Mcilwain Surname

The History of the Surname McIlwain

The surname McIlwain is of Scottish origin, derived from the Gaelic name Mac Giolla Eathain, which means "son of the servant of Saint John." The name has several spelling variations, including MacIlwaine, McIlwain, MacIlwean, and MacIlwane. It is believed to have originated in the Scottish Highlands, where the McIlwain clan played a significant role in Scottish history.

Origins of the McIlwain Clan

The McIlwain clan is said to have descended from Gilleathain Reamhair, a chief of the Clan Donald who lived in the 12th century. The clan held lands in the Western Isles of Scotland and were known for their loyalty to the Scottish crown. They were fierce warriors and often fought alongside other clans in battles against rival clans and invading forces.

Migration of the McIlwain Name

Over the centuries, members of the McIlwain clan migrated to various countries, spreading the name to places such as the United States, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. In the United States, the surname McIlwain is most common in states such as Texas, Georgia, and North Carolina, where descendants of Scottish immigrants settled in the early days of the country.

In Australia, the McIlwain name is found mainly in the states of New South Wales and Victoria, where Scottish immigrants arrived in the 19th century seeking a better life. In Canada, the surname is prevalent in provinces such as Ontario and British Columbia, where Scottish settlers established communities and built a strong presence.

Notable McIlwain Families

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals with the surname McIlwain. One such person is John McIlwain, a Scottish poet and playwright who gained fame in the 18th century for his works that celebrated Scottish culture and heritage. Another prominent figure is Mary McIlwain, a pioneering female doctor who broke barriers in the medical field in the early 20th century.

Popularity of the McIlwain Name

According to data, the surname McIlwain is most common in the United States, with a total incidence of 3,291. This is followed by Australia, Canada, and England, where the name has a significant presence. In countries such as South Africa and New Zealand, the surname is less common but still has a notable presence among the population.

Overall, the McIlwain name has a long and rich history that spans centuries and crosses continents. It is a name that carries with it a sense of pride and heritage for those who bear it, reflecting the strength and resilience of the Scottish people who bore it.

The surname Mcilwain within the globe

Globalization has meant that surnames distribute far beyond their country of origin, so that it can be done to locate African surnames in Europe or Indian surnames in Oceania. Exactly the same occurs in the case of Mcilwain, which as you can corroborate, it can be said that it is a surname that may be found in the majority of the countries of this globe. Just as you can find nations in which undoubtedly the thickness of men and women because of the surname Mcilwain is higher than in other countries.

The map of this Mcilwain surname

1. United States (3291)
2. Australia (313)
3. Canada (306)
4. England (92)
5. Scotland (83)
6. Nothern Ireland (36)
7. South Africa (30)
8. New Zealand (28)
9. Spain (12)
10. Wales (4)
11. Switzerland (2)
12. Germany (2)
13. Italy (2)
14. Costa Rica (1)
15. Guam (1)
16. Ireland (1)
17. Libya (1)
18. Morocco (1)
19. Mexico (1)
20. Netherlands (1)
21. Papua New Guinea (1)
22. Philippines (1)