Surname MacKilbane - Meaning and Origin
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MacKilbane: What does the surname MacKilbane mean?
The surname MacKilbane is derived from the Gaelic language. It is a combination of two words, ‘mac’ and ‘cill ban’, which roughly translates to “son of the white church”. The name may have been used to describe a family who had a network of churches with a white façade in the vicinity, or it may have been used to identify families who built or had some connection with a white church.
The surname is found predominantly in Scotland and Ireland. In Scotland, the name is most common in East Lothian. In Ireland, the name is most commonly found in Counties Limerick, Cork, Waterford and Tipperary.
The MacKilbane family is considered part of the larger Irish clan, the MacCarthy Reagh. The MacCarthy Reagh is descended from the 11th century King of Munster, Cormack MacCarthy. The clan was powerful in the south of Ireland for 300 years, and evidence suggests the MacKilbane family emerged as a sept within the clan in the 16th century.
The MacKilbane family are most likely proud of their colorful history and origins. The name is a reminder of the strong connection many MacKilbane’s have with their Irish ancestry. For those with the surname, it likely denotes a great sense of belonging and a strong affinity with their Gaelic heritage.
Order DNA origin analysisMacKilbane: Where does the name MacKilbane come from?
The last name MacKilbane is of Scottish origin and is most commonly found in the United Kingdom, north-west Ireland, and particularly north-western Scotland. The MacKilbane surname originated from the MacGillevray clan in the area around Inverness which was known as Clan Mackilbayne or the MacGillevrays of Lochaber.
Many of Scotland's surnames are unique to the country due to its rich history and strong Gaelic language connection. MacKilbane is no exception, being first found in Scotland dating back to the 13th century where its members were chiefs of the MacGillevray clan.
Today, MacKilbane can be found in parts of England, the United Kingdom, and particularly in north-western Ireland, where it is one of the most common names. It is also found in Australia, New Zealand, and across Europe.
Those with Scots ancestory may have MacKilbane as one of their names in some form, due to the strong ties between Scotland and its Gaelic language. A number of those with the surname have used it over the years professionally, in politics, in business, and in the army. Ultimately, the presence of MacKilbane has long been established in Scottish history and can be found in many forms in different parts of the world today.
Variations of the surname MacKilbane
The surname MacKilbane is most commonly spelled MacKillop or MacKilp in Scotland. In Ireland, the surname has evolved to variations including MacKillop, MacKilp, McKillop, Mackillop, MacKilpie, MacIlwham, and Killop.
The surname MacKilbane originates from the Gaelic nickname Mac Giolla Báin, meaning ‘son of the fair-skinned one’. This is derived from the given name Giolla Báin, which has been anglicized as Kilbán or Kilban.
In Scotland, some of the variants of MacKilbane can be combined with ‘Mac’, such as MacKilbane, MacKilp, and MacKillop. In Ireland, additional variants combine ‘Mc’, such as McKillop and Mackillop. MacKilpie is an especially rare Irish variant of the surname.
In Ireland, the surname evolved over time to be spelled with an ‘M’ prefix, instead of ‘Mc’, such as MacIlwham and MacKillop. More rare variants include MacKilbane, as well as Killop, which is an anglicized version of the surname.
Other surnames which are also thought to have been derived from the original MacKilbane include Kileson, Kilban, Kilbourne, Kilpatrick, Kilrea, Kilroy, and Kiltan.
Famous people with the name MacKilbane
- Paul Kilbane: Actor, Producer, and Media Personality
- Joseph Kilbane: Professional Wrestler, MMA Fighter
- Mike MacKilbane: Former American Football Player
- Martin MacKilbane: Professional Golfer
- Tom MacKilbane: former Senator of the Delaware General Assembly
- Elton MacKilbane: Academy Award-Winning Actor
- Devon MacKilbane: Professional Rugby Player
- George MacKilbane: Singer, Songwriter and Music Producer
- Jake MacKilbane: eSports Professional
- Tim MacKilbane: Composer, Arranger, and Musician