KIRKPATRICK
Also recorded as Kirk Patrick, Kirk-Patrick, Kirk-patrick
Kirkpatrick
Kirkpatrick is a Scottish surname, predominantly found in the region of Dumfries and Galloway in southwest Scotland. The name is locational in origin, derived from the Old Norse words "kirkja" meaning church and "papar" meaning priests, suggesting an association with early Christian religious settlements.
The Kirkpatrick family has a long and storied history, with their ancestral seat at Closeburn Castle near Dumfries. The clan played a prominent role in the medieval period, with notable figures such as Sir Roger Kirkpatrick, a loyal supporter of Robert the Bruce during the Wars of Scottish Independence.
Over the centuries, branches of the Kirkpatrick family spread to various parts of Scotland and England, with some members achieving distinction in military, political, and academic fields. The surname Kirkpatrick is also present in Northern Ireland, having been introduced there during the Plantation of Ulster in the 17th century.
Today, individuals bearing the surname Kirkpatrick can be found worldwide, with many descendants tracing their ancestry back to the ancient Kirkpatrick clan of Scotland. The name continues to evoke a sense of tradition and heritage, reflecting a proud Scottish lineage.
There are approximately 5,205 people named Kirkpatrick in the UK. That makes it roughly the 1,818th most common surname in Britain. Around 80 in a million people in Britain are named Kirkpatrick.
Origin: Celtic
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: Scotland
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: Gaelic
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Andrew
- David
- Ian
- James
- John
- Paul
- Robert
- Stephen
- Thomas
- William
Female
- Angela
- Christine
- Claire
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Gillian
- Helen
- Jean
- Julie
- Margaret
- Mary
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.