Surname Gallivan - Meaning and Origin
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Gallivan: What does the surname Gallivan mean?
The last name Gallivan is an anglicised variant of the Irish surname Ó Ó Gallóabhaigh, which is derived from the Irish words "gallach" meaning "foreigner" and "ábhach" meaning "small stream". This suggests that the original Gallivan family may have been descended from a community of foreign settlers who established a settlement near a small stream in Ireland.
The Gallivan surname is associated with southeastern Ireland, particularly counties Walsh and Wexford, and the surname has a strong presence in both locations today. There are several variant spellings of the last name, including Gallivan, Galivan, Gollivan, Gallovin, Gullavan, Gallawin, Gallovan, and Gullaven.
The Gallivan family first became prominent in the 12th century, when they established a castle in Deansrath, County Dublin. An influential family head, Mahound M'Gallavy, was the first of his name to be admitted to the Barony of Terresrath in 1480.
The Gallivan family has produced a wide variety of notable figures, both in Ireland and abroad. Some of the most prominent members include former Irish Prime Minister John Bruton, his brother Paddy Gallivan, and the Irish senator John Gallivan.
The Gallivan family has come a long way since its humble origins, but it is a firm reminder of the importance of family heritage in Irish society. The name still carries a strong presence in Ireland and will continue to do so for generations to come.
Order DNA origin analysisGallivan: Where does the name Gallivan come from?
The last name Gallivan is most commonly found today in Ireland and the United States. In Ireland, County Cork and County Roscommon have the highest concentration of Gallivans. The popularity of Gallivan surnames dates back centuries, most notably to the late 1600s when Mary Gallivan and her family immigrated to Ireland from Wales. In the US, there is a higher concentration of the Gallivan name in the northeast region and the Midwest states, such as Ohio, Massachusetts, and Connecticut, but it can also be found in other parts of the nation. Most people with the surname Gallivan can trace their roots back to Ireland, where the name is believed to have originated. Many Gallivans have become prominent members of their communities, often in politics, medicine, and the clergy. These people can be found all across the US, helping create a strong presence of Gallivans in the nation. Others have inherited farms, businesses, and homes that have been in families for generations. Today, the Gallivan name is prominent in both Ireland and the US, and it will likely continue to be a common surname in years to come.
Variations of the surname Gallivan
The surname Gallivan is derived from the Irish Gaelic "Mac Gaoithmhin" or "Mac an Ghailbhín". Variants of this surname are "MacGillivray", "Gallivray", "McGillivray", "McGilloway", "Galloway", "Gillow", and "Gillowey". Spellings of the surname also include "MacGillivray", "McGillivray", "McGilloway", "Galloway", "Galivar", "Gillyvere", "Gillivar", "Gillievere", "Geliver", and "Gilliver".
Surnames with the same origin as Gallivan include the Scottish Galloway, which is derived from a region on the western coast of Scotland, the Irish Galloway, derived from the Irish Gaelic "Gallathmhin" or "mac an Ghaill", and the Irish Gallivan, which is derived from the Irish Gaelic "Mac Gaoithmhin" or "Mac an Ghailbhín".
Gallivan is also a derivation of the Gaelic "gallbh", meaning "valor" or "bravery". Variations on this surname include Gollifer, Golliver, and Gollop.
In the United States, Gallivan is also found as an anglicized version of the Irish name Ó Gealbháin, which is derived from the Irish Gaelic "O'Gealbhain", meaning "descendant of Gealbhàn". Variants of this surname include "O Gelivan", "Galivan", "Gilwan", and "Gilvin".
The surname Gallivan is also found in Scotland, derived from the Irish Gaelic for "stranger" or "outlander", as well as England through direct Irish immigration. Variations of this surname in England include "Galan", "Galing", "Galon", and "Golphin".
In Germany, the surname Gallivan was recorded as "Gäbelin", derived from the German words for "foal" or "filly". Variations on this surname include "Gaebelin", "Gobelin", "Goblin", "Gaiping", and "Giblin".
Famous people with the name Gallivan
- Brian Gallivan: Actor, Comedian
- Orla Gallivan: Political Figure in Ireland
- Sean Gallivan: Irish Professional Footballer
- William T. Gallivan: U.S. Congressman from New York
- Michael Gallivan: Member of the Canadian House of Commons
- James A. Gallivan: U.S. Representative from Massachusetts
- Mason Gallivan: Olympic Fencer and US National Champion
- Bruce Gallivan: Music Artist and Radio Show Host
- Phyllis Gallivan: American Artist and Professor
- John Gallivan: Professional Hockey Player
- Robert Gallivan: U.S. Federal Judge from Pennsylvania
- Patrick J. Gallivan: U.S. Senator from New York
- Paul Gallivan: Professional Jockey
- Peadar Gallivan: Irish Newspaper Editor
- Colin Gallivan: Sustenance Program Coordinator