Surname Magill - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'M'
Magill: What does the surname Magill mean?
The surname Magill is of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic name 'Mac an Ghaill', which translates to 'son of the stranger' or 'son of the foreigner'. This name was likely given to the family because they were seen as outsiders or foreigners, possibly due to their unique characteristics, behaviors, or because they hailed from a different region. The spelling of this surname has changed over time and has many variations, including McGill, Magill, Makgill, and others. Today, it is a common surname mainly in Ireland but also found in other English-speaking countries due to historical Irish migration. This surname doesn't carry specific connotations about a person's occupation, social status, or abilities, but it does highlight their Irish heritage.
Order DNA origin analysisMagill: Where does the name Magill come from?
The last name Magill is of Irish origin, deriving from either the Gaelic "Mac an Ghoill" which means "son of the stranger" or "Mac Giolla", translating to "son of the servant". It was often Anglicized as "MacGill" or "MacGillis". There are several variations of the surname depending on geographic location and specific family history, such as McGill, Magil, Magill, and Magillicuddy.
Despite its Irish roots, the Magill surname is now found around the world due to diaspora, particularly in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom where Irish immigrants often settled. Nevertheless, the surname remains most common today in Northern Ireland, specifically in counties Antrim and Down. This surname also has a stronghold in Scotland, particularly in the region of Galloway.
Remember, the dispersion of a surname does not strictly adhere to national borders, so even though Magill is an Irish name, bearers of the surname may not necessarily be of Irish descent. Also, it does not mean they currently reside in Ireland, they could be located around the globe.
Variations of the surname Magill
The surname Magill stems from Ireland, derived from the Gaelic "Mac an Ghoill" which means "son of the lowlander or stranger." This surname has a number of variants and spellings including: McGill, Magil, Megill, Magill, MacGill, Makgill, M'Gill, McGille, and even M'Gillon in some instances.
The surname also appears morphed in names such as McGillion in Northern Ireland and there is also a Scottish version of Magill called Maclle, derived from Macille. Other Scotland-based variations of the surname include Macgill, Makgill and Maccail. These variants have been influenced by regional accents and different periods of history, when literacy levels were low and surnames were often recorded as they sounded.
It's also possible that some families may have anglicized their surname to Gill from the original Gaelic. There are also instances of the names Magillicuddy or Magilligan, from specific regions in Ireland, contributing to the further broadening of the surname.
The proliferation and variation in surnames like Magill reflect the rich tapestry of Irish and Scottish history and the significant influence of Gaelic culture.
Famous people with the name Magill
- William Caleb Magill (1816–1893), American miller and politician who served in the Ohio House of Representatives
- Ralph Magill (1848–1902), American steamboat captain and real estate broker
- Gordon Magill (1911–1995) American racecar driver
- John Magill (1919–2008), American lawyer, public servant, and freemason
- Patricia Magill (1927–2012), American businesswoman and community leader
- Charles Magill (1932–2015), American Roman Catholic bishop
- Chris Magill (born 1947), American professor and author
- Robert Magill (born 1953), American political consultant
- Loretta Magill (born 1968), American lawyer and nonprofit executive
- Padraig Magill (born 1977), Irish hurler