Gilmour

Background: Gilmour is a Scottish and Northern Irish surname of medieval origin. The surname is derived from the Old Gaelic name MacGille Mhoire, meaning "son of the devotee of (the Virgin) Mary". Over time, this name evolved into Gilmour, which is a common surname in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

History: The Gilmour surname has a long history, with records of its existence dating back to the Middle Ages in Scotland and Northern Ireland. The Gilmour clan is associated with areas such as Ayrshire and Dumfriesshire in Scotland, where they held lands and played significant roles in local governance.

Notable Individuals:

  • Ian Gilmour, Baron Gilmour of Craigmillar (1926-2007): A British Conservative politician who served as a Cabinet Minister under Prime Ministers Edward Heath and Margaret Thatcher.
  • David Gilmour (b. 1946): A renowned English musician, best known as the guitarist and vocalist of the rock band Pink Floyd.
  • Rocker Gilmour (1884-1942): A British trade unionist and Labour Party politician who served as a Member of Parliament for Newcastle upon Tyne.
  • George Gilmour (b.1964): A British artist and painter, known for his vibrant and expressive abstract works.

Variants: The surname Gilmour has several variants, including Gilmore, Gilmur, and even forms such as Gilmour-Moir or Moor.

Popularity: Gilmour remains a fairly common surname in Scotland and Northern Ireland. It has also spread to other parts of the British Isles and beyond, owing to migration and the diaspora.

In conclusion, the Gilmour surname carries a rich history and has been associated with various notable individuals in British politics, arts, and culture.

There are approximately 9,081 people named Gilmour in the UK. That makes it roughly the 1,038th most common surname in Britain. Around 139 in a million people in Britain are named Gilmour.

Surname type: From name of parent

Origin: Celtic

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: Ireland

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: Gaelic

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Alan
  • Andrew
  • David
  • Ian
  • James
  • John
  • Paul
  • Robert
  • Thomas
  • William

Female

  • Anne
  • Catherine
  • Claire
  • Elizabeth
  • Helen
  • Karen
  • Linda
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Sarah
  • Susan

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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