GUILLOU
Guillou
Guillou is a British surname with roots in France. The name is of Breton origin and is derived from the Old Breton "Uuiliav" or "Guiav," meaning "will" or "desire."
History
The Guillou family has a long history, with the surname first appearing in the historical records in the late 12th century in Brittany, France. Over the centuries, branches of the Guillou family migrated to Britain, particularly to regions like Cornwall and Wales, where they settled and integrated into the local communities.
Notable Individuals
1. John Guillou (1891 - 1967)
- A renowned British artist known for his landscape paintings and seascapes. Guillou's works are highly prized for their realistic depictions of the British countryside.
2. Emma Guillou (b. 1975)
- A British author and historian who has written extensively on medieval British history, particularly focusing on the migration patterns of Breton families in the 12th and 13th centuries.
Variants
Variants of the surname Guillou include Guilou, Gillou, and Gwillou.
The Guillou surname holds significance in British history, reflecting the diverse cultural influences that have shaped the nation over the centuries.
There are approximately 53 people named Guillou in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around one in a million people in Britain are named Guillou.