Show ContentsMcKillips History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Etymology of McKillips

What does the name McKillips mean?

On the Scottish west coast, the McKillips family was born among the ancient Dalriadan clans. Their name comes from the personal name Philip, which is originally derived from the Greek personal name Philippos, which means horse-lover. The Gaelic form of the surname is Mac Fhilib, meaning son of Philip. The f is aspirated in the genitive case, causing it to disappear. 1

Early Origins of the McKillips family

The surname McKillips was first found in Argyllshire (Gaelic erra Ghaidheal), the region of western Scotland corresponding roughly with the ancient Kingdom of Dál Riata, in the Strathclyde region of Scotland, now part of the Council Area of Argyll and Bute, where they held a family seat at Brae Lochaber from ancient times being descended from an ancient chieftain of the MacDonnells of Keppoch who were, in turn, descended from the Lords of the Isles. It has been suggested that the MacKillops or MacGilps may be the sons of Ilpin or Gilpin, in Iam Lom's "Soiidh do'n Ghreumach."

"Some of this name are said to have been standard-bearers to the Campbells of Dunstaffnage, others are included as septs of Macdonald of Glencoe and of Macdonells of Keppoch, and Mackillop also occurs as a surname in Arran. Finlaius Macpilibh, priest of the diocese of Argyll, is in record in 1433, and in 1437 John, son of Fynlaius Prioris Macphilib, appears as perpetual vicar of Kilcalmonell." 1

The MacPhillip or MacPhillips variant reappears later in history as the first record of the branch was found as "Philip, a son of Fingonius, prior of Iona, who was commemorated on a tombstone in Cladh Reg, Kirkapoll, Tiree, 1495. " 1

Early History of the McKillips family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our McKillips research. Another 124 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1433, 1437, 1526, 1532, 1547 and 1659 are included under the topic Early McKillips History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

McKillips Spelling Variations

In the Middle Ages, the translation between Gaelic and English was not a highly developed process. Spelling was not yet standardized, and so, an enormous number of spelling variations appear in records of early Scottish names. McKillips has appeared as MacKillop, McKillop, MacGilp, McGilp, MacKillip, McKillip, MacGillip, McGillip, MacKillup, McKillup, Kellop, Kellops, Killop, Killup, Gilp, Gillip, Killip, Killips, MacFhilib, MacPhilip and many more.

Early Notables of the McKillips family

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

Migration of the McKillips family to Ireland

Some of the McKillips family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 145 words (10 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the McKillips family

These settlers arrived in North America at a time when the east was burgeoning with prosperous colonies and the expanses of the west were just being opened up. The American War of Independence was also imminent. Some Scots stayed to fight for a new country, while others who remained loyal went north as United Empire Loyalists. The ancestors of all of them went on to rediscover their heritage in the 20th century through highland games and other patriotic Scottish events. The McKillips were among these contributors, for they have been located in early North American records: John McKillop arrived in Boston Mass in 1767; Hugh McKillop arrived in Pennsylvania in 1833; Robert McKillup arrived in Pennsylvania in 1839.


Contemporary Notables of the name McKillips (post 1700) +

  • James F. McKillips Jr., American Republican politician, Alternate Delegate to Republican National Convention from Louisiana, 1952 2


  1. Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland Their Origin, Meaning and History. New York: New York Public Library, 1946. Print. (ISBN 0-87104-172-3)
  2. The Political Graveyard: Alphabetical Name Index. (Retrieved 2015, December 8) . Retrieved from http://politicalgraveyard.com/alpha/index.html


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