Pronunciation: [məkˈɪləp] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "McKillop" follows a common pattern in Scottish names. The "Mc" at the beginning means "son of," while the rest of the name derives from Gaelic. The first syllable, "Kil," is pronounced with a hard "k" sound followed by a short "i" sound. The second syllable, "lop," is pronounced with a long "o" sound and a soft "p." The IPA phonetic transcription for "McKillop" is /məˈkɪləp/ or "muh-KILL-up."
McKillop is a surname of Scottish origin, primarily found in Scotland and other English-speaking countries. It is derived from the Gaelic MacFhilib, meaning "son of Philip." The name Philip itself is of Greek origin and means "lover of horses."
Typically, McKillop is considered a patronymic surname, indicating that it was adopted to identify the descendants of a man named Philip. It is common for surnames of this type to have variations in spelling due to the anglicization of Gaelic names during the process of registration or migration.
In addition to the surname, McKillop can also refer to a geographic location or specific landmarks. For example, it is the name of a river in New South Wales, Australia, as well as a town in the same region. Furthermore, in Canada, there is a street in Vancouver named McKillop Street.
The name McKillop often represents family pride and ancestral connections for those who bear it. It is said to evoke qualities such as strength, loyalty, and a love for equestrian activities, symbolizing the ancient significance of horses in Scottish culture.
Overall, whether as a surname, geographic location, or emblem of one's heritage, McKillop is a name that carries historical and cultural significance, reflecting the Scottish roots from where it originated.
