Surname Killin - Meaning and Origin
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Killin: What does the surname Killin mean?
The last name Killin is of Scottish origin, and can be both a nickname and a legitimate surname. It can be derived from the Gaelic 'cill' meaning 'stone', or 'cell' meaning 'wood' or 'forest'. It may also derive from the Old Norse word 'kili', meaning 'kiln' or 'kilns', referring to someone who lived near or operated kilns.
Historically, the Killin name was associated with clan Gunn, a Scottish clan of Norse-Gael origin. They trace back to the early Medieval period and have a long tradition of fighting for Scotland's independence. The clan badge features a stone tower, which may have roots in Killin as a surname.
The surname Killin has been documented in Ireland as early as 1661, originally in the form of Kieling. Killin is also a place-name, primarily found in the Argyll region of Scotland, and is thought to derive from the old Gaelic words 'cill' and 'eoin' meaning 'church of Saint John'.
Killin is not a common surname in most countries, but those who hold it often feel a deep bond with their Scottish Highland heritage. It is particularly popular in Scotland, where it is associated with strong family ties, loyalty, and a strong commitment to one's homeland.
Order DNA origin analysisKillin: Where does the name Killin come from?
The last name Killin is most commonly found in Scotland and Ireland today. It's believed to have Gaelic origins, with one possible derivation being the name of an ancestor who gave his name to a church in Ireland. Killin is derived from the Gaelic Cill-Fhinnein, which means ‘the church of Saint Fionnán’.
In Scotland, Killin is mainly found in the Perthshire area. Various bearers of the name settled in the area in the late 17th century, and the name has remained a prominent presence ever since. Families with the last name Killin can also be found in the United States, mainly in Pennsylvania, Kentucky, and Arkansas.
It is believed that there are now more people with the surname Killin in the United States than in Scotland or Ireland. This is largely due to the significant number of James, John, and Robert Killins who emigrated to the United States in the 19th century.
Today, the Killin surname is still prevalent in Scotland and Ireland, and has become quite common in the United States, particularly in Pennsylvania, Kentucky, and Arkansas.
Variations of the surname Killin
Killin is an Anglo-Saxon surname that is derived from multiple sources, including places, given names, and occupations. The spelling variations of Killin are Killen, Kilen, Kilin and Kilein.
The origin of the Killin surname dates back to the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture of Britain. The name Killin was derived from a number of sources, including the pre 7th-century Old English word cild, which means “child.” Consequently, the surname Killin was likely first used as a name for a minor or youth.
Additionally, the surname Killin may have been derived from various geographical regions of Britain. Variant spellings of Killin include both the Scottish and Northern Irish variants of Kiln and Killen, as well as the English variant of Killeen.
The Killin surname was also derived from the Old French personal name “Killin” which was a diminutive of the Latin name “Kilian,” meaning “Saint Kilian”. Additionally, Killin may have been derived from the Middle English occupational name for a kiln operator or builder, which was “Kilnere.”
Variant surnames of Killin include, Killen, Kilen, Kilin, Kilein, Kiln, Killen, Killeen, and Kilner. The Killin family has endured throughout the centuries and is found in both the United Kingdom and the United States.
Famous people with the name Killin
- Heather Marie Killin: a science fiction author best known for her Tales of the Vanguard series.
- Alexander Killin: a Scottish naval officer and explorer who captained the first ship to circumnavigate Antarctica.
- Bernadette Killin: a British journalist and broadcaster who has presented programs on BBC Radio, BBC News, and CNN.
- Patrick Killin: a Canadian musician and recording artist known for his critically acclaimed albums Human Life and Colours of Noise.
- David Killin: a British actor, writer, and director known for his work on films such as Manchester by the Sea and The End of the F***ing World.
- Harrison Killin: a professional surfer from Hawaii who has competed in several major surfing competitions.
- Alan Killin: an American lawyer and political commentator, specializing in media law and civil liberties.
- Hugh Killin: a Scottish skier and expert in ski touring, who has competed in numerous Alpine ski championships.
- Liz Killin: an Australian environmental activist known for her work in marine conservation, especially for her efforts to protect the Great Barrier Reef.
- James Killin: a British jazz musician and composer known for his award-winning solo albums and work with other jazz artists.