Show ContentsKillough History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Early Origins of the Killough family

The surname Killough was first found in Durham at Kelloe, a parish, partly in the union of Durham, and partly in that of Easington. "The manor of Kelloe, which is situated near the road from Stockton to Durham, and comprises about 1500 acres, appears to have given name to the family of Kelloe or Kellaw, of whom Richard de Kellaw, a native of the parish, was Bishop of Durham in 1311." 1

Another early branch of the family was found in Cornwall. "Rosellian or Rosillian, in this parish, was anciently the seat of the Trehawkes, and after them that of the Kellows or Kellios. These were succeeded by the Scobells, from whom it passed to John Deeble, Esq. by whom it was devised to John Rogers, Esq. whose son Richard Rogers, Esq. is the present proprietor. Before Rosellian passed from the Kellios to the Scobells, it afforded for some time a residence to Shadrach Vincent, Esq. whose wife was a co-heiress of the Kellio family." 2

"The old mansion of Kellio, [in the parish of Cornelly] which is now occupied also by a farmer, was in ancient times a seat belonging to a family of this name. Descending to an heiress, it was carried by her in marriage to Tredenham of Probus, after which Kellio continued the seat of the Tredenhams for several generations. From this family it passed to the Trevanions, of whom it has lately been purchased by Lord Falmouth." 2

"Kelliow [in the parish of Kea, Cornwall] was a seat of a family of this name, from whom it passed by female heirs, first to the family of Vivian, and then to Haweis." 2

Early History of the Killough family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Killough research. Another 107 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1200, 1273, 1453, 1549 and 1562 are included under the topic Early Killough History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Killough Spelling Variations

The name, Killough, occurred in many references, and from time to time, it was spelt Kellow, Kello, Kelloe and others.

Early Notables of the Killough family

More information is included under the topic Early Killough Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Killough Ranking

In the United States, the name Killough is the 6,641st most popular surname with an estimated 4,974 people with that name. 3


United States Killough migration to the United States +

The New World beckoned settlers from the Scottish-English borders. They sailed aboard the armada of sailing ships known as the "White Sails" which plied the stormy Atlantic. Some called them, less romantically, the "coffin ships." Among the early settlers bearing the Killough surname who came to North America were:

Killough Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
  • J. H. Killough, aged 37, originally from Ireland, arrived in New York in 1892 aboard the ship "Aurania (1883)" from Liverpool, England 4
  • Thos. Killough, aged 25, originally from Antrim, Ireland, arrived in New York in 1892 aboard the ship "Furnessia" from Londonderry, Ireland 4
Killough Settlers in United States in the 20th Century
  • Sarah Killough, aged 29, arrived in New York in 1920 aboard the ship "Kaiserin Augusta Victoria" from Liverpool, England 4
  • Jeanette Killough, aged 9, arrived in New York in 1920 aboard the ship "Kaiserin Augusta Victoria" from Liverpool, England 4
  • Boyd Killough, aged 13, arrived in New York in 1920 aboard the ship "Kaiserin Augusta Victoria" from Liverpool, England 4

Contemporary Notables of the name Killough (post 1700) +

  • Ann Killough (b. 1947), American poet and author of Beloved Idea, which won the 2008 L. L. Winship/PEN New England Award
  • Karen Lee Killough (b. 1942), American veterinary radiographer and writer of science fiction mystery novels
  • Walter Killough, American Democratic Party politician, Alternate Delegate to Democratic National Convention from Arkansas, 1944 5
  • Robert Charles Killough Jr. (1906-1961), American Republican politician, Candidate for New York State Assembly from Albany County 3rd District, 1930 5
  • John Killough Stewart (1867-1938), Australian businessman and philanthropist from Queensland, Australia
  • Carla Killough McClafferty (b. 1958), American author of non-fiction for children, 2006 Children's Book Award Winner


  1. Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
  2. Hutchins, Fortescue, The History of Cornwall, from the Earliest Records and Traditions to the Present Time. London: William Penaluna, 1824. Print
  3. "What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
  4. Ellis Island Search retrieved 15th November 2022. Retrieved from https://heritage.statueofliberty.org/passenger-result
  5. The Political Graveyard: Alphabetical Name Index. (Retrieved 2015, October 6) . Retrieved from http://politicalgraveyard.com/alpha/index.html


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