Kilgore's and Kilgallon's all descended from the same ancestor, Fearghal O'Rourke, a High King of Connacht in the late 12th century. This family is well-documented and there are multiple references made to members of the family and their deeds in ancient family records and land grants. There are also several churches and monuments dedicated to the Kilgallon and Mac Gillallan clans in counties Cavan and Leitrim and even in nearby counties in Scotland.
The MacKilgallens were great supporters of Irish nationalistic movements which included the United Irishmen of the 1790s and the Rebellion of 1798 and were involved in Clan Rivalries and Wars in the area. The MacKilgallen family can be found aroudn the world, and now the name has become a symbol of a proud heritage and the resilient spirit of Ancient Irish clans.
Order DNA origin analysisMacKilgallen: Where does the name MacKilgallen come from?
The surname MacKilgallen is most commonly found in Scotland, and particularly in Edinburgh. The name is believed to have originated in the 12th century, and its roots are associated with Clan MacKilgallen, an ancient Scottish clan whose origin lies in the ancient tribe of the Picts. Records of the MacKilgallen family name can be found dating back to the 16th century in Edinbrugh and its surrounding area.
Today the surname is believed to be most highly concentrated in Edinburgh, with a number of families still using it as their primary surname. Some members of the MacKilgallen clan can also be found in other parts of Scotland, as well as in other parts of the UK, North America, and in Australia.
Given its ancient roots, certain members of the Clan still take part in traditional festivities such as 'Clan MacKilgallen' days, where members gather for a day of feasting and celebration. These events often take place in Edinburgh, and help to keep the name alive today.
MacKilgallen is also a popular name amongst novelists and is particularly associated with the series of Sherlock Holmes novels by Arthur Conan Doyle. The MacKilgallen name was used in The Adventure of the Bruce Partington Plans novel and was used as an alias by a suspect in the case.
Variations of the surname MacKilgallen
The surname MacKilgallen is most commonly spelled as MacKilgallon, with variations including MacKilligal, MacKilgour, MacKilgor, MacGilgallon, MacGilgallen, MacKilligal, MacKilgallen, MacKilgallan, MacKilgallon, and MacKilgalen.
The origin of the MacKilgallen surname is said to be Irish and Scottish. It is thought to have been derived from the Gaelic words ‘Mac’ meaning son and ‘Kilgallon’ meaning ‘stranger’, thus indicating the family was descended from a stranger in their homeland. Alternatively, the surname is thought to have derived from the Gaelic name ‘Mac Giolla Chaluinn’ which translates from English to ‘Son of the servant of St. Gallen’, a Swiss monk who later moved to Ireland.
Variants of the surname can be found in both Scotland and Ireland. In Scotland, the surname can also be spelled MacKilgallan, MacKilgallon, and MacKilgalen. In Ireland, the variations of this surname include MacKilgar, MacKilgor, MacKilgour, MacKilgallon, and MacKilgallen.
The Scottish variant of the surname, MacKilgallan, is thought to have originated in Galloway, Scotland, whilst the Irish version is thought to have started in County Donegal. The MacKilgour spelling is particularly common in Scotland, and is thought to have derived from the placename Kilgour, located in Fife.
Despite the numerous possible variations, all of these surnames are likely to be of Gaelic origin, and all are likely to be related, regardless of their spelling.
Famous people with the name MacKilgallen
- Dorothy Mae Kilgallen (1913-1965): an American journalist, television game show panelist and theatre critic.
- John Kilgallen (1922-2004): a sports writer and broadcaster. He was best known for his coverage of the Olympics and the Super Bowl.
- John Joseph Kilgallen (1936-2018): an American judge and ruling judge from the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
- Dan Kilgallen (1949-1988): a Major League Baseball pitcher.
- Bill Kilgallen (1929-2011): an American baseball player who played in Major League Baseball for four seasons.
- Michael Kilgallen (born 1956): an American professor of philosophy at Columbia University.
- Deirdre Kilgallen (born 1978): an Irish-American actress, known for her work on Late Show with David Letterman, Law & Order: Criminal Intent and All My Children.
- Eamon Kilgallen (born 1982): an Irish musician, composer, and singer who has released four albums.
- Ryan Kilgallen (born 1981): an American composer and multi-instrumentalist, best known for his contributions to film, television and video games.
- J.D. Kilgallen (born 1966): an American singer-songwriter from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.