Gillen

Gillen is a surname of British origin, with roots tracing back to both English and Scottish ancestry. The name is derived from the Old Gaelic name "Mac Giolla Eáin," which translates to "son of the servant of John." Over the centuries, the spelling of the surname has evolved to appear in various forms like Gillan, Gillon, or Gillian.

The Gillen surname is found throughout the United Kingdom, particularly in regions with historical ties to Gaelic culture such as Scotland, Ireland, and parts of northern England. Individuals bearing the surname have been associated with a variety of occupations, from agricultural work to skilled trades.

Gillen is a relatively common surname, and those who bear the name can often trace their family history to specific areas within the British Isles. The surname has also spread to other English-speaking countries, particularly the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, through emigration and migration patterns.

Famous individuals with the surname Gillen include actors Aidan Gillen and Aine Gillen, who have made significant contributions to the fields of theatre, film, and television. The surname Gillen continues to be passed down through generations, maintaining its place as a distinctive and enduring part of British heritage.

Typical given names associated with the Gillen surname

Male

  • David
  • Graham
  • James
  • John
  • Joseph
  • Michael
  • Patrick
  • Paul
  • Stephen
  • Thomas
  • William

Female

  • Agnes
  • Alison
  • Ann
  • Anne
  • Carmel
  • Catherine
  • Claire
  • Elizabeth
  • Jane
  • Kathleen
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Patricia
  • Sarah

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

How to communicate the surname Gillen in...

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There are approximately 1,575 people named Gillen in the UK. That makes it roughly the 5,147th most common surname in Britain. Around 24 in a million people in Britain are named Gillen.

Origin: Celtic

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: Ireland

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: Gaelic

The Genealogist - UK census, BMDs and more online

Famous people named Gillen

  • Aidan Gillen - Irish actor
  • Adam Gillen - Actor
  • John Gillen - Judge; from 2014 to 2017, one of the Lords Justices of Appeal of Northern Ireland
  • Frania Gillen-Buchert -

Names and descriptions courtesy of Wikipedia, and may contain errors. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of every famous person with this name.

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