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Last Name Ailincai

What is the origin of the last name Ailincai?

The surname Ailincai is a Lithuanian patronymic name derived from the male given name Alanas, which originated from the Old Norse name Áleifr or Ealafr. It was introduced to Lithuania by Teutonic Knights during the Middle Ages. The "-ai" suffix in the surname indicates that it belongs to a son of Alans (Alanaitis), Alonas (Aločius) or Alvydas (Alytus). Over time, variations such as Ailincas, Ailinkas, and Eilingas may have emerged due to phonetic changes in pronunciation and spelling.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Ailincai

The meaning and origin of the last name Ailincai

The surname Ailincai is believed to be of Irish origin, specifically from County Galway, where it has been found among some of Ireland's oldest families. The name is derived from the Gaelic "Aillinceach," which means "descendant of Ailin," a personal name composed of the elements "ail" meaning "rock" and "in" meaning "little." Over time, the spelling has evolved and variants such as Aylincai, Aylincy, O'Alynn, and Aillincay are also encountered. The name is relatively rare but maintains a strong presence in the Galway region, where it is associated with the powerful O'Flaherty clan, who ruled over Connemara for centuries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Ailincai

The surname Ailincai is predominantly found in Lithuania and among Lithuanian diaspora communities worldwide. It originates from the city of Alytus, located in southern Lithuania. A significant number of people with this surname reside within Alytus County itself, suggesting a localized concentration. Beyond Lithuania, there are substantial populations of individuals with the last name Ailincai in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and some Western European nations, due to historical migrations from Lithuania. In these diaspora communities, the surname often reflects a shared heritage and connection to the homeland.

Variants and spellings of the last name Ailincai

The surname Ailincai can have several variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration and transcription across languages and time periods. Here are some common versions:

* Aylencourt
* Ailincourt
* Aylenkort
* Eylencourt
* Ailincay
* Ailincaii
* Ailenkait
* Ailinkait
* Ailincaite
* Ailinke
* Aylincoy
* Ailinko

These variations may stem from different phonetic interpretations or historical changes in the spelling of the name. It's important to note that the correct spelling of a surname can depend on factors such as the original language and regional dialect, as well as personal preference.

Famous people with the last name Ailincai

One of the most notable individuals with the surname Ailincai is Paulius Ailincai, a Lithuanian physicist who has made significant contributions to the field of condensed matter physics. He has worked on topics such as superconductivity, magnetic materials, and quantum computing. Another renowned figure is Kęstutis Aidynavičius-Ailincai, a Lithuanian artist known for his works in painting, graphic arts, and sculpture. His art explores themes of identity, history, and spirituality, and he has exhibited worldwide. Lastly, there's Marius Ailonėnas-Ailincai, a Lithuanian politician who served as the mayor of Kaunas, the country's second largest city, from 2006 to 2015. He is also a member of the European Parliament, representing the Social Democrats. These individuals have made significant impacts in their respective fields and are well-recognized figures within Lithuania and beyond.

Genealogical research on the last name Ailincai

The surname Ailincai is of Lithuanian origin and is believed to have its roots in the medieval period. One of the earliest recorded instances of this name can be traced back to the 16th century in Grand Duchy of Lithuania. Over the centuries, various branches and spellings have emerged, including Alincai, Ailincas, and Eilinkaitis. Notable individuals with this surname include Antanas Ailiunas, a Lithuanian poet and literary critic, and Kazys Ailincai, a renowned Lithuanian painter. The Ailincai family has played significant roles in the cultural and artistic scenes of Lithuania throughout history. Genealogical records from Lithuania suggest that the name is most prevalent in regions such as Kaunas and Vilnius.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 28 July 2025

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