GILLIS
Gillis
Gillis is a surname of Scottish and Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic name Mac Gille Iosa, meaning "son of the servant of Jesus". The name is commonly found in Scotland, particularly in the Glasgow and Edinburgh regions, as well as in Ireland.
Origins
The surname Gillis can be traced back to medieval times in Scotland and Ireland, where it was often used as a patronymic name to denote the son of an individual or family associated with the Church. The prefix "Mac" in Gaelic signifies "son of", while "Gille Iosa" refers to the servant of Jesus.
Distribution
The Gillis surname is widely distributed throughout the United Kingdom, with significant concentrations in Scotland and Ireland. The name has also spread to other English-speaking countries due to migration and settlement patterns.
Notable Individuals
- Alexander Gillis (1895-1978): Scottish-born biologist and environmentalist known for his pioneering work in conservation.
- Niamh Gillis (b. 1980): Irish actress and singer, best known for her performances in theatre productions in Dublin and London.
- Alan Gillis (b. 1973): Northern Irish poet and academic recognised for his contributions to contemporary poetry.
Legacy
The surname Gillis carries a legacy of religious and cultural significance, reflecting the historical ties to Christianity and traditional Gaelic naming conventions. Today, individuals bearing the Gillis surname continue to uphold this heritage through their diverse achievements and contributions in various fields.
There are approximately 880 people named Gillis in the UK. That makes it roughly the 8,161st most common surname in Britain. Around 14 in a million people in Britain are named Gillis.
Surname type: Diminutive
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
- Ian
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Paul
- Richard
- Robert
- William
Female
- Amanda
- Claire
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Jane
- Lisa
- Lucy
- Mary
- Nicola
- Pamela
- Patricia
- Penelope
- Rachel
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.