Non-MacGillivray Surnames
None of these names are connected to the Clan MacGillivray. But they sound similar, if only because of
the prefixes "Mac" and "Gilli-" which are the most common of all in Gaelic names, patronymic or otherwise.
These names have true and distinguished origins of their own and interesting clan connections worth
following up on. We hope this helps.
| Surnames | Origins | Clan Connection (if any) |
|---|---|---|
| Gillies, Giles, Gillis, MacGillies, Gillespie |
From Gille Iosa, 'servant of Jesus.' The Sliochad Gillies branch of Clan MacPherson (Ivereshie) was founded in the 13th century. |
CLAN MACPHERSON |
| Gilroy, MacIlroy, MacElroy, Milroy, Roy |
From Mac Gille ruaidh, 'son of the red-haired lad.' or from Gilderoy, youngest son of John Grant of Carron, early 17th century. |
CLAN GRANT |
| MacGill | Common name in Galloway. Known as Clann a' ghoill in Jura. Sometimes a contraction of Mac Ghille mhaoil = MACMILLAN. |
CLAN MACGILL, CLAN MACMILLAN |
| MacgGillery | Charles M'Gillery (14th cent.) founded this branch of Clan Cameron. Also includes some Gilbertsons and Gibsons. |
CLAN CAMERON |
| MacGillewie | From Mac Gille dhuibh, 'son of the black lad.' In the 18th century most with this name dropped it for Lamont. |
CLAN LAMONT |
| MacGillivantic | From Mac Gille mhanntaich, "mhanntaich" meaning 'stammering.' A sept of the Lochaber (Keppoch) MacDonalds. |
CLAN DONALD |
| MacGillonie, MacGillony | From Mac Gill' onfhaidh, 'son of the servant of the storm.' An old sept of Clan Cameron (Lochaber) |
CLAN CAMERON |
| MacGilvane, MacIlvain, MacIlwain |
From Mac Gille Bheathain, 'son of the servant of St. Beathan (Bean).' This is the root form of MacBean or McBain. |
CLAN MACBEAN |
| MacGilvar | Probably from Mac Gille Bhar, 'son of the servant of St. Barre' (of Cork, Ireland). | |
| MacIlrie, MacIlraith, MacIllrick, MacElravy, MacGillerick |
All variants of Mac 'Ille riabhaich, 'son of the freckled lad.' Some were bards to Clan Donald, Skye, others part of Clan Fraser. |
CLAN DONALD, CLAN FRASER |