MCGILLICUDDY Family History

Perhaps not surprisingly this famous Irish surname is recorded in many spellings. Deriving from the ancient Gaelic pre 10th century 'Mac giolla Chuda', which translates as 'the son of the follower of St Mochda', these spellings include MacGillacuddy, MacGillicuddy, McGillicuddy, McGillycuddy, MacCuddy, Gillicuddy, Gillycuddy, Cody, Cuddy, and even Archdeacon! The surname originates from County Kerry and is much associated with MacGillycuddy's Reeks, the highest mountain chain in Ireland, and named after the clan.