GILFILLAN
Also recorded as Gil Fillan
Gilfillan
Gilfillan is a Scottish and Irish surname of Gaelic origin. The surname is derived from the Gaelic name Mac Gille Fhaoláin, which means "son of the servant of St. Faolán". The name Faolán itself is of Irish origin and means "little wolf".
Origins
The Gilfillan surname is believed to have originally been derived from the descendants of a man who served St. Faolán, a saint who lived in Ireland during the early medieval period. The name was later anglicised to Gilfillan when Gaelic names were translated into English.
Distribution
The surname Gilfillan is found predominantly in Scotland and Ireland, with a notable concentration in the Argyll region of Scotland. Over time, members of the Gilfillan family have spread to other parts of the United Kingdom and beyond, resulting in a global presence of the surname.
Notable Individuals
- Rev. George Gilfillan: A Scottish author and poet known for his works in the mid-19th century.
- William Gilfillan: A Scottish footballer who played in the early 20th century.
Legacy
The Gilfillan surname has a rich history and continues to be passed down through generations, representing the heritage and lineage of those who bear the name. The descendants of the Gilfillan family have made significant contributions to various fields such as literature, sports, and more.
In conclusion, the Gilfillan surname holds a place of significance within Scottish and Irish history, reflecting the connection to Gaelic roots and the legacy of those who have carried the name through the ages.
There are approximately 1,530 people named Gilfillan in the UK. That makes it roughly the 5,269th most common surname in Britain. Around 23 in a million people in Britain are named Gilfillan.
Surname type: From name of parent
Origin: Celtic
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: Ireland
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: Gaelic
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Alan
- Andrew
- David
- Ian
- James
- John
- Mark
- Paul
- Robert
- Thomas
- William
Female
- Alison
- Carol
- Elizabeth
- Fiona
- Helen
- Jane
- Laura
- Lisa
- Lynn
- Margaret
- Mary
- Pamela
- Sandra
- Sarah
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.