Gillian

Origin and Meaning: Gillian is a British surname of English origin, derived from the medieval personal name "Julian". This name is derived from the Latin name "Julianus", which means "youthful" or "downy-bearded".

History: The surname Gillian dates back to medieval times in England, where it was used as a personal name before becoming a hereditary surname. It is believed to have been brought to Britain by the Normans after the Norman Conquest of 1066.

Distribution: The surname Gillian is relatively rare in comparison to some other British surnames. It is most commonly found in England and Scotland, with concentrations in regions such as Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Aberdeen.

Famous Bearers:

  • Dominic Gillian, British author and historian known for his works on medieval England.
  • Elizabeth Gillian, renowned British actress who appeared in various stage productions and films.
  • Robert Gillian, British politician who served as a Member of Parliament in the 19th century.

Variants: Variants of the surname Gillian include Gillien, Gellian, and Gilliam.

Coat of Arms: The Coat of Arms associated with the surname Gillian typically features symbols and imagery reflecting strength, loyalty, and heritage.

Modern Significance: Today, the surname Gillian continues to be passed down through generations, connecting individuals to their ancestral roots and shared history. Many bearers of the surname take pride in their heritage and may seek to preserve their family lineage through genealogical research and documentation.

There are approximately 256 people named Gillian in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around four in a million people in Britain are named Gillian.

Surname type: From given name or forename

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • David
  • Edward
  • Ian
  • James
  • John
  • Mark
  • Martin
  • Michael
  • Robert
  • William

Female

  • Alison
  • Audrey
  • Brenda
  • Claire
  • Helen
  • Kelly
  • Mary
  • Michelle
  • Patricia
  • Rosemary
  • Sharon
  • Susan
  • Tracey

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