Surname Gilruth - Meaning and Origin
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Gilruth: What does the surname Gilruth mean?
The last name Gilruth is of Scottish origin. It is an Anglicized form of the Gaelic Mac Giolla Ruaidh, which means “son of the red lad". This can often refer to a young man who was a soldier, or in some cases, a particular red-haired clan member. The English translation of the surname is usually “servant of a red-haired man”.
It can also be derived from the Old English words “gile” meaning “red”, and “ruth” meaning sad, sorrow, or even anguished. This is one possible origin of the surname and leads to attributions such as a “red-haired sorrowful one”.
In terms of its geographical origins, Gilruth is most often associated with the north-east area of Scotland, particularly around Morayshire and Aberdeenshire. Historically, the surname would have been used as a way of connecting generations of direct family and it would have been a way of defining how people belonged to a particular group or area.
Today, the Gilruth surname can be found all over the world, suggesting a great deal of migration throughout history. Those with the surname can take great pride in their heritage, look to their homeland of Scotland fondly, and cherish their unique connection to their ancestor’s homeland.
Order DNA origin analysisGilruth: Where does the name Gilruth come from?
The Gilruth surname is of Scottish origin and is predominantly found throughout the United Kingdom. Some parts of the country with significant populations of people with the last name Gilruth are County Fermanagh (Northern Ireland), Lanarkshire (Scotland), Merseyside (England), and Gloucestershire (England).
In the UK, individuals with the Gilruth surname were more commonly found in Scotland, where the family can be traced back to ancient times. However, in the recent decades, this surname is becoming increasingly common throughout England due to increased immigration from Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Outside of the British Isles, the Gilruth surname has also spread to other countries, with significant populations of people with this name in Canada, the United States, and Australia. In the US, those with the Gilruth surname are found mainly in the East Coast and Midwest states, with the biggest populations residing in Pennsylvania, New York, and Michigan.
Regardless of where one currently resides, the Gilruth surname is historically established and renowned for its long-standing and widespread presence throughout the United Kingdom.
Variations of the surname Gilruth
Gilruth is a Scottish surname of Anglo-Saxon origin. It is derived from the personal name Gil(l), an ultimately Germanic name composed of the elements gil, meaning 'hostage or pledge', and hrōd, meaning 'fame', and is believed to have been introduced to Scotland by the Anglo-Saxons in the Seventh Century.
Variants and alternate spellings of Gilruth include Gulrath, Gilreath, Gilrude, Gilruthe, Gillrudh, Gilroth, and Gillruth.
In Scotland, the Gilruth surname is most common in the Highlands, in the counties of Inverness, Ross-shire, and Aberdeenshire. There is also a Scottish family of the same name, Gaelicized as Ó Gilraide, who originate in County Galway.
Gillrat is another variant of the surname which is concentrated in east central Scotland, especially in the county of Fife. It is derived from the personal name Gil(l), but is adapted to reflect the local Lowland Scots pronunciation.
The surname Gilroy is also of similar origin. It is derived from the Middle English, Gyl(l)eroye, 'son of the famous hostage', and is derived from Gyll, an Anglo-Norman personal name.
In Ireland, the surname Gilroy can be Anglicized from the Gaelic name Ó Gille Ruaidhe, meaning ‘descendant of Gille Ruaidhe’. This personal name was composed of the elements gille, 'servant or attendant', and ruadh, 'red', and was believed to have been introduced to Ireland by Anglo-Norman settlers in the twelfth century.
Famous people with the name Gilruth
- Christopher Gilruth: professional dancer, actor, and television presenter
- Alan Gilruth: real estate investor and philanthropist
- Jim Gilruth: former member of the US Congress
- Edward Gilruth: former NFL offensive guard
- George Gilruth: professional ice hockey player
- Jean Gilruth: former CIA agent, author, and entrepreneur
- Marjorie Gilruth: former British politician and Member of Parliament
- Claire Gilruth: British operatic mezzo-soprano
- Elsa Gilruth: Scottish composer and violist
- Bruce Gilruth: artist and professor at the University of Colorado