Surname Gillies - Meaning and Origin
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Gillies: What does the surname Gillies mean?
The surname Gillies is of Scottish origin and it is derived from the Gaelic personal name Gille Iosa, meaning "servant of Jesus." The name was popular in the Middle Ages among the Scottish Gaels and was usually Anglicized as Gillies in English. It has also been spelled in various other ways, including Gillis, Gilies, and Gilles. It is a patronymic name, meaning it is based on the name of a male ancestor. The name is common in Scotland, particularly in the Highlands. Some of the earliest recorded instances of the Gillies surname date back to the 14th and 15th centuries in Argyll and other parts of western Scotland.
Order DNA origin analysisGillies: Where does the name Gillies come from?
The surname Gillies has its roots in Scotland, specifically deriving from the Gaelic personal name "Gill or Gille Easbuig", which translates to "Servant of the Bishop" in English. The name was common among Highland clans and often used by the Scottish Church during the Middle Ages. Over time, it experienced variations in spelling, including Gillis, Gillie, Gillis, Gilly, and others.
Today, the surname Gillies is still quite prevalent in Scotland, particularly in regions like Ross and Cromarty. However, due to historical migration and diaspora, the name has spread to other countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. It is also fairly common in some parts of England, mainly in areas close to the Scottish border. Despite its dispersion, the surname may not be as common as some other Scottish surnames due to its specific regional and occupational origin.
Variations of the surname Gillies
The surname Gillies primarily originates from Scotland and is associated with the Highlands and Western Isles. It is derived from the Gaelic word "gille Iosa", which means "servant of Jesus".
Different variations and spellings of the Gillies surname include Gilles, Gilly, Gilies, Gilley, and Gellies. Some recorded historical spellings also include Gillis, Gillison, MacGillies, MacGillieson, which denote "son of Gillies". These variations not only demonstrate the phonetic changes over time but also local dialectical adaptations.
The surname can also be found in surnames from other origins, such as Dutch or Belgian, in the form of "Gillis". In the case of Swedish or Danish origins, it could appear as "Gilles".
Despite the same or similar spellings, not all these surnames share the same etymology as the Scottish "Gillies". For example, Dutch or Belgian "Gillis" is more likely to be derived from the given name "Aegidius".
It's also important to note that in Scotland, it was common to use a 'Mc' or 'Mac' prefix for surnames, which means 'son of'. Therefore, 'MacGillies' or 'McGillies' are also variations of the name 'Gillies', with the same Scottish origin.
Famous people with the name Gillies
- Elizabeth Gillies: An American actress and singer known for her role in the TV series "Victorious."
- John Gillies: A Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender currently playing in the NHL.
- Clark Gillies: A retired Canadian pro ice hockey player who played in the NHL for the New York Islanders and Buffalo Sabres.
- Jack Gillies: An Australian former professional rugby league footballer.
- Maeve Dermody: She was known as Maeve Gillies for her role in the film 'Breath.'
- Robert Gillies: A Scottish physician and meteorologist who was one of the founders of the British Meteorological Society.
- Vince Gillies: A retired Canadian professional ice hockey player.
- Gillis Mac Gillies: A Scottish noble who played a key role in the Wars of Scottish Independence.
- Brian Gillies: A former professional American-NHL ice hockey player.
- Sophia Gillies: A British actress known for her work in theatre productions.
- Hugh Gillies: A Scottish Gaelic singer and presenter.
- Louise Gillies: A Canadian television presenter and personality.
- Peter Gillies: A renowned European chef.
- Alex Gillies: A New Zealand cricketer.
- Jaslene Gonzalez, formerly known as Jaslene Gillies: Winner of America’s Next Top Model Cycle 8.