Surname Kilcowley - Meaning and Origin
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Kilcowley: What does the surname Kilcowley mean?
The last name Kilcowley is derived from the Irish Gaelic name MacGiolla Chaoile, which translates to "son of the devotee of St. Caoilte". The name was primarily found in County Mayo, with other variants appearing in areas of Ireland including Co. Cork and Co. Tipperary.
Kilcowley originated with a small sept in the late 12th century. The sept was located between the tribes of the northern Ui Fiachraigh and the southern Ui Maine, or O'Kelly. The family gained lands at Kilcowley Hill near Garbally, also located in Mayo. These lands remained in the family until the 19th century.
Kilcowley transcended generations and families in Ireland. During the 19th century, there was some migration to America and other parts of the world. The Kilcowley family is now found in various countries and cultures, with its members still using the name.
Kilcowley's symbol is the Oak Tree, which represents strength, determination, and courage. It reflects their rich and proud ancestry, their native homeland, and their courage and strength to have endured throughout the ages.
Order DNA origin analysisKilcowley: Where does the name Kilcowley come from?
The last name Kilcowley is primarily associated with Irish ancestry, allowing historians to trace the origins of the name back to County Mayo in the Province of Connaught. According to surname search data, Kilcowleys are primarily clustered within County Mayo as well as counties in Roscommon, Sligo, and Galway. Today, this name may still be found throughout Ireland, populating the countryside and vibrant cities alike.
The Kilcowley name can also be found dispersed throughout various parts of the United Kingdom. Chances are, if you encounter someone with this last name in England, Scotland, or Wales, they are likely to have had Irish ancestry.
Additionally, the Kilcowley name is found in parts of the United States. The name is found in relatively high concentrations in the states of Connecticut and Massachusetts, which both have historically served as a beacon of hope for immigrants looking for better opportunities in the New World.
Finally, the Kilcowley name is scattered throughout the world. The population of Kilcowleys abroad grows steadily with each passing generation, especially as more and more of the people bearing this name embark on journeys abroad to settle in countries such as Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
If you’re looking for a Kilcowley, you could just as easily find one in the bubbly pubs of Dublin or in some small town in Montana. The Kilcowley name is truly international, providing living proof of the power of emigration.
Variations of the surname Kilcowley
The surname Kilcowley is an Anglicized form of the Irish Gaelic name Ó Coilceathaigh. It is also sometimes spelled Kylcowley, Kilcooley, Kilcawley, Kilscooley, Kilcoely, Kilcoolley, Kilcoole, Kilcooly, Killcooley, and Killcooley.
All variations of the Kilcowley surname originate from the Gaelic surname Ó Coilceathaigh, which derives from the root words ‘coilleach’ and ‘cathaigh’. The root word ‘coilleach’, derived from the Old Irish ‘collach’ means ‘wood’, while ‘cathaigh’, from the Old Irish ‘cathach’, comes from the root word meaning ‘warlike’. Thus, the name Kilcowley is generally translated as ‘wood warrior’.
This surname may have originated from an ancestor who served as a valiant warrior, either in the defense of the woods and forests near his homeland in Ireland or during the frequent skirmishes of medieval Ireland. The surname Kilcowley is found mainly in counties Connacht and Leinster, on the south and east coasts of Ireland respectively. It is commonly held by families in counties Mayo, Galway, Offaly, Wexford, Westmeath, and Roscommon.
There are other surnames of a similar spelling or variations of the same origin, such as Killcowley, Kilcooley, Kilcowly, Kilcullen, Kilcollen, Killcullean, and Kilkullean. Although they are all related, these surnames arise from independent branches of the same family line.
Famous people with the name Kilcowley
- Thomas Kilcowley: Thomas is an Arnold Schwarzenegger impersonator, actor, and voice over artist.
- James Kilcowley: James is a 24-year-old professional dancer and choreographer from California.
- A.J. Kilcowley: A.J. is a critically acclaimed hip-hop artist and producer.
- Dave Kilcowley: Dave is a former professional basketball player and the Head Coach for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers.
- Kimberly Kilcowley: Kimberly is a two-time Grammy award-winning music producer.
- Judith Kilcowley: Judith is a professional mental health psychotherapist.
- Stephen Kilcowley: Stephen is an American political strategist and communications advisor.
- Marty Kilcowley: Marty is a professional golfer who has played on the PGA Tour for more than 15 years.
- Bridget Kilcowley: Bridget is a Canadian Olympic swimmer.
- Lynne Kilcowley: Lynne is an award-winning painter and sculptor.