Surname MacKilcullen - Meaning and Origin
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MacKilcullen: What does the surname MacKilcullen mean?
The last name MacKilcullen is an Irish surname, originating from the Clan Mac Giolla Chomhgaill of Connaught, a branch of the larger Uí Maine dynasty during the medieval period. According to Irish legend, the name was derived from “giolla” (servant) and “comhghaill” (follower) of “Comhghall,” a legendary figure from the 11th-century. This root name, when Anglicized, became "Mac Giolla Cholmghaile" which then evolved into MacKilcullen.
The surname has long been associated with the region of Connaught - the western-most province of Ireland. During the 11th and 12th centuries, the Clan Mac Giolla Chomhgaill were prominent landowners in the area and became well-known for their political and military prowess in defending the region against invaders. As a result, the MacKilcullen surname spread across the country and is still a popular choice today.
Today, the name is most commonly used as a first name rather than a surname. People who bear this name carry with them a proud heritage and a long history of protecting the land of Ireland. Whether they bear the name in their day-to-day life or not, MacKilcullen remains a part of the story of Irish history and always will be.
Order DNA origin analysisMacKilcullen: Where does the name MacKilcullen come from?
The MacKilcullen surname is believed to have originated in County Kilkenny, Ireland. It is found occasionally in Scotland, particularly on the Isle of Skye, as well as in England and Wales.
Today, the last name MacKilcullen is particularly common in the United States and Canada. It is estimated that approximately 2000 individuals with the MacKilcullen surname live in the United States and 400 in Canada. MacKilcullen families can be found in many parts of the United States, from coast to coast and from north to south.
The surname MacKilcullen may be combined with other Irish surnames such as MacCullen, McClory, McCarthy or McManus. It is also likely that individuals with the MacKilcullen surname share a common ancestor from the County of Kilkenny, Ireland.
Many people with this last name have made their way to the United States from Ireland around the mid-19th century in search of better economic opportunities or freedom of religion. Some branches of the MacKilcullen family have lived in the same locations for generations, with descendants spread across the country.
Today, the last name MacKilcullen is still primarily associated with Irish heritage and many descendants of the original Irish clans can be found in various parts of the United States and Canada.
Variations of the surname MacKilcullen
The surname MacKilcullen is derived from the Irish name Mac Giolla Chuilinn which means the son of a devotee of St. Culainn, a 5th century holy man. As a surname, MacKilcullen has quite a few variants and spellings, all stemming from its translated name – some of them being MacGillacolm, Mac Giolla Chuilinn, MacGillculain, MacKilculen, MacCulland, and MacCullin.
Some families have dropped the Mac prefix from their surname, such as Kilcullen, Culkin, Cullin and Cullaine. This is common with Irish surnames, as the prefix ‘Mac’ signified the son of, whilst the shortened variant did not. Over time, with many variations of the spelling and pronunciation of the name, there are a lot of variants of MacKilcullen that exist.
An additional aspect to the surname are also the alternative surnames that have derived from the original MacKilcullen. Such derivatives exist in both Ireland, Scotland and England and include names such as McCullah, McCulley, McCulley, MacKelley and MacCuellin.
Certain families will refer their surnames to ‘MacCoinleistin’ as this has become the anglicised variant of the name, due to the vast cultural intermingling of Gaelic, English and Latin influences in Irish culture.
Therefore, MacKilcullen is a surname with a long history and many different spellings and variants. It is a testament to the cultural influences of the past, and the linking of generations before us that see the name remain popular today.
Famous people with the name MacKilcullen
- Richard MacKilcullen: Former Major General in the U.S. Army and associate professor of strategy and policy at the U.S. Naval War College.
- Christian MacKilcullen: former competitive swimmer and activity coordinator at a retirement community.
- Grimwood MacKilcullen: a successful business investor and the founder of MacKilcullen LLP.
- Solana MacKilcullen: Professional windsurfer and three-time world champion.
- Ziggy MacKilcullen: singer-songwriter and reality television star.
- Gordon MacKilcullen: Former world champion kick boxer and movie actor.
- Paige MacKilcullen: World champion gymnast and Olympic medalist.
- Moira MacKilcullen: Wildlife biologist and founder of the Wild Bird Organisation.
- Perry MacKilcullen: award-winning playwright, director, and actor.
- Fergus MacKilcullen: Professional hockey player turned sports photographer.