Gilling

Overview: Gilling is a surname of English origin, commonly found in the northern regions of England. The name is a toponymic surname, derived from the Old Norse word "Gillingr", which referred to a settlement by a ravine or narrow valley. The surname Gilling is found in historical records dating back to the medieval period.

Origins: The surname Gilling is believed to have originated in the county of Yorkshire, particularly in the areas around Gilling West and Gilling East, where the name likely denoted a person who lived in or near these places. Over time, individuals bearing the surname Gilling spread to various parts of England.

Variations: Variations of the surname Gilling include Gillings and Gillin. These variations may have arisen due to regional dialects, phonetic changes over time, or transcription errors in historical records.

Notable Individuals:

  • John Gilling (1912–1984): A British film director and screenwriter, known for his work in the horror and thriller genres.
  • Annie Gilling (1872–1955): A pioneering nurse from Yorkshire who made significant contributions to the field of public health and nursing education.
  • Simon Gilling (b. 1978): A contemporary artist based in London, known for his innovative use of mixed media in his artworks.

Legacy: The surname Gilling has left its mark on British history through the achievements of notable individuals bearing this surname. It continues to be used by descendants of the original Gilling families, serving as a reminder of their ancestral roots in the northern regions of England.

There are approximately 759 people named Gilling in the UK. That makes it roughly the 9,127th most common surname in Britain. Around 12 in a million people in Britain are named Gilling.

Surname type: Location or geographical feature

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
  • Christopher
  • David
  • James
  • Jamie
  • John
  • Jonathan
  • Joseph
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Richard
  • Wayne

Female

  • Alison
  • Angela
  • Catherine
  • Elizabeth
  • Jennifer
  • Kate
  • Margaret
  • Naomi
  • Patricia
  • Sandra
  • Sarah
  • Susan
  • Tracey

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