GILLINGS
Gillings
The surname Gillings is of English origin, believed to have derived from the Old English personal name "Gislhere," which means "pledge army." The name is primarily found in the southern region of England, particularly in counties such as Sussex, Surrey, and Hampshire.
Historical Origins
The earliest recorded instance of the surname Gillings dates back to 1273 in the Hundred Rolls of Hampshire. Over the centuries, the name has undergone various spellings, including Gillins, Gilloway, and Gillings, reflecting the evolving nature of English language and dialects.
Distribution
In modern times, individuals bearing the surname Gillings can be found across the United Kingdom, with notable concentrations in the historic counties of Sussex and Surrey. It is also found in other parts of the English-speaking world, including Australia, Canada, and the United States, owing to migration and colonial connections.
Notable Individuals
While records may be sparse due to the name's relatively modest presence, notable individuals carrying the surname Gillings have made contributions in various fields, such as literature, academia, and the arts.
Coat of Arms
Though coat of arms are granted to individuals, and not surnames, there have been instances where members of the Gillings family have been granted or borne their own coat of arms in England. These coats of arms often reflect elements of the family's heritage, values, or achievements.
Conclusion
The surname Gillings embodies a rich heritage, tracing its roots back to medieval England. Its prevalence in certain regions and its journey across borders and generations underscore its enduring presence in the tapestry of British surnames.
There are approximately 1,189 people named Gillings in the UK. That makes it roughly the 6,466th most common surname in Britain. Around 18 in a million people in Britain are named Gillings.
Surname type: From name of parent
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
- David
- Ian
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Richard
- Robert
- Sean
- Simon
- Stephen
Female
- Alwyn
- Claire
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Jane
- Janice
- Laura
- Margaret
- Sarah
- Susan
- Victoria
- Wendy
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.