Surname MacKillilea - Meaning and Origin
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MacKillilea: What does the surname MacKillilea mean?
The last name MacKillilea is of Irish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic Mac Giolla Eala, meaning “son of the devotee of St. Eala”. The surname is most common in County Mayo, which is situated in the west of the Republic of Ireland. The literal translation of the surname is the “son of the follower of St. Eala”.
The name is derived from the gaelic given name “Ealaidh”, which was adopted by early Irish Christians as an honorific title. It was given in honor of St. Eala, a 5th century Irish saint who was born near the present day town of Belmullet in County Mayo. St. Eala was also known as St. Elkaine, St. Hellen, and St. Elly, and was venerated mainly in the west of Ireland.
The name MacKillilea has been borne by several generations of the family since medieval times and still remains in use today. It is most common among Irish Catholics who trace their ancestry to the western counties of Ireland.
Throughout its history, the name has gradually become more prominent in Irish society; many of its holders have advanced to positions of distinction and prominence in areas such as academia, politics, business, the clergy, the military, and the legal profession. In recent times, many MacKillileas have emigrated around the world, keeping their heritage alive in new lands and continuining to make their mark in whatever career they pursue.
Order DNA origin analysisMacKillilea: Where does the name MacKillilea come from?
The surname MacKillilea is found primarily in Ireland today. It is believed to have originated in County Mayo, though there are other MacKillileas scattered throughout southeast Ireland as well.
The MacKillileas were part of the O'Connor clan in Mayo and were recorded in the Four Masters History in 1583. They owned a castle in Cleighan near Doonkagh, Co. Mayo.
In the late 19th century, many members of the family emigrated and migrated to England, the United States, Canada and Australia, giving rise to the different branches of the family in those countries.
In the United States and Canada, the MacKillileas can typically be found in major cities like New York City, Philadelphia, Toronto, and Boston; some smaller concentrations of the family can be found in the Midwest and some southwestern states as well.
The MacKillilea name seems to have survived the generations and can still be found across the world. There are several MacKillilea Facebook groups and websites dedicated to connecting the descendants of the original clan. There is also an online family tree that provides an interactive map of the locations of various MacKillileas living around the world today.
Variations of the surname MacKillilea
The variant spellings, variants, and surnames of the same origin for the MacKillilea surname vary according to the languages spoken by the family. Common variant spellings are MacKillila, MacGillila, MakKillea, Makilli, Makilly. Common variants used for the name are McKillilee, Kililla, Killillia, Killillay, and Killee.
Common surnames related to MacKillilea are McKillilia, MacKillea, MacGillila, Makilli, Makilly, Killea, Kililea, Kililla, Killillay, and Killee. These surnames may also occur across many varieties of language, including English, Gaelic, and Irish.
The origin of the MacKillilea surname is from the ancient Irish and Gaelic clans of MacGillilea and Makillilea. The MacGillilea and Makillilea clans are historically related, and arose during the medieval Irish era. During this era, the two clans were joined through a strong alliance that was founded on understandings of shared land, culture, and kinship. This alliance is believed to have existed for hundreds of years, until the clan was emigrated to other parts of the world, and then eventually assimilated into other cultures and languages.
The origins of the surname MacKillilea and its related variants are often associated with the ancient Irish and Gaelic clans of MacGillilea and Makillilea. With its diverse array of spellings, as well as an intriguing history, the MacKillilea surname is a proud part of Irish and Gaelic ancestry.
Famous people with the name MacKillilea
- Eric MacKillilea: Irish solicitor and a member of the Seanad from 1937 to 1951.
- Sam MacKillilea: founding player and General Manager of the New Zealand Warriors in the National Rugby League.
- Grace MacKillilea: Irish New York City-based writer, journalist and artist.
- Cian MacKillilea: Irish professional rugby union player for Connacht in the Pro14.
- Ryan MacKillilea: Irish footballer currently playing for Longford Town in the League of Ireland.
- Sean MacKillilea: a NAMA-appointed receiver and son of the late senator Tony MacKillilea.
- Bill MacKillilea: a former rowing Olympian and four-time World Champion who competed in the lightweight men's four for Canada.
- Gavin MacKillilea: guitarist for the Irish neo-folk-rock band First Class Troubles.
- Martin MacKillilea: an Irish barrister who was reported by the Irish press to have been appointed as director of the Office of the Irish Commission of Public Service Appointments in 2001.
- Tony MacKillilea: Irish Fine Gael politician who was a Senator from 1937–50 and successful businessman.