Surname McKelvie - Meaning and Origin

McKelvie: What does the surname McKelvie mean?

The last name McKelvie is a Scottish name which originated in the county of Kintyre in Argyll, Scotland. It was derived from a Gaelic ancestry and is believed to come the Gaelic Mac giolla Mhicheil, where "Mhicheil" is the Gaelic form of the English name, Michael. Mc is a prefix which means "son of" in Scottish Gaelic, and giolla is the Gaelic word which means "servant".

McKelvie likely became the adopted last name of a family after they settled in Kintyre around the time of the Scottish Reformation in 1560. The McKelvie family has been associated with clan MacGillivray, which means “servant of St. Michael”. It is thought that after the 16th century, the McKelvies of Scotland enjoyed a prosperous life and the surname expanded across the world.

More than four centuries since they first arrived in Kintyre, McKelvies are now found across the globe, in both the United States and in Canada. In the United States, the McKelvie name can be found in almost every state. Today, there are numerous McKelvie clans who all trace their roots back to the Kintyre of Scotland. One can assume they hold great pride in their heritage and the fact that, centuries later, they still bear the same name.

McKelvie: Where does the name McKelvie come from?

The last name McKelvie is most common in the United States, where it was first found in the early part of the 19th century. According to a survey by the United States Census Bureau, about 15,500 people bear the surname McKelvie. While the surname is mainly associated with the United States, it can also be found in Scotland, England, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada.

The namesake of the last name McKelvie is believed to have come from a Clan Keith, a prominent Scottish clan in the Middle Ages. One branch of Clan Keith was known for producing leaders called thanes, which were high-ranking officials in the Scottish court. As such, the surname McKelvie has come to represent those of higher social class and noble lineage.

Today, the majority of citizens with the last name McKelvie are found in the United States, with the largest concentration being in the states of Pennsylvania, Minnesota, California, and Ohio. Outside the U.S., the last name McKelvie is still popular in Scotland and England, although it is more difficult to determine the exact number ofMcKelvie surname holders in those countries.

The surname McKelvie is unique in its fusion of Scottish nobility and modern-day American life. It serves as a reminder of one’s roots, while also representing the advancement of one’s family in the new world.

Variations of the surname McKelvie

The surname McKelvie is believed to be of Scottish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic name Mac Giolla Mhicheil, meaning "son of the priest who is the servant of the followers of St. Michael". This name evolved over time into McKelvie in Scotland.

The name is sometimes spelled variations such as MacKelvie, McKelvey, McKelvy, and MacKelvey. Other variations of the surname include McKilvey, MacLevey, McKelwee, MacKilwee, McElvey, McGillivray, McClelland, and McGoodwin.

The name McKelvie is uncommon in other locations around the world, but may be found in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The surname may also be found spelling variations, particularly in Ireland where the name is most often spelled MacIlfeith or MacIlveen.

McKelvie is an ancient Scottish clan associated with Clan Donald. Clan Donald is traditionally located on the Western Isles of Scotland, such as Skye and the Outer Hebrides. Clan Donald was also known as the Lords of the Isles during the 13th century.

McKelvies are known to participate in the genealogy project “Clan Donald USA” which was established to track and describe the early origins and migrations of the Clan Donald members throughout Scotland and other parts of the world. The project includes those with the surname McKelvie, and other related surnames.

To this day, McKelvies have left their mark in many parts of the world, though the surname may be found in its different variations and spellings in different regions and countries.

Famous people with the name McKelvie

• James McKelvie: Canadian politician, lawyer and businessperson
• Tally McKelvie: Canadian actor, known for her roles in “MacGyver”, “Reign”, and “Supernatural”
• Jacob McKelvie: Former Major League Baseball player for the SF Giant's
• Brad McKelvie: Former professional hockey player for the Maple Leafs
• Aquilina McKelvie: New Zealand model and television presenter
• Rhonda McKelvie: Canadian politician who currently serves as the Member of Parliament for Winnipeg North
• Jason McKelvie: English snooker player
• Sharon McKelvie: Scottish Professional Footballer who made several appearances for Scotland's National Team
• Eileen McKelvie: Canadian singer and actor who first made her mark as part of the rock band “Mothertruckers”
• Ada McKelvie: Scottish activist and feminist who was the first female Lord Provost of Glasgow

Other surnames

McKelveyMcKelvy