GUILLEN
Guillen
Guillen is a British surname with Spanish origins. It is derived from the Spanish name Guillén, which itself traces back to the Germanic name Willihelm. The name has been anglicised in different ways over the years, being most commonly found as Guillen, Gillen, or Gillan in the United Kingdom.
Origin
The surname Guillen can be traced back to medieval Spain, where it was often used as a given name before becoming established as a hereditary surname. The name's popularity may have arisen from the cult of Saint William of Gellone, a Frankish nobleman who became a monk and led a life of piety in the 8th century.
Distribution
The distribution of the Guillen surname in the United Kingdom is relatively scarce compared to its prevalence in Spanish-speaking countries. It is more commonly found in areas with historical connections to Spain, such as London, where a significant Spanish expatriate community resides.
Notable Bearers
- Gabriel Guillén: A British-Spanish artist known for his vibrant surrealist paintings.
- Elena Guillen: Prominent British journalist and social commentator.
The Guillen surname embodies a rich history and cultural heritage, illustrating the diverse tapestry of British surnames and their origins.
There are approximately 78 people named Guillen in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around one in a million people in Britain are named Guillen.
Origin: Iberian
Region of origin: Europe
Country of origin: Spain
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: Spanish