Surname Gilpin - Meaning and Origin

Gilpin: What does the surname Gilpin mean?

Gilpin is an English surname that is derived from the Old Norse name "Gilpenni". The name is a combination of two elements - "gill" or "ghyll", which could refer to a ravine or a deep glen, and "penni", meaning a hill. So, the surname Gilpin roughly translates to "from the hill with a deep glen". It's a toponymic surname, meaning it directly refers to a geographic location, and was likely given to families who lived near such features in the landscape. It can also be related to the Gilpin family, who were important figures in Cumberland and Westmorland Counties in England during the Middle Ages. The name was first taken up by those residing in the old barony of Kendal. Famous bearers of the Gilpin surname include Bernard Gilpin, an influential clergyman in the 16th century, and William Gilpin, an 18th-century pioneer of the concept of the picturesque in art and literature.

Gilpin: Where does the name Gilpin come from?

The surname Gilpin is of Old Norse origin and is derived from the personal name "Gilpin," which is a diminutive of "Gilp," a short form of "Gillipekr." The name was introduced into England by the Vikings during the Scandinavian invasions. Its meaning is associated with a servant or follower of Saint Giles, a 7th-century French hermit whose cult was popular in the Middle Ages.

Gilpin is not particularly common in either its native Scandinavia or the British Isles where it was introduced. However, it can be found in various forms throughout England, with a significant number of bearers in Northern England, particularly in areas that were heavily influenced by the Vikings, like Yorkshire. It may also be found among communities in the United States, Canada, and Australia due to English emigration. Through the historical practice of surname anglicization in Ireland, it can also occasionally be seen there. In any case, despite its interesting and lengthy history, Gilpin remains a relatively infrequent surname worldwide.

Variations of the surname Gilpin

The surname Gilpin is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is thought to have two possible derivations. It could be derived from the Old English given name 'Grimbald', itself composed of the elements "grima", meaning mask, and "beald", brave; hence, "brave mask". The surname could also be locational from places named Gilpin in the counties of Durham and Westmoreland. These place names are derived from the Old Norse 'gylpa', a ravine or deep glen.

Variations of the surname Gilpin might include: Gilpen, Gillpin, Gillpen, Gallpin, Gylpin, Gyelpin, and Gelbin. Misinterpretations or misspellings over time and among different areas may result in numerous variations of the original surname.

There are also surnames of related origin such as Kilpin and Jilpin. As with most surnames, they are continually subject to changes over time due to geographic dispersion and cultural adaptation. The consistent thread in all these variants is the original root of the name, Gilpin.

Keep in mind that the spelling of surnames was not standardized prior to the 19th century, so many variations might exist even in historical documents referring to the same person.

Famous people with the name Gilpin

• Peri Gilpin: An American actress best known for her role as Roz Doyle on the TV show Frasier.
• Charles Sidney Gilpin: An early 20th century African-American actor in theater.
• William Gilpin: An early 19th century author and artist, known for his concept of the Picturesque in the visual arts.
• Bernard Gilpin: Known as the 'Apostle of the North,' was an English clergyman in the 16th century.
• Laura Gilpin: An early 20th century American photographer who crafted images of Native Americans and Southwestern landscapes.
• Edward Gilpin Johnson: An American businessman and philanthropist who helped to build Johnson & Johnson into a global healthcare company.
• John Bernard Gilpin: A renowned 18th century English landscape and portrait painter.
• Robert Gilpin: An influential American scholar of international political economy.
• William Wallace Gilpin, a notable 20th-century British theatrical producer and director.
• Humphrey Gilpin: A 17th-century English composer and organist.
• Gilpin: Famous WWE wrestler from the 90s to the early 2000s.
• Fred Gilpin: A retired NFL professional football player.

Other surnames

GilpineGilpinge

Comments or additions to the name "Gilpin"

12.01.2024
madison gilpin is a famous NRL player and plays lots of oztag and netball while coming 1st in diving for the Olympics