Surname MacKilroy - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'M'
MacKilroy: What does the surname MacKilroy mean?
The last name MacKilroy is generally believed to be an anglicized form of the Irish name MacGiolla Ruaidh, which itself is derived from two Gaelic words, “Mac” which means “son of”, and “Giolla Ruaidh”, which means a red-haired servant. This name was given to those descended from servants or followers of a certain particular ancient and noble Irish family. Over time, the spelling of the name evolved to MacKilroy.
People with this last name would have historically been part of a proud family and clan with an enduring heritage. A majority of them come from Kerry, a small county on the Southwest Coast of Ireland. Irish immigrants with this last name are scattered throughout the world, particularly the United States and Canada, where they could have a fresh start and pursue a new life.
The MacKilroy last name is associated with people who are strong-willed, ambitious, and proud to be part of a distinguished clan. It brings to mind a legacy of loyalty, dedication, and respect for tradition. It is a reminder of the indomitable power of the Irish people, and their remarkable adaptability, courage, and commitment to finding a better life.
Order DNA origin analysisMacKilroy: Where does the name MacKilroy come from?
The last name MacKilroy is generally associated with Ireland and Northern Ireland, although it was a Scottish surname centuries ago. Today MacKilroy is a relatively uncommon surname, and is most commonly found in the Irish counties of Antrim and Down. It is also found in pockets of Northern Ireland, Scotland, England, and the United States.
MacKilroy is a modern Anglicization of the old Irish name Mac Giolla Ruaidh, meaning "son of the red-haired follower of Ruaidhrí." It was the name of a clan of Scots-Gaelic origin, believed to be descended from Niall of the Nine Hostages, the legendary fifth century King of Ireland.
Although the name MacKilroy is not especially common outside of Ireland and Northern Ireland today, it is possible that many people of Irish descent in other countries, such as the United States, Canada, or Australia, may have ancestors who bear this name. An interesting point to note is that some sources suggest that the MacKilroy clan was dispersed during the Irish Famine in the mid to late-1800s, which means there may be some who bear this name in other parts of the world, such as Australia or New Zealand.
Variations of the surname MacKilroy
The surname MacKilroy has several variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin. The most common variants are MacElroy, Macilroy and MacIlroy. These three spellings are all derived from the same Gaelic surname origin.
The surname MacKilroy is derived from the Irish Gaelic surname Mac Giolla ruaidh, which literally translates to son of the red haired follower/servant/attendant. The prefix Mac is also a common Irish surname prefix that denotes that the bearer of the name is a son of a notable follower /servant/ attendant.
Other surnames and spellings derived from the same origin as MacKilroy include Kilroy and Kilrea. Kilroy is the anglicized spelling of Mac Giolla ruaidh, while Kilrea is an alternate spelling of MacKilroy.
Other surnames related to MacKilroy include Mac Elroy, MacIlroy, Oyler/Oiler and MacArthur. Mac Elroy is a variant spelling of the Irish Gaelic surname Mac Giolla ruaidh. MacIlroy is also another spelling of the same surname, using the prefix Mac. Oyler/Oiler is an anglicized variant of MacElroy, and MacArthur is another variant of the same surname.
In summary, the surname MacKilroy has several spellings and variants, including MacElroy, Macilroy, MacIlroy, Kilroy, Kilrea, Oyler/Oiler and MacArthur, all of which have the same Gaelic origin.
Famous people with the name MacKilroy
- MacKenzie MacKilroy: A former Kamloops Roller Derby All-Star and current travel and lifestyle entrepreneur.
- Ross MacKilroy: The founder of the Seattle-based production company, Sentient Entertainment, which specializes in game design and story-telling.
- Ethan Mackilroy: A former professional football player who played as a defensive back in the Canadian Football League.
- Daden MacKilroy: An actor and producer who has appeared in films such as Star Trek Into Darkness, Skyfall, and Suicide Squad.
- Jenna MacKilroy: A Canadian actress who has appeared in films such as Reign Over Me, Waiting for the Punchline, and Legion.
- Bridget MacKilroy: An American actress who has appeared in films such as Raise Your Voice, Disney's Big Hero 6, and the television show Supergirl.
- Scott Mackilroy: A former professional hockey player who played for the Hartford Whalers and the Minnesota North Stars in the NHL.
- Michelle Mackilroy: A former figure skater turned skating coach who is also a five-time Canadian National Figure Skating Champion.
- Brian Mackilroy: A Jazz and Rock musician who is well-known for his drumming and playing the bass in prominent bands such as The Tragically Hip.
- Adam Mackilroy: An American author and award-winning screenwriter whose works include TV shows such as Love, Loss, and What I Wore and Painless.