Gulliver

The surname Gulliver is of Old French origin, derived from the personal name "Julian", a name that was popular among the Normans. The name can be traced back to ancient Roman times from the Latin name "Julianus", meaning "youthful" or "downy-bearded".

Origins

The Gulliver surname first appeared in the records as far back as the 12th century in the county of Yorkshire, England, indicating that the name has ancient roots in the region.

Distribution

Over the centuries, the surname Gulliver has spread throughout the United Kingdom and beyond, with concentrations in areas such as London, Lancashire, and Kent. The name has also been carried overseas by British settlers to various parts of the world, notably in North America and Australia.

Notable Individuals

One of the most famous bearers of the Gulliver surname is Lemuel Gulliver, a fictional character created by Jonathan Swift in his classic satirical novel "Gulliver's Travels", first published in 1726. Lemuel Gulliver embarks on a series of extraordinary journeys to remote lands, encountering fantastical creatures and societies along the way.

Variants

Variants of the Gulliver surname include Gullover, Gulliford, and Gullifer, each reflecting the evolution of the name over time and across different regions.

Legacy

The Gulliver surname continues to be borne by individuals around the world, contributing to the rich tapestry of British surnames and heritage. Its association with literary and historical figures ensures that the name retains a place in popular culture and the literary canon.

There are approximately 2,040 people named Gulliver in the UK. That makes it roughly the 4,148th most common surname in Britain. Around 31 in a million people in Britain are named Gulliver.

Surname type: Occupational name

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
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Philip
  • Richard
  • Robert
  • Simon
  • Stephen
  • William

Female

  • Claire
  • Elaine
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Helen
  • Joanne
  • Katherine
  • Kyla
  • Louise
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Nicola
  • Patricia
  • 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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