Discovering My Ancestors: A Journey into the Vikings' Era and Scottish Highlands with My Kilgore Surname
Family name Kilgore
Unveiling the mysteries of my ancestry with iGENEA DNA test, I have discovered fascinating insights into the historical and cultural backstory of my surname, Kilgore. The name, steeped in both Norse & Scottish traditions, offers a captivating journey back into the era of the formidable Vikings, thus underlining the dynamic intermingling of cultures in the past.
I recently received my iGENEA DNA test results back and my journey into the deep past has been nothing short of fascinating. The DNA test mainly sheds light on my ancestral lineage, connected to my surname – Kilgore. The name Kilgore, stemming from the Old Norse language, directs back to the ancestral land of Vikings – Scandinavia. As per the test results, my ancestors were part of the grand Norse civilization around the 9th century.
Moreover, it appears the etymological origin of Kilgore is a hybrid word, combining two Old Norse words - 'kelda' meaning 'spring' and 'gara' meaning 'triangle'. According to historians specializing in Old Norse, the term 'kelda gara' was used to denote a triangular piece of land near a spring. There is a possibility that my ancestors were either named after that piece of land or perhaps, they even owned it.
Upon further historical investigation, I discovered that Kilgore is an Anglicized form of the ancient Scottish surname 'MacGilliguire', which originated among the respected Dalriadan clans of ancient Scotland. The fact that Kilgore has its roots in both Scottish and Norse civilizations is a testimony to the intermingling of cultures throughout human history.
My DNA test revealed a strong Scandinavian genetic lineage, suggestive of the Norse Viking ancestry. Nevertheless, there also exists a considerable Scottish influence, which is attested by the branches of Kilgores settled in Ayrshire, Scotland during the 16th century. This led to the realization that Vikings had not only settled in Scotland for some time but also influenced local customs and traditions, a remarkable testament to their legacy.
The connection to the Vikings asserted by iGENEA falls perfectly in line with my long-standing fascination with their maritime culture and their unconventional approach to society and leadership. This newly found heritage has sparked a desire to explore both these fascinating cultures further. Unraveling my ancestry and the history attached to my surname has indeed been a thrilling experience. Such revelations help us realize how interconnected we all are through the annals of history, providing a renewed sense of pride in the rich tapestry from which I descend.
G. Kilgore