Surname MacKildea - Meaning and Origin
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MacKildea: What does the surname MacKildea mean?
The surname MacKildea is an anglicized form of the Gaelic Mac Giolla Deágh, which translates to “son of the servant of God.” The surname originated in County Clare, Ireland, where many Willdees used this name. The MacKildea family is a branch of the Clan MacKinnon, one of the powerful septs of the Clan Donald. The clan was also known as Clan Ìle, meaning Clan of Tue islands, due to their presence in the Isles of Scotland. The surname can still be found relatively commonly in the area today.
The family were renowned for their strength and bravery. Though they had their own lands, they were also at the service of the High Kings of Ireland. During the 12th century, they helped protect the royal seat of Connacht, which was at the time located in Tuam.
Members of the MacKildea family played an important role in the history of Ireland. They were among the first Irish to embrace Christianity and also helped spread the faith throughout Ireland. They were skilled warriors, protecting Ireland and her borders from invaders. In addition, they provided troops for the Irish side in the Wars of the Roses and later participated in the Irish Rebellion of 1641 in an attempt to remove Great Britain’s control over Ireland.
The name MacKildea is a proud reminder of a family’s long history of advocacy, loyalty and honor. It is a powerful symbol of the strength and commitment of a clan who were willing to sacrifice everything in the name of protecting their homeland and people.
Order DNA origin analysisMacKildea: Where does the name MacKildea come from?
The last name MacKildea is common today primarily in Ireland, although it can be found elsewhere. Generally speaking, the name MacKildea is associated with Clan MacKildea, an ancient Gaelic clan, and is most common in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. The clan is said to be of Dalriadan origins, descending from Somerled, the leader of the Lords of the Isles in the late 12th century. It is believed that the MacKildea name derives from Mac Giolla Deabaidh (“son of the devotee of David”).
At one time, the MacKildea were located across the Argyll and Bute region of Scotland, but the vast majority of Clanspeople left their ancestral lands and emigrated to other countries in the 1800s. In some cases, families chose to remain in Scotland, while others chose to settle in the United States, Australia, Canada, and beyond.
The surname MacKildea is still most prevalent in Ireland, where it is both a common name as well as a popular surname among the people of Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland. The name has become increasingly popular in England, Scotland, and other English-speaking countries, with its usage in the U.S. steadily increasing over the past few decades.
Overall, the last name MacKildea is an ancient and ultimately proud Gaelic name that is becoming increasingly popular worldwide.
Variations of the surname MacKildea
MacKildea is a Scottish surname, derived from the numerous variations of the ancient given name of Mac Giolla Dé. This translates to “son of the devotee of God”, from Gaelic to English. It is quite a rare surname, but can also be found with the same origin in some other forms.
The most common variant is MacKilday, also written as McKilday, with possible alternate spellings such as MacKildy, McKildo, McKildey, and MacGeldy. McKillop and McKelvey are also considered similar variants, though there is some debate about whether or not they are connected to MacKildea.
Other variants include McKillda, MacKela, MacKelahey and MacKillea, all of which are based on the original spelling.
One of the more common Scots-Irish surnames closely related to the MacKildea surname is the McKenzie clan. This comes from the Gaelic MacCoinneach, or “son of the fair one”, and is sometimes shortened to OS’Cinneach, with the surname being spelled Killop or Kilop, linked to the MacKildea or MacKelvey line.
In some parts of Ireland, the surname is also spelled M’Kilda, with variants such us M’Kildee, M’Killedy, and M’Kilday. Another variation is McKelda, which can also be found in Scotland.
Overall, MacKildea is a rare surname, and the variants of this name are rare as well. However, the link between the various spellings and the arteries of Scotland and Ireland remain deep, even if many of the spellings are quite different.
Famous people with the name MacKildea
- Mark MacKildea: Irish-born American Financial Executive
- Jamie MacKildea: Actor, Singer, and Filmmaker
- Jay MacKildea: English Football Referee
- Sinead MacKildea: Irish Environmental Activist
- Seamus MacKildea: Irish Singer and Guitarist
- Eoin MacKildea: Irish Racecar Driver and Entrepreneur
- Ailbhe MacKildea: Union Organiser and Activist from Northern Ireland
- Siobhan MacKildea: Irish Author and Columnist
- Paraic MacKildea: Irish Figure Skater
- Adelaide MacKildea: Australian Author and Butterfly Conservationist