Surname Lillis - Meaning and Origin
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Lillis: What does the surname Lillis mean?
The surname Lillis is of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic surname Ó Maolalaidh, which is translated as "descendant of Maolalaidh" or "follower of asserted prince." It is thought to have originally been bestowed upon the chief of this territory located in County Clare.
Lillis is a patronymic surname, which means it is derived from the first name of the father, in this case, Maolalaidh. The prefix “O” was traditionally used by the Irish to denote “grandson of” (i.e. “grandson of Maolalaidh”). Over time, O'Maolalaidh was eventually simplified to Lillis.
Today, people with the surname Lillis are located in various parts of Ireland and the English-speaking world, and there are other related variants such as Lally, Lyle, Lille, and Lillis. Those with this surname may possess many of the characteristics that are reflective of the original first name Maolalaidh, such as bravery, strong leadership, intelligence, and determination.
Lillis family members may be proud of their Irish heritage and consider it an important part of their identity. People with this surname may take part in activities that honor this history, such as Celtic festivals and cultural events.
Order DNA origin analysisLillis: Where does the name Lillis come from?
The last name Lillis is most common today in the United Kingdom, especially in Ireland. The name can also occasionally be found in parts of the United States, especially in the midwest.
The Lillis name has a long and distinguished history in Ireland, dating back to the Norman Invasion of the country in the twelfth century. The Lillis family is thought to have been descended from one of the original Norman settlers, whose name had subsequently been anglicised over the centuries.
By the mid-1500's, the Lillis family had become well established in the southern and eastern parts of the country, particularly in counties Tipperary, Waterford, and Kilkenny. Through the centuries, they spread further afield, with some branches settling in Galway, Meath, and Leitrim.
Today, the most commonly encountered variants of the name in Ireland are Lillis, Lillie, Lillies, and Lillys. The most widely used surname form of the name is Lillis, while the other forms are largely confined to the first name or a nickname.
Outside of Ireland, the name is less common, though there are some pockets of use in the United States. It is particularly common around the region of Chicago, where a fair number of Irish emigrants settled in the 19th century. The name has also been encountered in various parts of the country as a result of Irish emigration in the 19th and 20th centuries, particularly in California, New Jersey, and Massachusetts.
Variations of the surname Lillis
The surname Lillis is an Anglicized variation of the Irish name Ó Láidhigh, which is derived from the ancient Irish word “láid” meaning “counsel”. The surname has many variants, spellings, and other surnames of the same origin.
Variants of the surname Lillis include Lillie, Lilly, Lilies, Lillys, Lillies, and Lealis. Spellings of the surname can include Lilles, Lillis, Lillys, Lillyes, and Liles. Other surnames of the same origin include O'Lealy, O’Lealy, Lahey, Leigh, Leahy, O'Leary, O'Lehane, O'Lehaney, Lehane, Leheney, and Holding.
The name is most prevalent in Ireland and Britain. In Ireland, the County Cork region, specifically in the barony of Barrymore is believed to be the location of origin for the surname. The family is believed to have settled in the area around the 13th century.
The surname is still relatively common today and can be found across the British Isles, the United States, and other parts of the world. In terms of distribution, according to the 1990 United States Census, the majority of individuals with the surname reside in the United States.
In conclusion, the surname Lillis and its variations, spelling, and other surnames of the same origin have a long history of being particularly associated with the British Isles, specifically Ireland. While this surname is still relatively common today, its members have spread across the globe in the centuries since its origin.
Famous people with the name Lillis
- Cahir Lillis: Actor
- Liadan Lillis: Actress
- John Lillis: Communications consultant
- Bruce Lillis: Producer
- John Lillis III: Musician
- John R. Lillis:ensign in the Unites States Navy
- Tom Lillis: Actor
- Amanda Lillis: Singer-songwriter, guitarist
- Lauren Lillis: Actress
- Mark Lillis: Football coach and former player
- Peter Lillis: Actor
- Robert Lillis: Actor