Kilroy

Kilroy is a surname of Irish origin that is found predominantly in the United Kingdom. The name is believed to be an anglicised version of the Irish Gaelic name "Ó Cill Rua" which translates to "descendant of the red church".

Origins:

The Kilroy surname is most commonly associated with County Mayo in Ireland, where the majority of Kilroy families originated. The name can be traced back to ancient Gaelic roots, reflecting the early history of the Irish people.

Distribution:

While the Kilroy surname has Irish origins, it has spread to other countries, including the United Kingdom, where it is particularly prevalent. Kilroy families are found in various regions of Britain, with notable concentrations in areas with historical Irish communities.

Notable Individuals:

Over the years, several notable individuals with the surname Kilroy have made significant contributions in various fields. This includes but is not limited to:

  • Robert Kilroy-Silk: A prominent British politician, television presenter, and newspaper columnist known for his controversial views.
  • Ernest Kilroy: A distinguished British artist renowned for his landscape paintings that capture the essence of the British countryside.

Legacy:

The Kilroy surname carries a rich heritage that reflects the enduring influence of Irish culture in the United Kingdom. Through their contributions to various fields, individuals bearing the Kilroy name have left a lasting mark on British society.

In conclusion, the surname Kilroy represents a blend of Irish heritage and British identity, with individuals who have played diverse roles in shaping the cultural landscape of the United Kingdom.

There are approximately 1,092 people named Kilroy in the UK. That makes it roughly the 6,900th most common surname in Britain. Around 17 in a million people in Britain are named Kilroy.

Surname type: From name of parent

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

  • Anthony
  • Christopher
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Kevin
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Stephen
  • Thomas

Female

  • Anne
  • Carol
  • Catherine
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Helen
  • Janice
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Melanie
  • Patricia
  • Rachael
  • Sarah
  • Susan

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

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