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Last Name Ogilvie

What is the origin of the last name Ogilvie?

The last name Ogilvie is of Scottish origin. It is derived from a place name in Scotland, specifically from the barony of Ogilvie in the parish of Glamis, Angus. The name is believed to come from the Gaelic words "og," meaning young, and "ilmhag," meaning white, referring to a white or pale complexion. The Ogilvie clan has a long and storied history in Scotland, with notable figures including Sir John de Ogilvie, a Catholic martyr and saint.

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Ogilvie

The meaning and origin of the last name Ogilvie

The surname Ogilvie is of Scottish origin and is derived from the Old Gaelic name "Ogilby" or "Ogilve", meaning "high plain" or "high ridge". It is believed to have originated from the barony of Ogilvie in Angus, Scotland. The Ogilvies were a prominent clan in Scottish history, known for their involvement in various conflicts and wars. The name has also been associated with the town of Ogilvie in Fife, Scotland. The clan's original seat was at Castle Ogilvie, but they later moved to Auchterhouse Castle. The Ogilvie name has variations in spelling, such as Ogilvy and Ogleby, but they all stem from the same Scottish lineage. Today, the surname Ogilvie is still found predominantly in Scotland, as well as in other English-speaking countries around the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Ogilvie

The last name Ogilvie is primarily concentrated in Scotland, where it originated as a Scottish surname. The majority of individuals with the last name Ogilvie can be found in regions such as Angus, Perthshire, and Fife. However, the surname has also spread to other parts of the United Kingdom, particularly England and Northern Ireland. Additionally, there are smaller populations of individuals with the last name Ogilvie in countries such as Canada, Australia, and the United States, likely due to migration and settlement patterns. Overall, while the geographical distribution of the last name Ogilvie is most prominent in Scotland, it can be found in various places around the world, reflecting the movement of people and the dispersion of Scottish heritage.

Variants and spellings of the last name Ogilvie

The last name Ogilvie can be found with various spellings and variations, such as Oglevy, Ogilvy, Ogilvie, Ogillvie, or Ogley. These variations may have originated from different regions or dialects, leading to differences in spelling over time. Some of the variations, like Oglevy or Ogilvy, may have been adapted to better fit the pronunciation of the name. Additionally, different branches of the Ogilvie family may have chosen to spell their name in a specific way, further contributing to the variations seen today. Regardless of the spelling, the surname Ogilvie remains a distinguished and recognizable name with a rich history and heritage.

Famous people with the last name Ogilvie

There are several notable individuals with the last name Ogilvie. One of them is Sir Hector Ogilvie, a prominent Scottish businessman and politician who served as the Lord Provost of Aberdeen from 1938 to 1947. He was known for his philanthropic efforts and for his work to promote economic development in the region. Another well-known person with the last name Ogilvie is Sue Ogilvie, an American film editor who has worked on movies such as "True Lies" and "Titanic." She has received several nominations for prestigious awards, including the Academy Award for Best Film Editing. These individuals, along with others with the surname Ogilvie, have made significant contributions in their respective fields and continue to be recognized for their talents and achievements.

Genealogical research on the last name Ogilvie

The surname Ogilvie is a Scottish surname with origins in the ancient region of Berwickshire, near the present-day border between Scotland and England. The name is derived from the Old Gaelic name "Ogilvie," which means "high plain" or "high place." The Ogilvie clan played a prominent role in Scottish history, with notable members including Sir Walter Ogilvie, one of the signatories of the Declaration of Arbroath in 1320. Over the centuries, the Ogilvie family spread throughout Scotland, and later to other parts of the British Isles and beyond. Genealogical research on the Ogilvie surname can be traced through records such as birth, marriage, and death certificates, as well as census data and historical documents. Today, the Ogilvie name continues to be found worldwide, with individuals proud of their Scottish heritage and clan association.

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 : 11 April 2025

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