Recorded in a variety of spellings including Kilgannon, Kilgallen, Kilgallon and Kilcullen, this is an Irish surname, and specifically from Counties Mayo and Sligo in the far west. Formerly prefixed with the Gaelic 'Mac' meaning son of, the surname is now only found in its shortened form. It probably originates from the pre 10th century Mac Giolla Chaillin which translates as 'the follower of St Cailin', a popular figure in the country from the early days of Christianity. It is said that the spelling as Kilgannon, Kilgallen and Kilgallon is most often recorded in County Sligo, although across the county border into Mayo, the spelling is more usually Kilcullen.
Although it is probable that the surname was first recorded as early as the 14th century, sadly the early charters and registers of the country, which may have given proof to this statement, were totally lost in 1922, when the IRA destroyed the Public Records Office in Dublin. This was not an act against the British, but during the Civil War of 1922 - 1924. Early examples of the surname recording taken from surviving registers include: Andreas Kilgallen, at Drumcliff, County Sligo, on June 12th 1848, whilst on June 11th 1865 the same man is recorded as Andre Kilgallon, when he married Brigid Feeny, also at Drumcliff. Another recording from the same period is that of William Kilgannon or Kilgammon, it being recorded both ways, who left Ireland on the ship "Sea of New York" bound for New York on March 23rd 1847.
The history of the surname kilgallen is, like that of most surnames, a complex and fascinating journey to ancient times with the aim of unraveling the origin of kilgallen. We can try to trace the genealogy of the surname kilgallen, and in addition to the original locations of kilgallen, we can find out where people with the surname kilgallen can currently be found.
It is common for surnames like kilgallen to become known in places far removed from their country or region of origin. Discover which ones. The mobility of people carrying the surname kilgallen has led to its presence in different countries, as you can verify.
The historical journey of the surname kilgallen can be traced back to those who were the first bearers of kilgallen. The history, heraldry, coats of arms, and possible nobility of the surname kilgallen are scattered in documents across various regions and historical periods, so it is necessary to reconstruct a complex puzzle to approach the facts from a realistic perspective.
You can visit us regularly to get more information about the origin of the surname kilgallen, as we frequently accept significant contributions from other individuals interested in heraldry and the history of surnames. Please note that if you are in a position to provide more data about the surname kilgallen or any other surname and its origin, we would appreciate your collaboration with us by sending us information about the origin of kilgallen.
Unfortunately, it's highly probable that not all kilgallens who performed notable deeds have been included in historical chronicles and records. A surname like kilgallen can connect a person to an illustrious lineage and a distinguished coat of arms. However, it must be kept in mind that it is individual people who, through their lives and actions, bring fame and recognition to their surnames. It is our desire to highlight in this section those individuals with the surname kilgallen who, for various reasons, have left their mark on the course of history.
It goes without saying that consulting bibliographic and documentary sources is essential when accessing information about the origins of the surname kilgallen. We consider it highly advisable to refer to the following sources if you wish to conduct research on the surname kilgallen, as well as many other surnames.
These sources are essential for initiating the understanding of kilgallen, and at the same time, of surnames in general.