Surname Gilliland - Meaning and Origin
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read moreGilliland: What does the surname Gilliland mean?
The surname Gilliland is of Irish and Scottish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic term 'Mac Gille Fhaoláin' which translates to 'son of the servant of St Fillan.' St Fillan was a popular saint in Scotland, coming from Ireland in the 8th century, and is thus a figure of devotion in both countries. Over time, the name changed due to regional pronunciation variations and anglicization, eventually becoming Gilliland. As with many surnames from Celtic cultures, it begins with "Mac" or "Mc," meanings "son of," signifying a familial relation or lineage. Therefore, a person with the surname Gilliland can trace back their ancestry to a devotee, servant or follower of St. Fillan.
Order DNA origin analysisGilliland: Where does the name Gilliland come from?
The surname Gilliland is of Scottish origin, specifically from the Highlands. It is rumored to be derived from 'Mac Gille Fhaolain', meaning 'son of the servant of St Fillan', a significant figure in the ancient Scottish Church. However, it has also been suggested that it might have evolved from a Nordic name, 'Gille', meaning servant and 'land', implying a geographic location.
Currently, the surname is most common in the United States, spread across several states, especially Indiana, Ohio, Texas, and California. Besides the US, it can be found in countries like Ireland and Canada, though in significantly fewer numbers. Nevertheless, due to the nature of global migration, it is plausible that people bearing the Gilliland surname reside in numerous countries around the world. But, comparatively, its prevalence is relatively modest.
Variations of the surname Gilliland
The surname Gilliland has several variants and spellings which include Gillilan, Gillland, Gillilands, Gilleland, Gillalnd, Gillelan, Gililland, Gililan, Gillelan, Gillieland, Gilluland, and Gillerland. Its origin is Scottish, specifically from the lands of Gillielands in Middlebie Parish, Dumfriesshire.
The Gilliland surname belongs to the category of habitation names, which are derived from pre-existing names for towns, villages, parishes, or farmsteads. First found in Dumfriesshire, a Southern area in present-day Scotland, where they held a family seat from early times. The family name Gilliland is a compound of two Old English words, "gillie" and "land," which means a servant or attendant, and lands respectively.
These variants and different spellings are typically a result of the name being Anglicized over time and across different regions. As Gilliland families moved, names often changed to better fit the local language and pronunciation. These variations, despite their differences in spelling and pronunciation, all share the same origin and lineage. As such, they are all valid forms of the original surname.
Famous people with the name Gilliland
- Ed Gilliland: Actor and writer, known for Smallville (2001), The 100 (2014) and Minutemen (2008).
- Christie Gilliland: American professional football player.
- Holly Gilliland: Former Vice President of the United States.
- Robert Gilliland: U.S. Air Force test pilot who flew the X-15 rocket-powered airplane.
- Matthew Gilliland: Director of Proud to Ride, a documentary about the San Francisco Bike show.
- Greg Gilliland: Former Major League Baseball player.
- Jeff Gilliland: Professional NASCAR driver.
- Keshia Gilliland: Former professional basketball player and coach.
- Jim Gilliland: Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts from 1998-2006.
- Max Gilliland: American voice actor.