Surname MacKilboy - Meaning and Origin
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MacKilboy: What does the surname MacKilboy mean?
The last name MacKilboy is a variant of the surname MacGilboy, which is derived from the Irish Mac Giolla Bhuí, which translates to "son of a yellow-haired devotee". This name could have been given to the family as a way to distinguish them from other families of the same clan.
In the early times of what we now call Ireland, it was common practice to attach the clan or family name to a personal name or trait such as hair color. Therefore, "MacKilboy" could indicate that the original family had yellow hair or some association with a blond-haired individual.
The MacKilboy family is linked to the counties of Clare, Mayo, and Roscommon. They all trace their roots back to the O'Flaherty clan of Connacht. Today, there are still some who carry on the MacKilboy surname, in addition to those who have changed their name.
The MacKilboy family is still active in the areas of Ireland where they are most populous and have left a legacy of achievements in the fields of law, medicine, politics, and business. They are respected throughout Ireland for their ingenuity and dedication to Irish culture, as well as their loyalty and commitment to their families.
Overall, the surname MacKilboy is a unique name with an interesting history. It is still carried on today by those who carry on the name and traditions of the original MacKilboys.
Order DNA origin analysisMacKilboy: Where does the name MacKilboy come from?
The last name MacKilboy is most commonly found in Ireland, especially in the province of Ulster. The name is likely of Scottish origin, given the strong historical ties between the two countries and the prevalence of Scottish surnames in Ireland. Records indicate the name was present in County Donegal since the 19th century, and it remains prominent in the area today.
In addition to Ireland, the surname has spread to other parts of the world, particularly the United States and Canada, as people of Irish heritage emigrated during the 19th and 20th centuries. There are over 1,400 people named MacKilboy in the United States, making it one of the most common Irish surnames in the country. It is also well represented in England, Scotland, and Australia.
Overall, the name MacKilboy is most strongly associated with Ireland and its people, and can be found throughout the country as well as many parts of the world where the Irish diaspora has settled. Consequently, it remains one of the most widely used surnames in the English-speaking world.
Variations of the surname MacKilboy
The surname MacKilboy is derived from the Gaelic Mac Giolla Bhuidhe, meaning "son of the yellow-haired one". Variants of this surname can include MacKilboye, MacKilboue, MacKilbolt, Kilbuy, Kil Bey, Kilbey, Killbouy, Killboy, and other spellings and surname variants.
MacKilboy is a patronymical surname, which means it is passed down through either the father's or mother's side of the family. It indicates a link to a particular ancestor or family. It is also a territorial surname, meaning that it refers to someone who had a strong connection to a particular place.
In Ireland the MacKilboy (anglicised to Kilboy) family was concentrated in County Mayo in the Province of Connacht. Kilboy has appeared as a place-name in counties Cork, Donegal, Galway, Kerry, Mayo, Roscommon, Sligo, and Wexford.
The surname is also common in the Isle of Man, where it appears as MacKilboy, Kilboy, Kilbeg, Kilby, and MacGilbeg. It is sometimes mistaken for the Manx language word 'kilvaaish' which means 'narrow path'. Other variants of MacKilboy include Kilboue, MacKilbolt, and MacKilbowe.
The mainland of Scotland also has some MacKilboy families, mainly originating in the Highland regions. The variants found include Killboys, MacKilboye, MacKillboys, MacKelboy, Kilboue, Kilboye, Kilbolt, and MacKilbolton.
Outwith Gaelic speaking lands, the surname can also be found in other parts of the world, including England, the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Australia and South Africa, where it has been anglicised to Kilboy, Kilbeg, Kilby, Kilboue, MacKelboy or some other derivation.
Famous people with the name MacKilboy
- Macklemore (real name Ben Haggerty), American rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer.
- Michael Mackilboy, English professional football player.
- Rob MacKillboy, Canadian professional ice hockey player.
- Jack Mackilboy, Scottish professional tennis player.
- David Mackilboy, Scottish professional rugby player.
- Jay MacKilboy, Australian professional golfer.
- Peter MacKilboy, Irish professional swimmer.
- Charles MacKilboy, Canadian professional long distance runner.
- Robert MacKilboy, British businessman and entrepreneur.
- Chris MacKilboy, American visual artist, cartoonist, and illustrator.