Surname MacKilcoyne - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'M'
MacKilcoyne: What does the surname MacKilcoyne mean?
The last name MacKilcoyne (or any variation thereof) is believed to have Scottish origins. It is an Anglicized version of the Gaelic "MacGiolla Choinnich", which is traditionally translated as "son of the devotee of Saint Coinneach". As such, it is believed to have been associated with clans from the region near Oban, in the county of Argyll and Bute.
Coinneach was a sept of the Clan Donald, and according to tradition he is the patron saint of Clan MacKilcoyne's ancestor families. The Clan Donald had a long and storied history, and its members were amongst the most powerful of Scotland's clan system.
Within the Argyll and Bute area, several branches of family MacKilcoyne are recorded in the archives of the 16th century, and there are many other records that verify its presence in Scotland from various sources. The MacKilcoyne family was a respected part of the Argyll and Bute area, and even today members of this family can be found living in this region.
The MacKilcoyne family is also connected to other Gaelic families through marriage and allied relations. Prominent people from the MacKilcoyne family in Scottish history include Sir John MacKilcoyne, Lord of Kintyre in the 13th century, and Donald MacKilcoyne, who fought for the Jacobite cause in the 17th century.
Today, many members of the families who carry on this legacy continue to proudly bear the name MacKilcoyne.
Order DNA origin analysisMacKilcoyne: Where does the name MacKilcoyne come from?
The last name MacKilcoyne has its origins in Scotland and the Isle of Lewis, in particular. The name is derived from the Gaelic patronymic phrase Mac Dhuibhsheachain meaning “son of Dubhsheachain”, which was the personal name of the progenitor of the family. The Clan MacKilcoyne is considered to be part of the MacLeod family and, as such, is based around the Isle of Lewis.
Today, MacKilcoyne continues to be a common surname throughout the United Kingdom, particularly in Scotland. In England, it can be found in the West Midlands and London, while in Ireland it is most common in Northern Ulster.
Outside the UK, it is most commonly found in Canada and in the USA, in particular across the Midwestern and Eastern States of the country. Within Canada, however, the highest concentration can be found in Nova Scotia, which is also the location of the first known immigrants to Canada with the last name MacKilcoyne.
The MacKilcoyne identity and clan remains an important part of Scotland’s history, and the name continues to be carried on to this day.
Variations of the surname MacKilcoyne
The surname MacKilcoyne has a variety of spellings, variants, and surnames of the same origin. Common variants and spellings include MacKilcoyn, MacKilcon, Kilcon, Kilecon, Killecon, Killeconn, Killeconne, Kilkenny, Kilconn, Kilkon, Kilkeen, Kilcoyne, Kilcorn, Kilkorn, Kilkin, Kilcorne, and Kilconnie.
The surnames of similar origin include Killiken, Kilcoyn, Kilkoun, Killigren, Kilkenny, Kilcon, Kilcons, Kilcone, Kilcoin, Kilcoyne, Kilcorn, Kilcross, and Kilgreen.
MacKilcoyne is derived from the Gaelic Mac gille Chuinn, meaning "son of the Kilcoyne or Kilconn follower". The Kilconn family were important nobles in ancient times who trace their origin to Aodh, the Celtic God of Fire and symbol of creative powers. The name is found today primarily in Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, but also in the United States.
The variations and origins of the MacKilcoyne surname indicates that the family traces its roots back to a powerful and influential family of old. This influential family achieved its power through trade, land ownership, religion, and possibly the military. Despite abounding variations in spelling, it still provides an interesting glimpse into the origins of the family and is a tangible reminder of the rich cultural heritage of its ancestors.
Famous people with the name MacKilcoyne
- Robert MacKilcoyne- Scottish historian, author, and Chelsea F.C. season ticket holder.
- Dr. Watergate MacKilcoyne- Founder and President of Watergate Academy, a campaign school for political and advocacy leadership.
- Shannon Marie MacKilcoyne- American actress and singer best known for her roles in television shows such as 90210 and Glee.
- Aiden MacKilcoyne- International professional rugby player for Clontarf, Leinster, and Ireland.
- Nicole MacKilcoyne- Canadian fashion blogger and YouTube vlogger from Toronto.
- CJ MacKilcoyne- Professional golfer on the LPGA and Ladies European Tour.
- Elaine MacKilcoyne- Professional Irish show-jumper, winner of the Speed Derby at the Dublin Horse Show.
- Allan MacKilcoyne- Scottish actor and production director best known for his various roles in Doctor Who.
- Brigitte MacKilcoyne- British artist who facilitates a variety of drawing and painting workshops throughout the UK.
- Leo MacKilcoyne- Canadian actor and model. He has appeared in films such as Big Miracle and Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief.