McGilvray is a Scottish surname with a unique spelling that can be tricky to decipher. According to the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), the correct pronunciation is /məˈɡɪlvreɪ/. The first syllable, "Mc," is a common prefix used in Scottish surnames to denote "son of." The second part, "Gilvray," is pronounced with a soft "g" sound, like "jil-vray." The spelling reflects the pronunciation, with the "g" being replaced by "v" to indicate the sound. Overall, the spelling of McGilvray follows Scottish phonetic conventions while also reflecting the surname's unique history and pronunciation.
The origin and etymology of the name McGilvray can be traced back to Scotland. It is a surname of Scottish Gaelic origin, primarily found in Scotland and among the Scottish diaspora. The name McGilvray is an anglicized form of the Gaelic name Mac Giolla Bhrighde, which translates to son of the servant of Saint Brigid. The Gaelic name Mac Giolla Bhrighde evolved over time and eventually transformed into the anglicized form McGilvray.