Gillison

Gillison is a surname of English origin, derived from the personal name 'Giles' which means 'young goat'. The addition of the suffix '-son' denotes 'son of Giles', thus signifying the paternal lineage of the individual.

Origins:

The name is believed to have originated in medieval England, and its usage can be traced back to the early Middle Ages. It is likely that individuals who adopted the surname Gillison were descendants of someone named Giles, demonstrating a family connection to this specific forebear.

Distribution:

The surname Gillison has been recorded across various regions in England, with a concentration in areas such as Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Essex. Over time, individuals bearing the name Gillison may have dispersed to different parts of the United Kingdom and even beyond, leading to a diverse distribution of the surname.

Notable Bearers:

  • John Gillison: An esteemed scholar in the field of literature, known for his research on Shakespearean works.
  • Sarah Gillison: A renowned artist whose paintings have been exhibited in galleries across Europe.
  • David Gillison: A prominent figure in the field of law, recognised for his contributions to human rights advocacy.

Variants:

Throughout history, variations of the Gillison surname have emerged, including Gilson and Gillisson. These variants may have arisen due to regional dialects, scribal error, or personal preference when adopting or recording the surname.

In conclusion, the surname Gillison holds a significant place in British genealogy, reflecting a link to the name Giles and its historic significance within English society. As with many surnames, the legacy of the Gillison name continues to evolve as generations progress, preserving its heritage for posterity.

There are approximately 106 people named Gillison in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around two in a million people in Britain are named Gillison.

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

  • Alan
  • Allan
  • Carl
  • Christian
  • David
  • Dean
  • Giles
  • James
  • John
  • Keith
  • Martin
  • Matthew
  • Robert

Female

  • Alison
  • Despina
  • Dianne
  • Fiona
  • Gillian
  • Gladys
  • Janet
  • Joan
  • Joanne
  • June
  • Kerry
  • Nicola
  • Paula
  • Sally
  • Sheila

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

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