GILLS
Gills
Gills is a British surname that has its roots in medieval England. The surname is of locational origin, denoting someone who hailed from a place named Gills. The name is believed to have derived from Old English, with "g" meaning a ravine or a pass, and "hyll" representing a hill or a promontory. Thus, the surname likely referred to an individual who lived near such a geographical feature.
Over time, the surname Gills has spread across various regions of the United Kingdom, with ancestral homes in counties like Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Derbyshire. Families bearing the surname have been recorded in historical documents dating back to the 16th century, indicating its long-standing presence in British society.
Genealogical research has revealed that individuals with the surname Gills were engaged in diverse occupations, ranging from farming and trade to skilled craftsmanship. The name has continued to be passed down through generations, maintaining a distinctive identity within the broader landscape of British surnames.
Today, individuals with the surname Gills can be found across the United Kingdom and in various parts of the world, reflecting the migration patterns and historical ties of British families. As with many surnames, Gills serves as a link to one's ancestral heritage, preserving a connection to the past while contributing to the rich tapestry of British nomenclature.
There are approximately 281 people named Gills in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around four in a million people in Britain are named Gills.
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
- Barry
- Christopher
- Cliff
- John
- Keith
- Michael
- Nigel
- Norman
- Paul
- Peter
- Robert
- Stephen
- Terrence
Female
- Aimee
- Deborah
- Emma
- Jennifer
- Joan
- Lisa
- Margaret
- Mary
- Raji
- Rebecca
- Sarah
- Sharon
- Tracey
- Vanessa
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.