Surname MacYlrea - Meaning and Origin
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MacYlrea: What does the surname MacYlrea mean?
The surname MacYlrea is a well-known and ancient Scottish Highland clan name. It is a surname of territorial origin stemming from the region of Islay in Argyll, Scotland. The name is derived from the Scottish Gaelic MacIlleRatha, which roughly translates to “son of the follower of St. Rory”.
Historically, records of MacYlrea were first mentioned in the 13th century when a certain Cathan Macilre began using the name. A few centuries later, the name spread and became more established in Scotland and beyond.
Today, MacYlrea is present among many families of Celtic, Scottish, and Irish descent, all retaining a strong link to the family’s past. Some well-known MacYlreas include David MacYlrea, a prominent doctor and Royal Navy surgeon who served aboard HMS Majestic in the 19th century, and Reverend Peter MacYara, who is credited with founding the Presbyterian embroidery Society in the 20th century.
Overall, the MacYlrea family can be proud of its history and its diverse accomplishments throughout different generations. Nowadays, the MacYlrea identity continues to be passed down through the generations, ensuring that its legacy will live on for years to come.
Order DNA origin analysisMacYlrea: Where does the name MacYlrea come from?
The MacYlrea surname is most commonly associated with Ireland, specifically along its south-west coast near Cork and Kerry. It is an old Irish surname derived from the Gaelic words “Mac Giolla Riabhaigh” which translates to “son of the follower of Riabhach”. This was possibly an early variant of the given name Rowland.
Today, the MacYlrea surname is still found in the south-west counties of Cork and Kerry, though there may be some presence in other Irish areas as well. One of the towns with which it is most associated is Durrus in County Cork, which is known as the main centre of the MacYlrea name. However, the name may appear in other towns and villages such as Clonakilty, Ballydehob, and Skibiree.
In terms of immigration, there are reported instances of the MacYlrea family name being listed in various immigration records such as passenger lists and naturalization documents of those who settled in the United States and Canada in the 19th and 20th centuries. Some family trees on the site Ancestry.com also show instances of the MacYlrea family name having migrated to areas in Australia and New Zealand. It is likely there are also scattered instances of this surname across many other parts of the globe.
Variations of the surname MacYlrea
The surname MacYlrea has several spelling variants and surnames of the same origin. The most common variant of this surname is MacElrea, which is derived from the Gaelic MacGiolla Riabhaigh, meaning "Son of the Servant of the King". Other variants of this surname include MacUllery, MacCalry, McKillroy, and MacKelvey.
The spelling of the surname can also vary depending upon the language of the time and region in which it is used. For example, in Scotland, the most typical spelling of this name is MacElrea, while in Ireland the most common variant is MacGiolla Riabhaigh.
Surnames of Norse origin related to MacYlrea are MacKilroy, MacKelvey, and MacCalry. The prefix “Mc” is commonly used in Scotland for the surname MacLlory and MacKelvey, while in Ireland “Mac” is more common.
Additionally, various versions of MacYlrea and its variants can be found in some documents and official records such as birth certificates, family trees, and obituaries. For instance, in some official records, MacYlrea may appear as MacYlray, Mackillorey, MacEleroy/Macelroy, or MacGillory.
In short, MacYlrea is a very common surname found in both Scotland and Ireland, as well as in some Northern European countries. Variants of this surname are MacElrea, MacUllery, MacCalry, McKillroy, MacKelvey, and MacGiolla Riabhaigh. Additionally, other versions of this surname can appear in official records and documents such as MacYlray, Mackillorey, MacEleroy/Macelroy, or MacGillory.
Famous people with the name MacYlrea
- Ashley Mac Isaac: Actress and director from Canada.
- Evangeline Lilly: Actress from Canada
- John MacYlrea: Musically-inclined jazz composer and pianist from Canada.
- Douglas MacYlrea: Politician from Canada.
- Scott MacYlrea: Hockey player from Canada.
- John MacYlrea: Ojibwa philosoper, spiritual leader, and traditional healer from Canada.
- Estelle MacYlrea: Award-winning Canadian singer/songwriter.
- Sean MacYlrea: Canadian soccer player.
- Thomas MacYlrea: British military commander and politician in the late 18th & early 19th centuries.
- Brendan MacYlrea: Award-winning Canadian television producer.