Surname MacKilkenny - Meaning and Origin
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MacKilkenny: What does the surname MacKilkenny mean?
The last name MacKilkenny is an anglicized version of the ancient Gaelic surname MacGiolla Chainnigh, which translates to "Son of the Devotee of St. Canice". The origin of this surname dates back to the 5th century, when St. Canice established a monastery near the town of Kilkenny in Ireland. The descendants of those who served in the monastery at Kilkenny took the surname MacKilkenny to honour their ancestor's devotion. This surname is therefore mainly found in the Kilkenny area, though it can still be found in other parts of Ireland and in Irish diaspora around the world.
The surname MacKilkenny is a symbol of strong piety, reflecting a long-standing loyalty to the Church. Today, it is a reminder of a connection to the Irish culture and faith that has been maintained over centuries. It is also a reminder of the diverse history of the Irish people, whose loyalty has often been tested with two sides often at odds with one another. Despite the changes in politics and religion, many Irish people have remained proud of their heritage. The symbolism behind the surname MacKilkenny has allowed it to survive through the ages.
Order DNA origin analysisMacKilkenny: Where does the name MacKilkenny come from?
The last name MacKilkenny is quite common mainly in Ireland. Records from the 19th century show that the name existed mainly in counties Cork, Sligo, Roscommon, Mayo, and Dublin. As with many surnames of Irish descent, variations such as MacKilkenny, MacKilcenny, MacKinneeny, and MacKineny can exist.
The MacKilkenny name is still present in those counties today, as well as in other counties in Ireland such as Galway, Kerry, and Donegal. An even wider diaspora has taken place into other countries such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand.
According to the website, Irish Ancestors, MacKilkenny is derived from the Irish-Gaelic name MacGiolla Chaoine, which translated means “devotee of the beloved/Chaoine.” The broader meaning of MacGiolla Chaoine is therefore “son of the devotee of Caoine," wherein Caoine is a reference to “Caoin,” a medieval term for “lamentation” or “keening” and likely a reference to the latter form of Irish funerary traditions or practices associated with keening.
Variations of the surname MacKilkenny
The variants and surnames of the same origin for the surname MacKilkenny are varied and many. The most common variants are MacKilkenney, McKillen, McKilken, MacKillan, MacKillen, MacKilkin, Kilkenney, Kilkenny, Killen, Killin, McKillenney, Kilkin, Kilkane, Killenney, Kilkenny, MacKillenney, McKilkenney, and MacKlinkin.
The spelling and pronunciation of the surname MacKilkenny depends largely on the region of origin. The most common pronunciations are MACK-it-KAY-nee or MC-KILL-en-ee. In Scotland, the anglicized version of the surname is often found spelled MacKillenney or McKilkenney.
The surname has numerous variant spellings, depending on the region of origin. While the most common form of the name is MacKilkenny, other forms that have evolved over time include MacKilyn, Macoolkin, McColekenney, MacKelkin, MacCoulkyn, MacColkenney, McCaulkin, Kilkenney, Kilkaly, Killenney, and MacKilpatrick.
The surname is also found in other parts of the world outside Scotland and Ireland, such as Australia, Canada, and the United States. In these countries, the variations may include McCulken, McKiffen, Marckylen, McCowklin, Makoolen, Machkulen, Mackalliner, McCoyleen, McKleyn, M'Killen, and M'Kullen.
Famous people with the name MacKilkenny
- Tom MacKilkenny: professional hockey player
- Kate MacKilkenny: retired figure skater
- Angus MacKilkenny: British actor
- Sera MacKilkenny: celebrity chef
- Kyle MacKilkenny: singer-songwriter
- Aidan MacKilkenny: current NASCAR driver
- Barry MacKilkenny: professional golf player
- Sean MacKilkenny: comedian
- Eli MacKilkenny: professional basketball player
- Bethany MacKilkenny: award-winning author
- Felix MacKilkenny: tennis player
- Oscar MacKilkenny: celebrity fitness trainer
- Kayla MacKilkenny: Olympic gold medalist gymnast
- Paisley MacKilkenny: former world champion swimmer
- Luke MacKilkenny: stunt double
- Rowan MacKilkenny: Olympic skier
- Layla MacKilkenny: actress
- Vince MacKilkenny: actor
- Grace MacKilkenny: reality TV star
- Logan MacKilkenny: game show host