Surname MacGillivantic - Meaning and Origin
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MacGillivantic: What does the surname MacGillivantic mean?
The last name MacGillivantic is a Scottish surname of ancient origin, derived from the personal name Gilvandoch or Gillifandach, a Gaelic and Pictish name meaning “servant of St Fionchadh”. It first appeared in written form as MacElvander in 1577. The last name MacGillivantic is a derivative of the surname MacElvander.
The MacGillivantics came to Scotland from Ireland in the 16th century, settling in the Highlands and other parts of Scotland. Over time, the name has become anglicised to MacGillivantic, with the “Mac” prefix meaning “son of” and the “antic” suffix referring to a particular branch of the family.
There is some evidence to suggest that the last name MacGillivantic may have originally been MacGillianc, with the “anc” suffix meaning “descendant of”. This suggests that the name could have been originally of Irish origins, with the spelling being changed over time.
Today, the surname MacGillivantic is most commonly found in Scotland, particularly in areas such as Aberdeenshire, Argyll, and the Highlands, as well as in some parts of Ireland, Wales, and England. The name is also relatively common in Canada, the United States, and other parts of the English-speaking world.
Order DNA origin analysisMacGillivantic: Where does the name MacGillivantic come from?
The last name MacGillivantic is not widely found today, especially when compared to the prevalence of last names like Smith or Jones. The last name is most heavily concentrated in Northern Ireland, with a large portion of the population in counties like Antrim and Down reporting the surname in some form.
It can also be found scattered throughout Scotland, England, Australia, and various other locations in the United States and Canada (in much smaller numbers). This suggests that there were likely a number of emigrants who moved out of Northern Ireland in the 19th and 20th centuries, and perhaps even earlier migratory patterns from other areas.
The origins of the name MacGillivantic are unclear, with some indications that it may be a derivative of the Gaelic name MacGille Mhichil, which can be translated to something akin to "son of the servant of St. Mhichil". This would suggest a religious origin, likely connected to Christian missionaries spreading the faith in Northern Ireland in the pre-modern era.
What is certain is that the MacGillivanic name is relatively rare today, but is still widely associated with Northern Ireland. Its presence elsewhere in the world can most likely be traced back to migration patterns that took place centuries ago, when people moved abroad in search of a better life.
Variations of the surname MacGillivantic
The surname MacGillivantic is a common Scottish surname that can have various variations in spelling and variants. Some of the possible variants and variations in spelling are as follows: MacGillivray, McGillivray, MacGillivary, MacGillivarie, MacGillivright, MacGillavray, MacGillivrae, MacGilleivray, MacGillivay, MacGillivra, MacGillievray, MacGillivary, MacGillevraig, Machillavroy, MacGelivray, Mackillivray, and MacGhillebriagha.
Other lesser-used variants of the surname include MacGillivern, MacGillechriosd, MacGillean, MacGillebride, MacGillanach, MacGillebraid, MacGillechon, MacGillechran, MacGillechriosd, MacGillespic, MacGillicuddy, MacGillefadraig, MacIllvrae, and MacGillegyle.
Although many of these variants appear to be different surnames from a cursory glance, they all are believed to be the same surname with variations in spelling or pronunciation. All of these names can be traced back to the same origin – the Scottish Clan MacGillivray.
Famous people with the name MacGillivantic
- Peter MacGillivray: Canadian folk singer and songwriter
- Stacey MacGillivray: Scottish netball player
- Patrick MacGillivray: Scottish actor
- John MacGillivray: Scottish footballer
- David MacGillivray: Scottish footballer
- Fiona MacGillivray: Scottish singer-songwriter
- Rory MacGillivray: Canadian actor
- Calum MacGillivray: Scottish rugby union player
- Tamara MacGillivray: Canadian actress
- Derek MacGillivray: Scottish footballer
- Doug MacGillivray: Canadian ice hockey player
- Ryan MacGillivray: Canadian musician
- Lon MacGillivray: Canadian former professional basketball player
- Neil MacGillivray: Canadian actor
- Stuart MacGillivray: Scottish actor
- Michael MacGillivray: Canadian sportscaster
- Alison MacGillivray: Scottish folk singer
- Duncan MacGillivray: Scottish folk singer
- Iain MacGillivray: Scottish rugby union player
- Jennifer MacGillivray: Canadian actress
- Andrew MacGillivray: Scottish actor
- William MacGillivray: Canadian fur trader