Last Name Kilborn

The surname Kilborn is of Scottish and Irish origin. In Scotland, it originated from places named Kilburn or Killburn, which come from Gaelic words "cille" (church) and "barn" (mound), thus meaning Church on the Mound. In Ireland, it is an anglicized form of the Gaelic name Mac Giolla Bhéarraigh, which means "son of the servant of St. Berry." St. Berry was a 7th-century Irish monk who had several places named after him in Ireland. Over time, the Irish name evolved into various forms, including Kilburn and Killborn, eventually becoming Kilborn in English-speaking countries. The spelling may have also been influenced by the Old Norse word "kiljarn," meaning "church hill." In Norse settlements of Scotland, some surnames were adopted or adapted from their Gaelic counterparts, contributing to the variety of spellings found for Kilborn today.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Kilborn

The meaning and origin of the last name Kilborn

The surname Kilborn is of Scottish and English origin, derived from various places with the same name. In Scotland, Kilburn can be found near Glasgow, while in England it is primarily located in Yorkshire. The name is composed of two Old Norse elements: 'kirkja' meaning church, and 'bjarnr' meaning bear. As such, it was likely given as a nickname to someone thought to be brave or strong, like a bear defending a church, or perhaps residing near a landmark with a similar name. Over time, this nickname evolved into a hereditary surname.

Geographical distribution of the last name Kilborn

The surname Kilborn is predominantly found in Scotland and Northern England, particularly in regions such as Angus, Perthshire, and Dumfries and Galloway in Scotland, and Northumberland and Durham in England. It is also present in significant numbers in Northern Ireland, particularly in counties Antrim and Down. There are also scattered occurrences of the name in other parts of the UK, as well as in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, due to migration over the centuries. The name is believed to have originated from Kilburn, a village near Glasgow, Scotland.

Variants and spellings of the last name Kilborn

The surname Kilborn has several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription and pronunciation over time. Some common variants include Kilbourn, Killborn, Kilboorn, and Kilbern. These variations may stem from regional dialects, historical spelling conventions, or errors during data entry or transcription. Additionally, some families with this surname may have altered their name slightly to accommodate personal preference or to assimilate into a new culture or language. It's important to note that these variations do not necessarily indicate different origins for the families bearing them, as they could still share a common ancestor.

Famous people with the last name Kilborn

Notable individuals with the surname Kilborn include Craig Kilborn, an American comedian and television host who is best known for hosting The Daily Show from 1996 to 1998 and The Late Late Show from 1999 to 2004. Another well-known figure is Bob Kilborn, a former National Football League (NFL) player who played as a quarterback for the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers between 1957 and 1968, winning two NFL championships with the Bears in 1963 and 1964. Additionally, Tom Kilborn was an American physicist known for his work on particle accelerators, particularly the linear accelerator at Stanford University, and is considered one of the founders of modern nuclear physics.

Genealogical research on the last name Kilborn

The Kilborn surname originates from Scotland and is believed to have derived from the Old Norse "Kjalfr" meaning "sturdy" or "strong," with the Old English suffix "-burna," denoting someone who lived by a stream or brook. Variations of this name include Kilbern, Kileborne, Killburn, Killborne, and Kylborn.

One notable bearer of the Kilborn surname is American journalist, author, and television personality Bill Kilborn, born in 1933. Kilborn's family originated from New Jersey and his ancestors can be traced back to Scottish immigrants who arrived in America during the 17th century. Another notable figure with the Kilborn name is Canadian ice hockey player Jim Kilborn, who played for the Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings, and Toronto Maple Leafs throughout his career in the National Hockey League.

The earliest known records of the Kilborn surname can be found in Scotland during the 13th century, with a notable member being Thomas de Kilebourne who lived in Renfrewshire around 1260. The Kilborn family has been well-documented throughout history in both Scotland and North America, with many branches existing today.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Kilborn"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

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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