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Last Name Kil

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What is the origin of the last name Kil?

Last updated : 27 July 2025

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The surname Kil is of Old Norse origin, specifically from the word "kjöl," which means "churchyard" or "graveyard." It was a topographic name for someone who lived near a churchyard or graveyard. The name is most common in Scotland and Northern England, as the Vikings had significant influence in these regions during the Medieval period.

The meaning and origin of the last name Kil

The surname Kil originates from Scotland, specifically the Lowlands region. It is an occupational name for a worker in a kiln, derived from the Old Norse word 'kil' which means "a furnace" or "a pottery kiln". This name was common among potters and those who worked in industries that required the use of kilns, such as glassmaking. Over time, variations of the name have emerged due to spelling and pronunciation differences, including Kill, Kille, and Killey. The surname Kil is also found in Ireland, where it may be a variant of Mac Giolla Chualann, an Irish sept name meaning "son of the servant of Cualann", which has been anglicized as Kelly.

Geographical distribution of the last name Kil

The surname Kil is predominantly of Scottish and Irish origin. In Scotland, it is most commonly found in the Highlands and Islands region, particularly in areas like Ross-shire, Inverness-shire, and Argyllshire, where Gaelic was traditionally spoken. In Ireland, Kil is an anglicized form of various native Gaelic names, primarily O Ceallacháin, Ó Cíobhlaigh, and Mac Giolla Chiaráin, which are mainly concentrated in counties such as Cork, Kerry, and Donegal. The name has also been brought to other parts of the world by Scottish and Irish immigrants, particularly North America, where it is found in significant numbers in Canada, especially Ontario, and the United States, primarily in states like New York, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts.

Variants and spellings of the last name Kil

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Famous people with the last name Kil

Notable individuals with the surname Kil include:

1. Frankie Avalon (Francis Thomas Avallone), an American singer and actor known for his successful career in the early 1960s.
2. Edward A. Kilbane, an American engineer who made significant contributions to the field of electrical engineering, particularly in the development of high-voltage electric transmission systems.
3. John F. Kennedy Jr. (John Fitzgerald Kennedy Jr.), often referred to as JFK Jr., was an American attorney and magazine publisher. He is best known for his role in politics as a candidate for the U.S. Senate, but he also served as a lawyer and publisher of George magazine.
4. Mark T. Kilgore, an American politician who served as a member of the Kansas House of Representatives from 2013 to 2019. He represented the 58th district, which includes parts of Sedgwick County.
5. David M. Kilpatrick, a Canadian ice hockey player who played in the National Hockey League for teams such as the Winnipeg Jets and the Edmonton Oilers.
6. Kylie Kilbride, an Australian actress best known for her role as Lara Somers in the soap opera Home and Away.
7. Kevin Kilbane, a former Irish professional footballer who played as a midfielder for clubs such as Coventry City, Manchester City, and Sunderland, as well as the Republic of Ireland national team.
8. Robert E. Kilroy-Silk, a British politician who served as a Member of Parliament (MP) from 1970 to 2004. He represented various constituencies, including Huyton, Knowsley North, and Rankin Inlet—Aulavik in Canada.

Genealogical research on the last name Kil

The Kil surname is of Irish origin and is derived from several possible sources. One theory suggests that it originates from the Gaelic "ceoil" meaning "skills" or "clever." Another theory connects the name to the Irish word for "cold," as some early bearers of the name were said to have lived near cold streams or rivers. The Kil family is primarily associated with counties Cork and Tipperary in Ireland. Notable figures bearing the Kil surname include Thomas Francis Kilroy, an Australian cardinal, and John J. Kilgallen, a prominent American architect. The Kil clan is also known for their participation in Irish rebellions throughout history, particularly during the Desmond Rebellions of the 16th century.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

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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 : 27 July 2025

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