Gillan

Gillan is a British surname of ancient Scottish and Irish origins. It is derived from the Gaelic personal name "Giolla Fhaoláin", which means "servant or devotee of St Faolán", a popular saint in Ireland. The name has variations such as Gillen, Gilleghan, and Gillion.

The Gillan family has a long history in Scotland and Ireland, with records dating back to the Middle Ages. They were known to be landowners, farmers, and skilled craftsmen in various parts of the British Isles.

Notable individuals bearing the surname Gillan include:

  • Ian Gillan: An English musician best known as the lead singer of the rock band Deep Purple.
  • Karen Gillan: A Scottish actress who gained fame for her role as Amy Pond in the television series Doctor Who.
  • James Gillan: A British actor who has appeared in various stage productions in London's West End.

The Gillan surname continues to be present in modern British society, with descendants of the original families spreading across the country and even to other parts of the world through migration. The name carries with it a sense of tradition, heritage, and resilience, reflecting the enduring legacy of the Gillan family.

There are approximately 3,012 people named Gillan in the UK. That makes it roughly the 2,984th most common surname in Britain. Around 46 in a million people in Britain are named Gillan.

Surname type: Location or geographical feature

Origin: Celtic

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: Scotland

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: Gaelic

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • Daniel
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Robert
  • William

Female

  • Catherine
  • Claire
  • Elizabeth
  • Helen
  • Jean
  • Karen
  • Margaret
  • Marie
  • Mary
  • Patricia
  • Rosemary
  • Sarah
  • Tamara
  • Tracey

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