As described in historical dictionaries

An Etymological Dictionary of Family and Christian Names (1857)

The Gaelic for Archibald, from Gille, a youth or servant, and speach, a word expressive of quickness and sharpness in battle; spuaic, Gaelic, to break the head, to knock.

Arthur, William (1857) An Etymological Dictionary of Family and Christian Names. New York: Sheldon, Blakeman. Public Domain.


Patronymica Britannica (1860)

GILLESPIE. A corruption of GilleEsjniauj, Gaelic, "the Servant of the Bishop." It was originally spelt Gillespie, and frequentlj emploj'ed in the Highlands as a Christian name.

Lower, Mark A (1860) Patronymica Britannica: a dictionary of the family names of the United Kingdom. London: J.R. Smith. Public Domain.


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

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