KILLILEA
Killilea
Killilea is a surname of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic Ó Cillín meaning "descendant of Cillín". The name is common in regions of Ireland with strong Gaelic heritage.
Origin and Meaning
The surname Killilea is of ancient Gaelic origin, with the prefix "Ó" signifying "descendant of" and "Cillín" meaning "little church" or "young monk". The name likely referred to a devotee of the church or someone who lived near a small church or chapel.
Distribution
The Killilea surname is primarily found in Ireland, particularly in counties such as Galway and Mayo. Over time, members of the Killilea family may have emigrated to other English-speaking countries, leading to a scattered global presence.
Notable Bearers
Notable individuals with the surname Killilea include:
- Britta Killilea: A renowned artist known for her abstract expressionist paintings.
- Paddy Killilea: A successful businessman and philanthropist, recognised for his contributions to the community.
Legacy
The Killilea surname carries with it a sense of pride and connection to Irish heritage. Families with this surname often maintain a strong cultural link to their Gaelic roots. Numerous Killilea descendants continue to celebrate their lineage through various traditions and events.
In modern times, the name Killilea serves as a reminder of Ireland's rich history and its enduring impact on individuals and communities around the world.
There are approximately 149 people named Killilea in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around two in a million people in Britain are named Killilea.
Origin: Celtic
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: Ireland
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: Gaelic
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Andrew
- Anthony
- Brendan
- Darren
- David
- John
- Lawrence
- Martin
- Michael
- Robert
- Ronan
- Thomas
- William
Female
- Colleen
- Diane
- Emma
- Fidelma
- Janet
- Jennifer
- Joanne
- Justine
- Kathleen
- Lauren
- Marika
- Mary
- Suzanne
- Virginia
Similar and related surnames
- Killelea
- Caillol
- Calella
- Calello
- Calil
- Caliolo
- Calull
- Clail
- Cleal
- Cleale
- Cleall
- Clell
- Clulee
- Clulo
- Cluloe
- Colell
- Colella
- Colelli
- Collell
- Collella
- Collelo
- Cullill
- Galaal
- Galal
- Galelli
- Galilea
- Galilee
- Galili
- Galilie
- Galille
- Gallilee
- Gallolee
- Gulal
- Kahlil
- Kalal
- Kalala
- Kalali
- Kaleel
- Kalel
- Kalil
- Kallala
- Kallel
- Kalule
- Kalulu
- Kellali
- Kellel
- Kilalea
- Kilallee
- Killala
- Killalea
- Killalee
- Killela
- Killelia
- Killie
- Kilolo
- Kleeli
- Kolil
- Kullolli
- Quilala
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.