The spelling of the word "mcilvain" can be confusing and difficult to remember. The word is actually a surname and pronounced as /məkˈɪlveɪn/. The reason why the spelling looks so unusual is due to its Scottish Gaelic origin. In the original Gaelic, the name was spelled "Mac Gille Bhàin", which means "son of the fair-haired servant". Over time, the spelling evolved into "McIlvain". Despite its tricky spelling, the name carries a rich history and cultural significance.