McElligott is an Irish surname, the Anglicized form of the Irish Gaelic Mac Uileagóid, meaning "son of Uileagóid." Uileagóid is a diminutive of the personal name Uilleag, which itself may derive from the Old Norse Hugleikr (from elements hugr "mind" and leikr "play") or from Uilliam, the Irish form of William. Thus, the surname McElligott ultimately shares roots with English surnames like Gilliam and Dutch surnames like Willems and Willemse. Notable Bearers Notable individuals with the surname include: Bernard McElligott, Irish hurler and Gaelic footballer Dominique McElligott (born 1986), Irish actress known for roles in television series such as Hell on Wheels John J. McElligott (1882–1946), American Fire Commissioner for New York City John L. McElligott (born 1958), Irish Gaelic footballer Ken McElligott (1940–2021), Australian politician Sarah Isabella McElligott (1883–1986), New Zealand cook and author