Killigrew

The surname Killigrew is of Cornish origin, derived from the Old Cornish personal name "Celli" combined with the term "crew", denoting a group of followers or adherents. The name likely originated as a moniker for a chief or leader.

The Killigrew family historically held prominence in Cornwall, and their influence extended to other parts of England. One of the most notable figures of the Killigrew family was Sir William Killigrew in the 16th century, who served as a courtier to King Charles I and his queen, Henrietta Maria. The Killigrews were known for their loyalty to the royal family and held various important positions in the court.

The family's involvement in the arts and theatre was also significant. Sir William's granddaughter, Anne Killigrew, gained reputation as a poet and painter during the Restoration era. Her works were well-regarded by her contemporaries and influenced later literary figures.

Over the centuries, the Killigrew family name spread across Britain and the wider British Empire. The name has seen various spellings and adaptations, such as Killagrew and Kellegrew, but the core heritage remains rooted in Cornwall.

Today, descendants of the Killigrew family can be found across the United Kingdom and in other parts of the world. The surname continues to hold historical significance and is a testament to the enduring legacy of a notable British lineage.

How to communicate the surname Killigrew in...

Braille

Morse

-.-...-...-....--..-...--

Semaphore

Semaphore KSemaphore ISemaphore LSemaphore LSemaphore ISemaphore GSemaphore RSemaphore ESemaphore W

There are approximately 68 people named Killigrew in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around one in a million people in Britain are named Killigrew.

The Genealogist - UK census, BMDs and more online

Famous people named Killigrew

  • Thomas Killigrew - Dramatist and theatre manager (1612 to 1683)
  • Henry Killigrew - Chaplain and playwright (1613 to 1700)

Names and descriptions courtesy of Wikipedia, and may contain errors. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of every famous person with this name.

Your comments on the Killigrew surname

BritishSurnames.uk is a Good Stuff website.