Surname Cargill - Meaning and Origin

Cargill: What does the surname Cargill mean?

Cargill is a Scottish surname believed to have originated from the Gaelic word "Coire a'Ghille" which directly translates to "Corrie of the Lad" in English. The term ‘Corrie’ is typically used in Scotland to denote a circular or rounded hollow within a hill or a mountain, often hosting a lake or a pool. Thus, the original bearer of the name could have been associated with such a geographical location - possibly being identified as the lad from the rounded hollow. Like many other surnames, it could have started as a geographical point of reference to distinguish individuals with common first names in a community. The name Cargill is historically associated with the Scottish region of Perthshire. A similar interpretation names Cargill as originating from the town of Cargill in Scotland. The name may denote someone who came from there. The Cargill family is also historically established within the Scottish clan system, meaning the name carries a rich historical tapestry of familial ties and ancestral roots.

Cargill: Where does the name Cargill come from?

The surname Cargill is of Scottish origin. It is derived from the old Gaelic name "Cargill," a place name in Perthshire, Scotland. The name itself roughly translates to "rocky hill," with "carr" meaning rock and "gill" referring to a hill. The Cargill family has a long-standing history in Scotland, where prominent figures bearing this surname have existed for centuries. An example of this is Thomas de Cargill, the Bishop of Dunkeld in the 13th century.

In the years following, many Scots migrated to different parts of the world due to political strife, economic pressures, or the promise of new experiences and opportunities. As a result, descendants of the original Cargill line can now be found globally.

Today, the Cargill surname is most common in the United States, probably a result of Scottish immigration during the colonial and subsequent periods. The name can also be found in significant numbers in Canada, Australia, and the UK, areas that also experienced major Scottish immigration. Despite its dispersion worldwide, Cargill is still not a particularly common surname, making it distinctive and easily identifiable with its Scottish heritage.

Variations of the surname Cargill

The surname Cargill has several variants and similar spellings which mainly stem from its Scottish origin. Variations and derivatives of the name might include Kergill, Kergell, Kergyl, Kergyll, Cargyle, and Cargyll. Surnames of the same origin often result from the phonetic spelling by different clerks and scribes who were responsible for recording names in ancient Scotland. So, regional dialect also played a crucial part in shaping these variations.

Cargill is thought to be derived from the Gaelic term "car gill" translated as 'rock in a ravine' or 'rock by the watercourse'. It's also associated with a place called 'Cargill' in Perthshire, Scotland. As such, it is a habitational surname, bestowed upon individuals based on the location they lived in or came from. Since Scots usually used patronymic naming conventions, the exact spelling often changed with generations, leading to variations over the years. It's possible that other surnames with a similar etymology or geography might be related. However, in most cases, the primary variation remains in the spelling of the term "Cargill" itself.

Famous people with the name Cargill

• Will Cargill: An English professional football player who currently plays for Hadley as a midfielder.
• Marjorie Cargill: A Jamaican sprinter who participated in the 1996 Summer Olympics.
• Amy Cargill: An American independent film producer, director, and writer known for her work on "Eminent Monsters" and "The Infinite Happiness".
• Sarah Cargill: An established American violinist who has performed both nationally and internationally.
• Margaret Anne Cargill: An American heiress to the Cargill fortune and philanthropist.
• Austen S. Cargill II: An American businessman who is an heir to the Cargill fortune and a significant shareholder of Cargill Inc.
• James R. Cargill II: An American businessman and billionaire, heir to the Cargill fortune.
• Richard M. Cargill: A high ranking executive at the agribusiness company, Cargill.
• Hugh K. Cargill: An American businessman who was one of the co-founders of the conglomerate Cargill.
• William W. Cargill: The founder of Cargill, the largest private corporation in the United States.
• Emily Cargill: A well known professional dancer and choreographer based in Atlanta, USA.
• Cargill MacMillan Jr: An American billionaire businessman, former senior vice-president of Cargill, and grandson of Cargill's founder.

Other surnames

Cargile