Surname MacKilmurry - Meaning and Origin
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MacKilmurry: What does the surname MacKilmurry mean?
The surname MacKilmurry originated in Scotland and is believed to be derived from the Anglicized version of the Gaelic MacGille Mhuire – 'son of the servant of Mary'. It's believed that this family originated from the Clan Dougall or MacDougall, whose roots are connected to the first Earls of Atholl.
In Scotland, the MacKilmurry family is strongly associated with the counties of Aberdeenshire and Perthshire, where they played a significant role politically and historically.
The MacKilmurrys were a sept of the larger Clan Dougall and supported traditional Scottish culture and its followers. They were successful landowners and had a great influence on the culture of their native areas.
Today, the MacKilmurry name is mostly associated with Scotland and the United States. Those who still bear the name are proud of their Scottish heritage, and many have chosen to emigrate or take up residence in America, where they are known for their strong work ethic and loyalty.
Order DNA origin analysisMacKilmurry: Where does the name MacKilmurry come from?
The last name MacKilmurry is found primarily in Scotland, Ireland, and Northern Ireland today. MacKilmurry is an anglicized version of Mac Giolla Mhuire, which translates into “son of the servant of Mary”.
The surname has multiple spelling variations, including Kilmurray, Kilmurrey, Killmurry, Kilmurry, Kilmurry, and Mac Kilmurry.
MacKilmurrys can trace their origins to Scotland in the fifteenth century. The MacKilmurrys first settled in Perthshire, where the name MacKilmurry is still found today. The name is most prevalent in Scotland’s Highlands and Islands, with a high concentration in the Counties of Inverness and Angus and near the town of Pitlochry.
The surname is also common in Northern Ireland. During the Ulster Plantation in the early seventeenth century, several MacKilmurry clans migrated from Scotland and settled in present-day County Antrim and County Down.
The MacKilmurrys are also found in Ireland, primarily in County Meath. It is believed that the MacKilmurrys of Ireland are descendants of a seventeenth century Scottish doctor who settled in Dublin.
Today, the name MacKilmurry is still present in Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Ireland. Although the name has gone through multiple spelling variations, it continues to be an important part of Scotland and Irish heritage.
Variations of the surname MacKilmurry
MacKilmurry is a Scottish surname derived from Mac Giolla Mhuire, which means "son of the Devotee of Mary" or "servant of Mary". Variant spellings of this surname include MacKilmurray, MacKilmerry, MacGilmurray, MacIlmury, MacIlmurray, MacIlmerry, Kilmurray, Killmerry, Gilmurray, Ilmury, Ilmurray and Ilmerry.
The surname is known to be associated with lands in Ross-shire, Scotland, and it was anciently connected to the Clan MacKenzie. In modern Scotland, the majority of people bearing this name are descended from Clan MacKenzie.
In some cases, MacKilmurry may be an Anglicized version of other Gaelic surnames such as Mac Sheumais, which is derived from the personal name "Somerled" and literally means "son of Somerled". Additionally, Mac Ille Mhuire, an Irish variant of the surname, derived from the Cork and Kerry area, may become anglicized as MacKilmurry.
Variants of MacKilmurry can be found throughout the world, with some even appearing in records in the United States and Canada. Surnames with the same origin that have originated as a result of an anglicization of the Gaelic MacKilmurry include Kilmurry, McCalmery, MacPressley and Killmerry.
Famous people with the name MacKilmurry
- Seán McKilmurray: Irish actor known mostly for his performances in the "Ros na Rún" television soap opera.
- Neal McKilmurray: Member of the Irish boy band "Westlife".
- Rory McKilmurry: Irish singer-songwriter who rose to fame in 2019 with the release of his single "Everywhere I Go".
- Jeremy McKilmurray: Former professional ice hockey player who played in the American Hockey League and the Central Hockey League from 2005–2011.
- Ashleigh McKilmurray: American diver who competed in the platform event at the 2015 World Aquatics Championships.
- Kenneth McKilmurray: Businessman known as the co-founder of the brand exposed®, an online apparel and accessories retailer.
- Tónaya McKilmurray: Singer-songwriter most noted for her work with the neo soul band "SAMISOUL".
- Price McKilmurray: Public speaker, anthropologist, and documentary filmmaker, best known for his work “Living to Tell the Tale” which was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.
- Gary McKilmurray: Scottish footballer who played as a defender for clubs in the Scottish Football League.
- Alexander McKilmurray: Former professional footballer who represented teams in Scotland and England, playing for clubs such as Manchester United, Kilmarnock, and Ross County.