Surname MacKillacky - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'M'
MacKillacky: What does the surname MacKillacky mean?
The last name MacKillacky is of Scottish origin and is derived from the Gaelic MacGillicuddy. The root of the name is the Gaelic word ‘mac’ meaning ‘son of’ along with ‘Gillicuddy’ which is a combination of two separate Gaelic words; ‘gille’ meaning ‘servant’ and ‘cuidigh’ which roughly translates to ‘help’ or ‘protect’. Therefore, the literal meaning of the name MacKillacky is ‘son of one who serves and protects’.
The surname MacKillacky is associated with the area of Galloway in Scotland and is most commonly found among the people living there. It is believed to be a relatively old family name as records of individuals bearing this name date back to the thirteenth century and it has remaineding a common surname in this region ever since.
Due to its associations with Scotland, the surname MacKillacky is often regarded as a symbol of Scottish heritage and pride. As well as being memorialized in the form of tartan and sporting a kilt on special occasions, many of those who bear the name proudly display it on their clothing and in their homes as a way of honouring their ancestral heritage and roots.
Order DNA origin analysisMacKillacky: Where does the name MacKillacky come from?
The last name MacKillacky is most commonly associated with Scotland today, as that is where the name originated. It is among the top 500 most common surnames in both Scotland and Northern Ireland. It is also present among many Gaelic-speaking Highland and Islander communities, as well as throughout the British Isles.
The name MacKillacky is most likely derived from the Gaelic Mac Uilleac, which means ‘son of the son of Uilleac’. This suggests that an ancestor with the personal name Uilleac once bore the surname, although it is difficult to trace its precise beginning.
The MacKillacky name can be found in a variety of locations, including Ireland and the United States. In the US, the name is most frequently found in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, as well as states with large Irish-American populations, such as Massachusetts and New York. It is also found in Canada, where it is still recognized as a Highland clan name.
In Scotland, the MacKillacky name is still in use among many Scottish families today, especially in the Highland regions. It is an appropriate surname for those of Scottish or Irish descent, and it can be seen on many family tartans. The English spelling for the name is usually Macklegy or MacKillace, although other variants exist in various parts of the world.
Variations of the surname MacKillacky
The surname MacKillacky is primarily of Irish origin and can be traced back to the 12th century. It is an anglicized spelling of the Gaelic form of the name Mac Gille Dhomhnaigh which means “son of the servant of the Church”.
Other variants and spellings of MacKillacky are MacKillocky, MacKellokie, MacKellick, MacKilecky, Kilokie and Kilocky.
Most of these variant spellings are found in Scotland, and are believed to have evolved from Scotland to Ireland, where the surname was then anglicized.
In addition to its Gaelic roots, the surname MacKillacky may also have its origins in the Norse surnames “Kilikki”, “Kjelikki” or “Kilovski” as well as the Italian surname “Lucco”.
The large number of variants of the surname MacKillacky suggests that multiple families have claimed the name or adapted it at different times and locations.
When researching this surname, it’s important to take into account the various spellings and surnames of the same origin. Moreover, it’s important to bear in mind how regional dialects or language shifts could have played a role in the development of the surname’s spelling.
Famous people with the name MacKillacky
- Cara MacKillacky: Canadian professional dancer and choreographer.
- Kenneth MacKillacky: US Army veteran and artist.
- Tara MacKillacky: musical director and composer in the United Kingdom.
- David MacKillacky: former professional NHL player from Canada.
- David MacKillacky Sr.: father of the NHL player, and former Canadian Armed Force officer.
- Don MacKillacky: Canadian forces veteran and business consultant.
- Fran MacKillacky: American country music singer-songwriter.
- Robert MacKillacky: medical doctor and professor at a university in the United States.
- Thomas MacKillacky: Irish author, lawyer, and explorer.
- William MacKillacky: Scottish inventor and aviation pioneer.