Surname Gills - Meaning and Origin
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Gills: What does the surname Gills mean?
The last name Gills is of English origin and is primarily found in Britain, Scotland, and Ireland. It is derived from the Medieval English word "gill", which means a ravine or a narrow valley. During the Middle Ages, it was often used as a topographic surname for people who lived in or near a ravine.
Gills may also be an occupational surname relating to fishmongers or fishermen, since "gills" refer to the respiratory organs found in many aquatic organisms.
In Scotland and Northern Ireland, the surname Gills may be derived from the Gaelic personal name "Gilleasbaig", which means "the bishop's servant", suggesting religious guardianship or service.
It should be noted that the meaning of surnames can vary and be influenced by many factors, including geographical origin, occupation, and lineage. The exact meaning might be different for different families bearing the same last name.
Order DNA origin analysisGills: Where does the name Gills come from?
The surname Gills originates from Europe, specifically from Scotland and England. During the Middle Ages, it was common to give names based on a person's occupation, and Gills may be derived from the Old Norse word "gil" meaning "ravine" or "gorge". It could also be a geographical surname for someone who lived near such a natural feature.
In the Celtic tradition, it derives from the Scottish word "Gille Easbuig" which translates to "bishop's servant," hence assuming an ecclesiastical or religious touch. Another theory suggests that it's an English variant of the personal name "Giles," which comes from the Greek word "Aigidion," meaning kid or young goat.
It was also recorded in different spellings such as Gills, Gil, Gillis, and Gellis in medieval times. Today, this surname is prevalent in the United States, followed by England, Australia, and Canada. These nations have seen significant migration from Scotland and England over the centuries, leading to the dispersal of the Gills surname. Despite its origins, the highest percentage of people with the Gills surname can currently be found in the United States.
Variations of the surname Gills
The surname Gills originates from England, and it's derived from the Old English word "gylle," which means a valley or ravine. There are several variations, spellings, and surnames of the same origin, including Gill, Gillis, Gil, Gillies, Gilligan, Gillman, and Gilman. The variation in spelling often depended on phonetic spelling by clerical officials recording the name, as standardized spelling in the English language didn't exist until relatively recently.
The surnames McGill and MacGill also have a similar origin, but from Scotland. "Mac" or "Mc" signifies "son of" in Gaelic, thus MacGill means "son of Gill." These names can also sometimes be seen as McMullen, MacGilvray, or MacIlvain.
Other related names might include Gilson, Gillson, Gyll, Gells, and Gylls. Each of these represents a different way the original Old English name might have been translated or modified over the years and across regions.
It should be noted that these derivations and variations can cross ethnic and national lines, depending on immigration and other historic factors. Variations may exist among English, Scottish, Irish, and even Ashkenazi Jewish populations.
Famous people with the name Gills
- Rushion McDonald: An American motivational speaker, comedian, and writer, formerly known as Rushion Gills.
- Wilmot Gills: A renowned Senior Economist who works for the United Nations Development Programme.
- Shawn Gills: An American football player known for his contributions as a defensive cornerback.
- Tim Gills: A British actor and writer known for TV series like "Doctor Who," and "Torchwood."
- M. J. Gills: An Australian author famous for his book "Kiwis Might Fly".
- Jessica Gills: An American artist known for her abstract paintings.
- Katrina Gills: A model and actress who has worked in Hollywood and Bollywood films.
- Jason Gills: An American author famous for his thriller novels. Please note that these people may not be universally recognized, as there are few widely recognized figures with the surname Gills.