Surname Gilreith - Meaning and Origin
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Gilreith: What does the surname Gilreith mean?
The last name Gilreith is a Scottish surname that can be traced back to the clans of Wales in the 16th and 17th centuries. The name is derived from the words "gill," which refers to a narrow valley, and "reith," which means a running stream. Essentially, Gilreith means a stream that runs through a narrow valley.
The name Gilreith is particularly associated with the Northumberland, Renfrewshire, and Ayrshire regions, where it was likely brought by immigrants. In Scotland, people began adopting fixed surnames in the Middle Ages, so the Gilreith surname likely originated during this period.
The Gilreith surname was likely associated with certain areas of the British Isles due to its particular etymological origins. In modern times, it is widely distributed among the English-speaking world, and people bearing this surname can be found in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States.
The Gilreith surname is particularly associated with a sense of spiritedness and independence, and those who bear the name can be proud of its interesting origin. Additionally, it is thought to be associated with a strong work ethic and a commitment to family and friends.
Order DNA origin analysisGilreith: Where does the name Gilreith come from?
The origin of the last name Gilreith varies depending on which language family is referenced. It generally traces back to a Gaelic-language background, with an Irish origin most commonly referenced. The name is still very much in use throughout Scotland, Ireland, England, and Northern Ireland. In Scotland, some families spelled it as Gilreath or Gilmore. It is also possible that some variations of the name are found in Australia and New Zealand due to the many Celtic emigrants who settled there in the 19th century. In North America, especially in Canada, the name is found with some spellings being Gilreath, Gilreath, and Gildredith.
The name is derived from the Irish Mac Giolla Riabhaigh, meaning son of the follower of Riabhaigh (Riabhaigh likely being a personal name). The root of the last name Gilreath is Mac Giolla- prefix, and the suffix -riabhaigh. All of these elements refer to some form of Irish language, or can be located in old Gaelic documents.
In terms of surname populations, the name is less common than it was hundreds of years ago, but can still be found in various places throughout the world. However, the surname is most often found in countries of Celtic origin such as Ireland, Scotland, England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Variations of the surname Gilreith
The surname Gilreith is an Anglicized form of the Gaelic MacGillereth. The Gaelic form of the name is derived from the elements “gille”, meaning ‘servant’, and “riabhach” meaning ‘brindled.’
Variations or spellings of the surname include Gilreath, Gillereath, Gillereth, Gilreth, Gillerey, Gillray, Gillerett, Gilreath, Gilleress, McKillreath, McKillree, McVillereith, Gilrea and Gillray.
Surnames of the same origin as the Gilreth surname include Gillean, Killoran, Kilroy, Kilreith, McRory, McRee, MacVillereith, Marie, Makar, MacIvor and Mackay. Some of these Scottish surnames may have been derived from MacGillereth, depending on the location and time period in which they originated.
The Gilreith surname can be found in many countries throughout the world, including those with Celtic and Scottish heritage. These countries include Ireland, Scotland, England, Northern Ireland, Australia, Canada and the United States of America.
The Gilreith surname has long been associated with the Scottish Clan Gregorie. This clan was a branch of the original Celtic Gregoricles and derived its surname from the Gaelic “Gille Riabhach” meaning ‘son of the brindled servant.’ The founder of the clan is said to have been seated in Glencoe, Scotland, in the mid-1400s.
Famous people with the name Gilreith
- Craig Gilchrist, Canadian former professional ice hockey player
- Cameron Gilchrist, British actor
- Colin Gilchrist, British actor
- Mary Gillick, British sculptress who designed the obverse side of the current coins of the pound sterling
- Justine Gilcrease, American golf player
- Carly Gilreath, American voice artist and actor
- Morgan Gilreath, American actor
- Jim Gilreath, American musician and actor
- Karen Gilreath, American writer
- JT Gilreath, American college basketball player
- Skip Gilreath, American collegiate and professional American football player
- Houston Gilcrease, American oil and gas entrepreneur
- Todd Gilreath, American professional wrestler and wrestling promoter
- Luke Gilreath, American professional ice hockey player
- Georgia Gilreith, British artist, author, and illustrator