Surname McElheron - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'M'
McElheron: What does the surname McElheron mean?
The surname McElheron is of Irish origin and is derived from the Gaelic Mac Giolla Charraig, which means "son of the servant of the rock". This indicates that the earliest ancestors of the McElheron family were likely to serve a chief or leader who was metaphorically referred to as a “rock”. It is also a patronymic surname, thus it originated as a means to distinguish one son from another son by incorporating the father’s name. This particular surname belongs to the large category of surnames, known as habitation names, which were derived from pre-existing names for towns, villages or parishes or the location of the original bearer's residence. Over time, the name has had several variant spellings including McIlherron, McIlheron, and McElheron, among others. It is very common in Northern Ireland, especially in County Antrim and Londonderry.
Order DNA origin analysisMcElheron: Where does the name McElheron come from?
The last name McElheron is of Irish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic Mac Giolla Chiarain which means 'Son of the servant of Saint Ciaràn'. The surname primarily belongs to the Leinster province and is particularly associated with County Wicklow, although it has been found in other parts of Ireland. The name has several spelling variations including McElheron, McIlheron, McElherron and even Kilherron due to phonetic translations from the Gaelic language.
Today, the name is found not only in Ireland but also in countries where Irish diaspora have settled, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. In these countries, prevalence varies, with it being rare in some places and somewhat common in others. Nonetheless, it remains a less common surname overall. With modern mobility, the last name McElheron could be found in almost any part of the world, but its significant roots will always be Irish.
Variations of the surname McElheron
The surname McElheron is of Irish origin and is regarded as a variant of the surname McIlheron, which itself seems to be a variant of McElrone. These names likely originate from the Irish name "Mac Giolla Ruanaidh," meaning "son of the servant of Ruanaidh."
There are several spelling variations of McElheron due to the translation from Irish Gaelic to English, different interpretations and ballot box errors over centuries. Some of these variations include McElrone, McElherron, McIlherron, McIlheron, McAlheron, and McElron among others.
Like many Irish surnames, there can also be an 'O' in front instead of 'Mc' changing the meaning from "son of" to "descendant of" or "grandson of". This would lead to forms like O'Elherron or O'Ilherron.
It's also important to mention the possibility of an entirely Anglicized version of the name, becoming something along the lines of Gilroy or Kilroy, similar to the original Irish meaning.
However, all these spelling variations, regardless of the specifics, denote a familial connection and common ancestry linked back to the clan-based system of early Ireland.
Famous people with the name McElheron
- Julie McElheron: Actress
- Gerri McElheron: Actress
- Sir William McElheron: British Army Officer
- Ted McElheron: Professional Football Coach
- Brian McElheron: Chairman of Northern Ireland Milk Marketing Board
- Dave McElheron: Professional Basketball Coach
- Emer McElheron: Former Irish Journalist
- Lucy McElheron: Academy of Social Sciences Fellow
- Fred McElheron: World War II Veteran
- Arthur McElheron: Author of “My Life in the Pits”