Surname Kilgallen - Meaning and Origin
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Kilgallen: What does the surname Kilgallen mean?
The surname Kilgallen is an anglicized form of the Irish Gaelic name Mac Giolla Cheallaigh, meaning ‘son of the servant of Ceallach’. Ceallach was a surname originating in Ulster, Ireland, denoting a devotee of Saint Ceallach. The prefix 'mac' or 'mc' means 'son of', so Kilgallen could be translated as a surname meaning 'son of Ceallach's servant'.
Kilgallen is quite a common name in Ireland, particularly in the southern and western region, and is connected to many different types of families. Records show those bearing the surname Kilgallen arriving in America as far back as the 17th century, with some of the earliest ‘Kilgallens’ settling in Maryland and then Pennsylvania.
It is believed that Kilgallens were mostly farmers before moving to the US. A number of those who moved to the US later became prominent businesspeople. The Kilgallen name has been a popular surname for many years and remains common in all areas of Ireland, from Belfast to Cork.
Some well-known Kilgallens include Dorothy Kilgallen, famed journalist, game show panelist, and author, and the actor, author and magician John Kilgallen. There is also a small village in the rugged Donegal Hills of Ireland called Kilgallen. The village is surrounded by stunning stretches of beach and lush green scenery.
The Kilgallen name continues to be widespread to this day, both in Ireland and the United States, and is associated with a proud and interesting history.
Order DNA origin analysisKilgallen: Where does the name Kilgallen come from?
The last name Kilgallen is most commonly found today in Ireland and the United Kingdom. There are also Kilgallen families in the United States and Australia, although these are slightly less common.
In Ireland, Kilgallen is among the country's top 100 surnames. It is especially prevalent in West Galway, where it is the eighth most common surname. It is also found in many other areas, including County Tipperary, where it is the 66th most popular name, and County Kilkenny, where it is the 91st most common.
The Kilgallens are of Irish origin, with the surname originating in the Gaelic O'Ceallagain, which translates to “student of bright valor.” Many Kilgallen families have Celtic ancestry, originating in Ireland before the 16th century.
In the United Kingdom, Kilgallen is a fairly uncommon surname. Most Kilgallen families living in the UK have Irish roots, and many of them trace their lineage back to English, Scottish, and Welsh migrations to Ireland throughout the centuries.
In the United States, the last name Kilgallen is most commonly found in New York, Massachusetts, and California. The American Kilgallens usually have Irish or British backgrounds.
Finally, Kilgallen is also seen in Australia, where there some families whose background can be traced back to Ireland or Britain.
Overall, the last name Kilgallen is most common today in Ireland and the United Kingdom, with some presence in the United States, Australia, and other countries with strong Irish and British ancestral ties.
Variations of the surname Kilgallen
The surname Kilgallen is of Irish origin and means “son of the servant of the foreigner”. It is derived from the Gaelic phrase “Mac Giolla Eoin”. Variants of the surname Kilgallen include MacKilgallen, McKillgallen, Kilgalen, Killsgallen, Killgallon, Kilgallan, Kilgallon, Killgolon, and Killgolon. Variations in spelling may occur depending on where the name is found.
In England, the spelling of the name may be seen as Kilgallon or Killgallon. The United States and Canada often use McKillgallen or MacKilgallen. In Scotland, the spelling may become MacGillgallan or MacGillgallon.
The different spellings of the surname Kilgallen that people may have are due to the fact that the surname has evolved throughout the centuries. In Ireland, the surname Killgallon may have been derived from Mac Giolla Eoin while in Scotland it may have been derived from the Gaelic Mac Gill Gallan. In places such as England and the United States, the surname may have been influenced by the English language, resulting in forms such as Killgallon.
Even though the spelling of the surname may differ, all versions share the same origin. The variations of the surname Kilgallen demonstrate the diversity of the Gaelic language and its influence in different parts of the world.
Famous people with the name Kilgallen
- Dorothy Kilgallen: journalist and television personality
- Patrick Kilgallen: Irish politician
- Michael Kilgallen: American real estate and investment banker
- John Kilgallen: Australian judge
- John J Kilgallen: Irish bishop
- Jerome P Kilgallen: former United States Representative
- John M Kilgallen: Illinois state senator
- Edward Kilgallen: Irish doctor and Quaker
- Capt. Edward Kilgallen: U.S. Coast Guard aviator
- Adam Kilgallen: American actor
- Eliza Kilgallen: Canadian actor and soprano
- Breandan Kilgallen: Irish journalist
- Anne G Kilgallen: racecar driver
- Tony Kilgallen: hurler
- Sean Kilgallen: Australian football player
- Kerryn Kilgallen: Australian actor
- Justine Kilgallen: Australian athlete
- Seamus Kilgallen: Irish Gaelic footballer
- Siobhan Kilgallen: Irish field hockey player
- Pat Kilgallen: Irish soccer player