Origin of Mcgilvary


Recorded in many spelling forms including MacGillivray, MacGillavery, MacGillivrie, MacGillivry, MacGillvary, MacGillvray, MacGilvary, MacGilvra, the short forms begining 'Mc', and sometimes without the prefix at all especially in Ireland, this is an ancient Scottish clan name. It originates from the pre 10th century Gaelic 'Maolbhrath', which translates as 'The son of the prophet of doom' (!) from the word 'brath' meaning judgement or doom. Most Gaelic clan names descend from the first chief, and these were often 'robust' descriptive nicknames, to the point where it is probable that the original meaning was quite different to the later translations.

In this case the clan were first recorded in the 15th century, and they were originally from Argyllshire, where most early recordings are to be found. They were also a branch or sept of the MacLeans of Mull. Early recordings include such examples as Archibald Makillewray, the rector of Ewist in 1535. He is believed to have resigned this post in 1542, when in the spelling of Archibald McIlwray he was appointed chaplain of Ellen in Isla. The Rev. Martin Mcillura, also spelt in different registers as McIlvora, M'Ilvra, and M'Ilwra, (so much for post medieval spelling), was a vicar in Argyllshire between 1625 and 1650, whilst Farquar MacGillvray held the lands of Dunmaglas from 1622. The clan took a prominent part in the '45' in support of 'Bonnie Prince Charlie'. They suffered severe losses at Culloden, where in addition it was reported that their chief was killed was killed at the spot known as 'The well of the Dead.

The surname Mcgilvary. Its genealogy, origins, history, and meaning.

Discovering the historical origins of Mcgilvary is an incredibly exciting journey that takes us back to the ancestors and relatives who built this lineage. Like most surnames, the history of the surname Mcgilvary is a thorny and surprising journey into the past in order to find out the origin of the surname Mcgilvary, which leads us to have more knowledge about those who bear the surname Mcgilvary, their origin, their coat of arms, the bibliography in which it appears... It is possible to trace their genealogy and, in addition to the original places of Mcgilvary, we know where it is possible to find people with the surname Mcgilvary today.

View complete list of Mcgilvary in the world

Mcgilvary: historical chronicle

The history of Mcgilvary is an interesting sequence of events that were protagonized by the people who have held the surname Mcgilvary throughout history, and it is possible to trace this history back to the first bearers of the surname Mcgilvary. Their feats, their way of life, the places they lived, their family relationships, the jobs they held... All of this is crucial for anyone who, like you, is interested in having more information about the historical, heraldic, coat of arms, and nobility of the surname Mcgilvary. In the following lines, you can find everything we have been able to compile about the surname Mcgilvary. However, if you have more information that you would like to share, we would greatly appreciate your contribution to expand the knowledge of people who, like you, are looking to increase their knowledge about the surname Mcgilvary.

Unfortunately, we do not have any more historical information about Mcgilvary than the one we have provided with pleasure. We invite those who visit us on this website to analyze the recommended bibliography and to come back often, since we often receive valuable collaborations from other people interested in the origin and history of surnames that could have information of special interest about the surname Mcgilvary, and that we would update on this website as soon as possible (after a previous verification). Similarly, if you consider yourself one of those people, we urge you to support us and send us the information about Mcgilvary that is available to you, thanking you in advance for your detail.

The most famous Mcgilvary in history

There have probably been some significant Mcgilvary throughout the history of humanity, even if, for some reason, not all of their contributions were included in the chronicles of the time or their data has not come down to the present day. Unfortunately, not all of the important contributions of people who have carried the surname Mcgilvary were taken into account at the time by the chroniclers of the time. Although a surname has the ability to link a person to a famous lineage and a glorious coat of arms, it is individuals who, throughout their lives and by virtue of some outstanding or important achievements for the society in which they lived, give their surnames renown and it is possible to establish prominent lineages. For this reason, we want to highlight on this website those people with the surname Mcgilvary who, for some reason, have left their mark on the course of history.

The surname Mcgilvary and its bibliographic sources

Based on all the research we have been able to gather so far, we can say that there is information available about the history, genealogy, and heraldry of the surname Mcgilvary thanks to bibliographic sources. This means that we can discover more about its original meaning, origin, history, coat of arms, and heraldry. Our recommendation is to consult the following sources if you want to conduct research on the surname Mcgilvary, as well as many other surnames:

Bibliographic sources for Mcgilvary

These sources are essential for taking a step forward in the study of Mcgilvary, and of surnames in general.