Surname Kilroe - Meaning and Origin

Kilroe: What does the surname Kilroe mean?

The surname Kilroe is of Irish origin, coming from the Gaelic Mac Giolla Ruadh, which translates as 'son of the red-haired one'. This likely originated from the physical characteristic shared by the ancestor of this particular surname. The Kilroes can be traced back to several old and influential families throughout Ireland, including those of Counties Clare, Kerry, Sligo and Dublin.

Kilroes have been prominent in Irish history since the 12th century. They were fierce warriors and rulers of a clan known as Rathcroghan, located in County Roscommon. This group consisted of both the O’Connors and O’Kilroes, both of whom had their own independent dynasties. As a result of their ambitious and powerful rule in the area, the Kilroes were often awarded lands by the English authorities, which allowed them to acquire greater power and prestige.

The Kilroes have been associated with a number of trades in the past, but primarily they were farmers, carpenters, masons, and blacksmiths. They were also involved in politics and the Catholic Church during the 17th Century, and these were influential roles that they maintained until the 19th century.

The Kilroes were indeed a powerful and influential family in the history of Ireland, and their name and legacy remain to this day. The Kilroe clan continues to remain a prominent part of Irish life, though now descendants of the family are found throughout the world, in countries such as the United States, Australia, Canada, and Britain.

Kilroe: Where does the name Kilroe come from?

The surname Kilroe is most commonly found in Ireland, where it arises from the Irish Gaelic name O'Cheallaigh (O’Kelly). Kilroe is one of the hundreds of variants of O’Kelly, which is found in every county of Ireland. The name is found in the Provinces of Connacht, Munster, and Leinster, but is particularly concentrated in County Galway.

The name began to spread in the 1600s as the Irish diaspora commenced, with many Kilroes moving to the United States of America, Australia, New Zealand and Great Britain. Thus, the Kilroe name can now also be found in locations settled by the Irish such as the United States, Canada, and Australia.

Another destination for the Kilroe name was the United Kingdom, where many Kilroes settled in Liverpool during the mid-nineteenth century and later in other English cities such as London, Manchester, and Birmingham.

This surname has even reached far beyond its Irish roots with occurrences in Germany, France, and Belgium, as well as in South Africa, Malaysia, and India.

Kilroes in the present day are widespread, with the numbers continuing to grow. With the help of DNA, many Kilroe descendants can trace their family history back to Ireland and take pride in their Irish roots.

Variations of the surname Kilroe

Kilroe is a surname of Irish origin. Variants of the name include Kilerau, Kilro, Kilrow, Kilroi, Kilrae, Kilrowie, Kilroe, Kilrou and Kilrrow.

Kilroe is derived from the Gaelic Mac Giolla Rua, meaning “son of the red-haired one.” Alternate spellings of the name include Gilroe, Gilro, Gilrou and Gillerau.

In Ireland, the Kilroe surname is most commonly found in County Galway and County Mayo. Its Scottish variants can be found mainly in parts of Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.

The surname Kilroe is associated with a number of notable figures throughout Ireland's history. For example, Sir John Kilroe, Baron of the Exchequer in 1618 and Sir John Kilroe, Chief Justice of the King’s Bench in 1643.

Kilroe can also be connected to other related surnames such as Kilray, Gelroy, Gellery, Gilleray, Gillray and Gilmore. The names Kilrow, Kilread and MacGiollaRua are still in use among contemporary families bearing the surname Kilroe.

Famous people with the name Kilroe

• Joseph Kilroe: Irish Fiction Writer
• Pat Kilroe: American Politician
• Patrick Kilroe: Irish Politician
• Sean Kilroe: Canadian Martial Artist, Actor and Teacher
• Mary Kilroe: Irish Photographer
• John Kilroe: Irish Singer-Songwriter
• Justin Kilroe: American Professional Hockey Player
• Kevin Kilroe: Irish Golfer
• Garry Kilroe: Australian Musician
• Dermot Kilroe: Malaysian Footballer

Other surnames

Kilroy