GILLIES
Gillies
The surname Gillies is a Scottish and northern English surname of ancient origin. It is derived from the Gaelic name "Gille Iosa", meaning "servant of Jesus". The name is believed to have first originated in Scotland, particularly in the areas of Argyll and Inverness-shire.
The Gillies clan is known to have historical ties to the Scottish Highlands, where they were associated with various clans and played roles as loyal supporters and protectors. The clan motto is "Dulce Periculum", which translates to "Danger is sweet".
Over the centuries, bearers of the surname Gillies have spread throughout the United Kingdom and beyond, with descendants found in countries such as Canada, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand.
Variants of the surname Gillies include Gillis, Gillieson, and Gilis. The name has been documented in various forms throughout history, reflecting regional dialects and spelling variations.
Today, the surname Gillies remains a significant part of British and Scottish heritage, with individuals bearing the name continuing to make contributions to a wide range of fields, including academia, the arts, and business.
There are approximately 7,046 people named Gillies in the UK. That makes it roughly the 1,337th most common surname in Britain. Around 108 in a million people in Britain are named Gillies.
Surname type: Diminutive
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
- Alexander
- Andrew
- David
- Donald
- Ian
- James
- John
- Robert
- Stuart
- William
Female
- Alison
- Anne
- Catherine
- Elizabeth
- Helen
- Jane
- Jennifer
- Margaret
- Mary
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.