Surname Kilmartin - Meaning and Origin
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Kilmartin: What does the surname Kilmartin mean?
The last name Kilmartin is a surname of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic elements “ciall” and “moirtin” which translates to “noble” and “sea hill”, respectively. This suggests that the original bearer of the name held an impressive social status and origin from the sea-side. This name was very popular in County Galway in the west of Ireland, where a large number of Kilmartins came from, lending to a strong sense of family pride and identity among its bearers.
The Kilmartins primarily made their living as farmers, fishermen, and boat-builders, as the coastal area of County Galway was rife with opportunities for commerce in the sea-side stores, farms and idyllic harbor towns. The strong sense of community among the Kilmartin family also extended to education and public service as they held positions in local government, such as mayors, sheriffs, and judges, and attended prestigious universities such as Trinity College Dublin.
The Kilmartin’s legacy is still visible insofar as the Kilmartin family coat of arms, which dates back to 15th century, and to Kilmartin House, an Irish castle with a fascinating history. Moreover, many Kilmartins have crossed the Atlantic and settled in the United States as employers and entrepreneurs still motivated by their Irish roots. Today, the Kilmartins are vibrant symbol of established Irish lineage and a reminder of the rich culture this country has to offer.
Order DNA origin analysisKilmartin: Where does the name Kilmartin come from?
The last name Kilmartin is most commonly found in the United States and Canada. In the United States, the states with the highest concentrations of people with the last name Kilmartin are Massachusetts, New York, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. In Canada, the provinces with the greatest populations of people with the last name Kilmartin are Ontario and Quebec.
In the United States, city-based public records and other sources indicate that the last name Kilmartin is most found in the South-East region, along the Eastern Seaboard. This includes cities such as Boston, New York City, and Philadelphia. According to Census records, the last name Kilmartin is also relatively high in Chicago and Minneapolis, indicating that those of Irish descent settled in the Midwest in a significant number.
In Canada, the last name Kilmartin is most concentrated in the provinces of Ontario and Quebec. This could be due to generations of Irish immigrants settling in these provinces in the 19th Century. The largest cities in Canada with a large population of people with the last name Kilmartin are Toronto, Montreal, and Ottawa.
Overall, the last name Kilmartin is most commonly found in the United States and Canada, particularly in the South-East and Canada's two most populous provinces.
Variations of the surname Kilmartin
The surname Kilmartin is of Irish origin and has several variants, spellings, and derivatives. Derivatives of the surname are Kilmurtrie, Kilmartrin, Kilmartryne, Killmurrie, and Kilmurry. These are all derived from the earlier form of the name, O'Maolmartain. Another variant form of the name is MacGiolla Mhaolmartain, which is derived from the Gaelic phrase for “the son of the devotee of St. Martin”.
Variations in spelling of the name Kilmartin include Killmartin, Kilmartern, Kilmarting, Kilmarton, and Kilmartine. The name Killmartin is an Anglicised form of the Irish name O Maolmartain. Kilmartin and Kilmarton are derived from the Irish phrase “ciarbhail an tiarna”, which means “servant of the Lord”. Kilmartine is an Anglicised form of the Gaelic name Mac Giolla Mhaolmartain.
The surname Kilmartin is most prominently found in Connacht in Ireland, particularly in counties Galway and Mayo, although it is found in other areas of the country as well. In Britain, the surname is primarily found in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The surname is also found in the United States, Canada, and various parts of Australia and New Zealand.
Overall, the surname Kilmartin has many variants, spellings, and derivatives, and is most prominent in Connacht, Ireland, but is found in other parts the world as well.
Famous people with the name Kilmartin
- Stephen Kilmartin, a British actor best known for his work in TV series such as The Bill, Coronation Street and Eastenders.
- Colin Kilmartin, American actor who has appeared in numerous films, TV series and video games.
- James Kilmartin, Australian actor, known for his work in Home and Away and Wins Around.
- Richard Kilmartin, American actor, known for roles in television series such as Law & Order, House, Grey's Anatomy, and several feature films.
- John Kilmartin, Scottish singer-songwriter and recording artist, best known as a solo artist and with the duo White water.
- Christopher Kilmartin, English composer and musician, best known for his work as an orchestral arranger and sound engineer, as well as his solo piano recordings.
- Richard Kilmartin, an American screenwriter and film and television producer.
- Gary Kilmartin, an American writer and author with ten published novels and a collection of popular short stories.
- John Kilmartin, an Irish poet and founder of Lough Neagh Press.
- Marty Kilmartin, Australian actor, author and director, best known for his work in theatre, television and film.