Surname Gillette - Meaning and Origin

Journey through Time: Tracing the Gillette Heritage with iGENEA DNA Test

Discovering my Anglo-Saxon heritage and connecting with distant relatives through the iGENEA DNA test. An enlightening journey tracing back the roots of the Gillette surname to its origins.

K. Gillette

Gillette: What does the surname Gillette mean?

The surname Gillette is of French origin and it is derived from the personal name Giles. Giles is a name of Greek origin, from "aigidion" which means young goat. Over time, the name evolved to Gillette. However, Gillette is a diminutive form which usually means small or little, hence indicating affection. So, Gillette may mean ‘little Giles’ or 'young Giles'. It's important to note that it is also the name of a famous global company that manufactures razors and personal care products. The company was named after its founder, King Camp Gillette. Therefore, while carrying historic and cultural association in its roots, in the modern world it is very well recognized as a consumer brand as well.

Gillette: Where does the name Gillette come from?

The surname Gillette is of French origin. It can be traced back to the region of Limousin, France. The name was derived from "Jilet," a former dialectal name, which itself is derived from the personal name "Gilles," combined with the diminutive suffix "-et" which means small. So, "Gillette" implies "the little Giles."

This name emerged in various regions by the Middle Ages and was primarily given to those who were descendants of Gilo, a great landholder in the region.

However, over time, the surname has spread from France to various parts of the world due to migration and dispersion. Presently, the surname Gillette is common in the United States. It also holds a significant presence in European countries like France, the United Kingdom, and Canada. The prevalence of this surname in the U.S. could also be associated with King Camp Gillette, the famous American businessman who founded the Gillette Company, known for its production of safety razors.

Variations of the surname Gillette

The surname Gillette originated from France. It's a diminutive version of the personal name Giles, which is derived from the Greek word "aigidion," meaning young goat. Some believe it could also come from the Old French word "gile," meaning servant. The name made its way to England during the Norman Conquest of 1066 and later to America with early European settlers.

Variants and alternate spellings of Gillette can include Gillet, Gillot, Gillott, Gillett, Gilliat, Gilliatt, and Gilet. Other similar surnames that could be related or share the same origin are Gile, Gyles, Giles, and Jillson.

In certain cases, the surname may have been Americanized, adapted to fit the language and culture of the United States. Translations of the word and surname might also exist in other languages due to migration and naturalization.

Its distribution has remained mostly concentrated in Europe and North America where the descendants of original bearers have settled. Within these countries, it may be found in various spellings based on regional dialects and pronunciation.

Keep in mind that due to historical records and traditional name changes, establishing direct lineage connections can be challenging.

Famous people with the name Gillette

• King Camp Gillette: An American businessman who is best known as the inventor of the safety razor. He was also the founder of the Gillette Company.
• Nancy Gillette: An accomplished beauty queen, she was Miss America in 1969.
• William Gillette: An American actor, stage manager, and playwright. He is best remembered for portraying Sherlock Holmes on stage and in a silent movie in 1916.
• Mark Gillette: An English interior designer and architectural consultant who made a name for himself through his lavish designs.
• Kaye Ballard (born Catherine Gloria Balotta): Her mother's maiden name was Lena Gillette, an American actress, comedian, and singer.
• John Gillette: An American politician who served as the Member of the Wisconsin State Assembly.
• Chad Gillette: Well-known Production Designer for popular television shows like "The Rookie".
• Peter Gillette: A renowned music editor known for his work on Hollywood blockbuster movies.
• Ruth Gillette: An American actress best known for her work in ‘All the Fault of Paradise’ and ‘Strange Stories’.
• David Gillette: An Emmy Award-winning program host and Special Correspondent for Twin Cities PBS.
• Edward Gillette: A surveyor and civil engineer remembered for his work in highways construction across U.S states. Please note that not everyone listed may be widely considered as 'famous'.

Other surnames

GilletGillett