Surname Kilwee - Meaning and Origin
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Kilwee: What does the surname Kilwee mean?
The last name Kilwee is a surname of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic phrase “Cill Uí”, which roughly translates to “Church of the Descendants”. The Kilwee surname was commonly found in the counties of Tyrone and Londonderry, in Northern Ireland. It may have originally been an occupational name referring to someone who administered a church, or a local religious leader.
Today, Kilwee is still a popular last name in Ireland, but also appears in other countries as well, including the United States and Canada. It is believed to have been among the earliest surnames brought to the Americas by Irish immigrants in the 1700s.
The Kilwee last name sometimes appears with several variants, including Kilwe, Kilwie, Kilway, and Kilwoes, all stemming from a Gaelic root.
In addition to having its roots in Irish history, the name Kilwee also carries spiritual and religious connotations, which often indicate a strong moral compass and faith. People with this last name might be viewed as honorable, courageous, and hardworking individuals who place a strong emphasis on family values.
Order DNA origin analysisKilwee: Where does the name Kilwee come from?
The surname Kilwee is not particularly common, but it does occur in a few countries around the world. It appears to be more commonly found in the United Kingdom and Ireland, although there are smaller numbers in other parts of Europe, the United States, and Australia.
In the United Kingdom, the surname Kilwee is most commonly found in County Armagh in Northern Ireland and areas of Scotland. There is anecdotal evidence that the name may originate in Ireland, where there is a townland called Kilwee near the town of Crumlin, County Antrim.
In the United States, Kilwee is an uncommon name, but it does appear in some states, including Massachusetts, Texas, and Ohio. The Texas city of Kilwee has a population of about seven hundred people, although the exact origin of the name is unknown.
In Australia, Kilwee is even more rare. Earlier records show the name appearing in Victoria, as well as on the death index of New South Wales, but the origin of the name remains unknown.
Overall, while Kilwee is not a particularly common surname, it does appear in several countries. Its origin remains mysterious, however, with its earliest records seeming to date back to Scotland and Ireland.
Variations of the surname Kilwee
The surname Kilwee is of Irish origin and is associated with a variety of spelling variations and alternative surnames. There is some disagreement over the precise origin of the name, with some saying it originated in the townland of Kilroe in County Clare, and others tracing it to the town of Kilwee in County Derry.
Kilwee can be spelled in a variety of ways including Kilwee, Killwee, Killeg, Killee, Kilie, and Killie. Alternate surnames that can be derived from Kilwee include Kille, Killoe, Kilgoe, Kilroe, Kille Hill, Killmight, and Kilwhite. It is believed that multiple minor spelling variations may have arisen from time to time when people changed their names to adapt to their ever-changing surroundings.
Other related Irish surnames include Killen, Kilyo, Killeen, Kilbourn, Kyleigh, Kyla, Killmister, and Kilfoyle. These surnames are primarily found in County Cork and South Leinster.
In Scotland, alternate spellings of the name include Killie, Kilke, Killey, and Kilrisk. Lastly, some alternative forms of the name that can be found in Northern Ireland include Kilwrea, Kilroe, Killwee, Kilwee, Kilweehan, and Kilweemount.
Regardless of the spelling variation or derivative surname, it is probable that they all share the same ancestry and history. The oldest form of the name Kilwee is derived from the Gaelic word "cill" which means "church," indicating the family may have connections to a particular church. Overall, Kilwee can be found all over the world with slight variations in spelling, showing that the name has a long and varied history.
Famous people with the name Kilwee
- Alex Kilwee: Actor and writer best known for his roles in the movies The Wicker Man (2006) and All Nighter (2017).
- Alec Kilwee: Musician and songwriter best known for his work as lead guitarist of the alternative rock band The Jackals.
- Charles Kilwee: Retired professional basketball player known for his time in the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the American Basketball Association (ABA).
- J.B. Kilwee: American country music singer best known for his hit single “Redneck Crazy.”
- Jenna Kilwee: Actress known for her roles in films such as The Bridge of San Luis Rey (2004) and The Good Witch (2008).
- John Kilwee: Political consultant and lobbyist who served as president of the American Association of Political Consultants (AAPC).
- Richard Kilwee: Grammy Award-winning film and television composer recognized for his work on the films The Fast and the Furious (2001) and Minority Report (2002).
- Robert Kilwee: Emmy Award-winning film director, screenwriter, and playwright known for his work on the blu-ray documentary series Fantastic Worlds (2007).
- Sarah Kilwee: Professional fire dancer and artist who has performed around the world in festivals, theaters, and shows.
- Steve Kilwee: Stage and television actor widely known for his roles in the television series The Currents (2015), Long Beach (2010) and The Bold and the Beautiful (1993).