Surname MacPhilbin - Meaning and Origin
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MacPhilbin: What does the surname MacPhilbin mean?
The last name MacPhilbin is a surname of Scottish origin, and is derived from the Gaelic Mac Fhíobhín—meaning 'son of little Fiobhin'. Fiobhin itself is an ancient Irish name, suggesting that the family traces its roots back to Ireland rather than Scotland. The MacPhilbin name is believed to have been in Scotland since the eleventh century, when a branch of the Sparrowhawk family, descending from a noble Irish family, settled in Scotland. The fact that they were Britons of British origin meant that they had the unique ability to both adopt and reject elements of Scottish culture, giving their name a certain flexibility.
The MacPhilbins were at one point a powerful Scottish clan, but following the 1745 Jacobite rebellion, their power diminished and their lands were taken over by other clans. Despite this, their name was still retained in various towns across Scotland, as well as in many other parts of the world.
Today, the MacPhilbins continue to be a diverse and vibrant family. They are scattered all over the world, from Canada and India to Australia and most other parts of the globe. The MacPhilbin name is still highly respected, and is often associated with a strong work ethic, adaptability and loyalty.
Order DNA origin analysisMacPhilbin: Where does the name MacPhilbin come from?
The last name MacPhilbin is most commonly found in the United Kingdom and Ireland today. It is an Anglicized version of the much older Gaelic surname MacPhilbín, which translates literally as "son of Philbín" and is thought to derive from an ancient personal name formed from two elements, "mac" meaning "son of," and "Philbín," a diminutive form of the Irish name "Philibín" (literally “Philip's servant”).
The largest concentrations of MacPhilbin families are located in the Irish counties of Donegal and Galway, and in areas of Scotland where many Gaelic names have been Anglicized due to the influence of the Church of England.
Though the majority of people with this surname live in British-influenced regions, the MacPhilbin name has spread to other parts of the world, especially to other parts of Europe, North America, South America, Australia, and elsewhere. Wherever the people bearing the MacPhilbin name have gone, they have likely been seeking better economic opportunities.
The MacPhilbin family is remembered fondly by many, and their story is an example to others who are striving to succeed, while remaining true to their ancestors.
Variations of the surname MacPhilbin
The surname MacPhilbin has a few different variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin.
The most common variant of the surname MacPhilbin is McPhilbin or Philipbin. This spelling is a Scottish surname derived from the Gaelic MacPhilbain and MacPhilbin, meaning 'son of the servant of St. Phillip'.
The earliest records of this surname are found in Ireland, where it is believed to originate. It is derived from the Gaelic name " Philibin", which itself is derived from the Latin name "Philipus" which means 'lover of horses'.
Other variants and derivations of the surname MacPhilbin include MacPhilbain, MacPhilbin, MacPhilbeen, MacPheilbain, McPhilby, MacPhilbyn, McFillin, McKillen, McIllen, MacKillin, McKillins, McKillin, McFillan, MacPhilbine and MacPheilbin.
These variants of the same surname are all generally accepted spellings or variations of the Irish surname MacPhilbin. But the most common variant of this surname is MacPhilbin.
The MacPhilbin surname is still commonly found in the Irish counties of Galway, Mayo, and Antrim, as well as in the Scottish Lowlands and Highlands. This is one of the oldest surnames in Ireland and Scotland, with a history that stretches back over 1,400 years.
Famous people with the name MacPhilbin
- David MacPhilbin: the former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of law firm CMS Cameron McKenna.
- Patrick MacPhilbin: director of the Centre for Education and Childhood Research, part of the Moray House School of Education at the University of Edinburgh.
- Kile MacPhilbin: an American filmmaker, producer, and CEO of independent film distribution company Screen Media Ventures.
- Joseph MacPhilbin: priest and headteacher of St Patrick's College, Manchester, UK from 1992 to 2002.
- Pat MacPhilbin: former Major League Baseball pitcher who played for the Cleveland Indians.
- Carmel MacPhilbin: artist and sculptor known for her award-winning works.
- Sean MacPhilbin: a British actor, best known for his roles in television series such as "Dr Who" and "My Family".
- Sarah MacPhilbin: a British director and screenwriter.
- Daire MacPhilbin: an Irish artist whose work is exhibited in galleries around the world.
- Steve MacPhilbin: a professional race car driver who has competed in the Irish Touring Car Championship.