MACKELO
Hi,
I'm new to this forum & I'm researching into the surname, Mackelo & wondered where the name originally came from, if not Scotland? I have found other Mackelos in Lithuania & Spain via Google Search. I would also like to know what this surname means too.
So far I have been told: -
1. The Irish surname book has it alternately spelled as MacKellow, possibly from Scots Mac Killoch ...a toponymic from Ayrshire ... McBain's Irish translation site has the following: ceall g. cille, a church, so Irish, Early Irish cell; from Latin cella, a cell, a hermit's cell especially, whence the Gadelic use. Hence cealloir, superior of a cell, and the name Mackellar. "A retired spot."
2. From Little Lithuania, "Christian name Matas > surname Mackus > surnames Mackelis and Mackele, meaning "son of Mackus."
3. "Also, he suspects Mackis is related to 'Magnus' ... mostly found in Germanic names meaning "great or large" ...as in magnum ..."
I wonder which is which? Perhaps I had better add a bit more about my research into the Mackelo ancestry in the hope someone will pinpoint the origin of the surname.
Alistair Mackelo who died aged 24 in September 1984 was the son of Hamish Mackelo who & his parents were Romany Gypsies. Alistair's mother, Ana's surname was Santiago (Spanish) before she married Hamish. Most of the Mackelo family were dark skinned (swarthy) with black hair & blue eyes, although some had brown eyes. Hamish's Dad was named Frank or Fred & they used to travel with their horses, mating their stallion with mares from various farms during their travels.
I'm finding it difficult to trace Hamish Mackelo's ancestors as Romany Gypsies have their own traditional cremation ceremonies.
Could it be possible that they may have come from Romania, Lithuania or any Romany Gypsy country via Scotland as they do have Romany Gypsies, don't they, in Romania plus other nearby countries?
Also I have been advised to research Romany names that closely resemble Scottish names in either form or meaning. That it’s possible that the Slavic form may have more weight as Southeastern Europe has a significant Slavic influence and most of the Romany entered Europe via this route.
Hoping some of you will be able to help me as it would mean a great deal to me?
Mags