Surname MacKilgannon - Meaning and Origin
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MacKilgannon: What does the surname MacKilgannon mean?
The last name MacKilgannon is derived from the Gaelic name Mac Giolla Ghoinn meaning "son of the servant of the chief" as evidenced by it's prefix “Mac," meaning "son of," and its suffix “Ghoinn/Gonn" meaning "servant and/or chief." MacKilgannon is also a variant of the Irish surnames MacGilligan and MacGillican, which also derive from this same source.
Over the centuries, MacKilgannon has been spelled in many different ways, including Makilgannon, MacIlgannon, and Magnillon. This is due to the Gaelic language being an oral language, so when it was written down over time the spelling could vary and eventually evolve.
MacKilgannon is a surname of the Ulster Scots culture, which can trace its origins back to the 17th century. In the late 1600s, many people of Scottish descent were encouraged to migrate to Ireland by the British Crown in order to develop the land. As a result, this last name is most commonly found in the modern day in Scotland, Northern Ireland, and parts of the United States where Irish immigrants have settled.
The proud bearers of the MacKilgannon name are known to be loyal to their heritage and fiercely proud of their identity. This is likely due to their strong ties to the Scottish and Irish culture and is a trait that is likely to remain with them for generations to come.
Order DNA origin analysisMacKilgannon: Where does the name MacKilgannon come from?
The last name MacKilgannon is most common in Scotland today. It is believed to have come from Ireland and Scotland during the 1500s, when members of the MacKilgannon clan immigrated to the area. The name is derived from the Gaelic words "Mac Shileghain" which means "son of a follower". Though not especially widespread, many Scottish people have the surname today, with records from the 1891 census in Scotland showing that MacKilgannon is one of the top 10 most common surnames in Aberdeen, Dundee and Perth.
MacKilgannon descendants are also found in the Americas, Australia, Canada, Ireland, England and other parts of Europe. Although the vast majority of people with this name now live in Scotland, a significant number of its descendants are found outside of the country, representing an international reach.
The name has also been changed in many ways throughout the centuries. Spellings such as MacKilligangon, McKilligong, and McKilligoney (among others) are often found, though the Gaelic spelling of MacShileghain—MacKilgannon—is still the form most closely associated with the name. Some branches of the family have opted to take on non-Gaelic spellings—most commonly MacDonald.
The MacKilgannon clan has a long history of honourable service to Scotland, with many members serving in Scotland's military during both World Wars. The name still remains in Scotland today, continuing to reflect its dwellings of long ago.
Variations of the surname MacKilgannon
MacKilgannon is a surname of Irish origin, with Kilgannon being derived from the Gaelic word “Cill Gannon” meaning “the Church of Gannon”. Depending on the region or country, this surname has many alternate spellings, variants and surnames with the same origin. Common variants include MacKilionon, MacKillignon, MacKilenon, McKillonon, and McKilinon, but there are many more.
In the United Kingdom and Ireland, surnames of Irish origin have strong connections to the Gaelic language. Because of this, different spellings of the same origin can be found throughout Ireland and the Britain Isles. Additionally, names that are phonetically similar, and therefore have very similar spellings, may all be related to MacKilgannon.
In Scotland, surnames of Irish origin will likely have a slightly different spelling due to historic dialect differences between the two countries. Alternately spelled surnames with the same origin are common throughout Scotland and include McKelvanan, McKillievan, MacKelghan, McKilliphin, McKelvian, and McKillavane.
In the United States, MacKilgannon may have been adapted to account for common American pronunciation patterns. Variants of MacKilgannon that are more common in the U.S. include MacKelgannon, McKilligany, Mackilinan, and McKelganey.
Although these variants of MacKilgannon are the most common, variations exist in other countries, including Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. It is also important to remember that many of these surnames are derived from Irish Gaelic and therefore may have been adapted as they spread to other geographical locations.
Famous people with the name MacKilgannon
- Fin MacKilgannon: Scottish-Australian radio broadcaster, public speaker and author
- Vasili MacKilgannon: Russian composer and multi-instrumentalist
- Frank MacKilgannon:Canadian singer-songwriter and guitarist
- Horace MacKilgannon: American computer scientist, entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist
- Boyd MacKilgannon: South African rugby union player
- Dale MacKilgannon: Australian author and schoolteacher
- Peter MacKilgannon: British actor, writer, and director
- Michael MacKilgannon: Irish musician, songwriter, and producer
- Dr. Dean MacKilgannon: American medical doctor and author of medical-related books
- Geoff MacKilgannon: Australian politician and civil servant