BILLIS
Billis
Origin: Billis is an English surname of medieval origins. It is believed to derive from the Old English personal name "Billa," which was a diminutive form of names such as "William" or "Bille" meaning "sword."
History: The surname Billis is mainly found in regions of southern England, particularly in counties such as Hampshire and Sussex. It is thought to have been first used as a surname in the Middle Ages as a way to denote patrilineal descent. Early records of the name include a William Byllis who appears in the Subsidy Rolls of Sussex in 1296.
Variants: Variants of the surname Billis include Bill, Billis, Billise, and Billish.
Notable Bearers: One of the most notable bearers of the surname Billis was Henry Billis, an English merchant who established a successful trading company during the 18th century. Another prominent figure was Elizabeth Billis, a renowned artist known for her landscape paintings in the early 19th century.
Modern-day: Today, the surname Billis continues to be found in various parts of England and the wider English-speaking world. It is a relatively rare surname, with most bearers having ancestral ties to southern England. The name is a reminder of England’s medieval past and the importance of personal names in shaping surnames.
There are approximately 67 people named Billis in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around one in a million people in Britain are named Billis.
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Gerald
- Kenneth
- Paul
- Simon
- Stephen
Female