Kyle (surname)

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Kyle
Origin
Word/nameScottish

Kyle is a surname of Scottish origin.

Etymology[edit]

It is derived from a placename, likely from Gaelic caol "narrow, strait"[1] but there are other possible derivations.[2]

The name of the Kyle District itself is traditionally attributed to the legendary king Coel Hen (there are actually no narrows or straights in Ayrshire's Kyle District; c.f. Coylton).

On the geographical origin of those bearing the surname Kyle, by 1881 it occurred most densely in the county of Berwickshire, followed by Dumfries.[3]

People[edit]

Fictional characters[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Harrison's Surnames of the United Kingdom says major variants Keil, Kile Kyle and Kylster, originated from the Celtic word caol, "narrow", and defines Kyle as "Dweller at the Narrow or Strait". Even today many Scottish straits retain that name, such as the Kyle of Lochalsh, Kyle of Sutherland.
  2. ^ Robert Chalmers of Ayrshire in his History of Scotland claimed the word kyle means "a woody region". Another possible connection is that in Gaelic cill means "church" or "churchyard"[citation needed] One source claims that kylle in old Scotland meant candle (Workmans Manuscript).[citation needed]
  3. ^ Great Britain Family Names website maintained by University College London.[1].