How common is the MacGilvra surname?

There are approximately 1,200 people with the surname MacGilvra in the United States.

MacGilvra

Q: What does the surname MacGilvra mean?

The surname MacGilvra means "Son of Gilvra, from a personal name possibly meaning 'servant of the Virgin' or related to Gaelic elements.". It is of Scottish Gaelic origin.

Patronymic

Meaning

Son of Gilvra, from a personal name possibly meaning 'servant of the Virgin' or related to Gaelic elements.

Etymology

Mac- denotes 'son of' in Scottish Gaelic. Gilvra may derive from Gaelic elements, though the exact composition and meaning are uncertain.

About the MacGilvra Surname

A Highland Scottish patronymic with roots in Gaelic personal nomenclature. The surname is associated with western Highland and island communities.

Distribution & Frequency

Estimated 1,200 bearers in the United States #3,484 most common surname

Rare Common

Found in the Scottish Highlands and Islands, with particular concentration in the west.

Notable Bearers

People with the MacGilvra Surname

E.E. MacGilvra

Senator

Quick Facts

Origin: Scottish Gaelic
Classification: Patronymic
Earliest Record: 15th century
Estimated Bearers: 1,200