Surname MacKilbride - Meaning and Origin
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MacKilbride: What does the surname MacKilbride mean?
The MacKilbride surname is a Scottish and Irish name deriving from a Gaelic name derived from the Welsh Mac Gilbrid. This name was initially anglicized as "MacUlbreed." It is believed to have originated in Connacht, the western province of Ireland.
The surname MacKilbride is one of many that underwent an Anglicization process, turning an Irish last name into something simpler. This means the original Gaelic version of the name was likely a little different. The literal translation of the original Gaelic form of the name was “son of Gilbrid” - Gilbrid being the nickname for one of the early ancestors that took on this name.
Much like many Irish surnames, theories around the origin of this name can differ. For example, some say that it originally derived from MacUibhridh, meaning “Son of a Nobleman.” Others claim that the name was derived from mac Giolla Brighde, translated to “son of the follower of St. Bride” in Irish.
Regardless of the origin, MacKilbride family members can be proud of their heritage and the name they carry today. This name is still relatively common amongst families of Irish and Scottish descent living around the world. Though its pronunciation can differ depending on the country and dialect, the history and meaning remains.
Order DNA origin analysisMacKilbride: Where does the name MacKilbride come from?
The last name MacKilbride is particularly common among the descendants of original Irish immigrants in Scotland, Northern Ireland, Australia, and the United States.
In Scotland, the name is most concentrated in Caithness, a historic county on the far northeastern coastline. In Northern Ireland, MacKilbride is relatively common in Antrim, the Counties of the North Coast, and in Northern East Ulster. In Australia, there is a notable cluster of MacKilbride families in Western Australia, and in the United States, the name is particularly abundant in New York and Pennsylvania.
It is not known exactly how the MacKilbride surname originated, but it is thought to be a derivative of the Irish name "MacGiollaBrighde," which itself is a variant of the Gaelic name "Mac an Ghoill Brighde," meaning "Son of the Servant of Brighid." Brighid was one of the ancient pagan deities of Ireland, and the name was subsequently taken up by the ancient Christian Church.
The MacKilbride surname may also have come from a local tradition of living in the lands belonging to the ancient clan of MacGiollaBrighde. According to some sources, the clan lived in what is now modern-day County Down, near Dundrum Castle and Kilbride Church, from which the name may have been derived.
Today, there are individuals of the MacKilbride surname scattered all over the world, descended from the original Irish immigrants who settled in various parts of Scotland, Northern Ireland, Australia, and the United States.
Variations of the surname MacKilbride
MacKilbride is an anglicized form of the Gaelic surname Mac Giolla Brighde, which means "son of the devotee or servant of St. Brigid (Bride)". This surname originated in Scotland and migrated to Ireland. The variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin deriving from the Gaelic name are as follows:
McKelvey, McNamee, Mac Ilbride, MacIlbride, MacKilbreed, McKilbred, Kilbreed, McKelvy, McName, McKevie, McKeavie, McKiernan, MacKevy, McIlbride, McKillop, McBride (M'Bride) and Kilbride.
Some variants of MacKilbride include MacPhelidey, MacWheeler, and MacFriend. Spellings of MacKilbride may also include MacKelvey, McKilvey, McIlvey, McNamee, and McEllvey. Surnames with the same origin may include McBride, Bridson, Bridgeton, and Brigson.
MacKilbride is a popular surname all over the world, but especially in Ireland and North America. It is most commonly seen in countries such as Ireland, Scotland, Canada, United States, and Australia. People bearing this surname have a long history in these nations and are considered to be of a noble heritage.
Famous people with the name MacKilbride
- Dan MacKilbride: Actor, producer, and writer best known for his roles in Cougar Town and NCIS.
- Jim MacKilbride: American Jazz Saxophonist who released five albums and composed music for films, TV shows, and advertising campaigns.
- Anna MacKilbride: Visual Artist and Architect who is currently a professor at Columbia University's Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation.
- Iain MacKilbride: British Rock and Pop Musician and songwriter who rose to fame with his band Navel in the 1990s.
- Ron MacKilbride: Renowned Public Sector Financial Executive who served as Chief Financial Officer of Suffolk County, New York, from 2008 to 2010.
- Faye MacKilbride: English Poet and author of five volumes of poetry, most notably The Sea-Maiden and Other Poems.
- Elwood MacKilbride: American soap opera actor best known for his role as Dr. Richard Kiley on the daytime drama As the World Turns.
- David MacKilbride: Canadian Climber and Mountaineer who became the first person to climb all 57 peaks of Canada's Rockies range in a single season.
- Liam MacKilbride: Soccer Player who currently plays for Scottish Premier League team Motherwell.
- P. MacKilbride: Popular YouTuber who creates educational and entertaining videos about the Linux Operating System.