Surname Pillan - Meaning and Origin

Pillan: What does the surname Pillan mean?

Pillan is a surname of Mapuche origin. The Mapuche are an indigenous people in south-central Chile and southwestern Argentina, known for their civilizational history dating back to pre-Columbian times. In the Mapuche's indigenous language, Mapudungun, "Pillan" is a term that signifies a spirit or deity in their traditional polytheistic belief system; specifically, it generally refers to a beneficial or benevolent spirit or god. In fact, the Mapuche have a concept of a supreme god, often known as Pillán, described as the primary force of good who reigns over all living beings. Therefore, carrying the surname Pillan, a person with Mapuche heritage can be seen as linked to this core part of their ancestral culture, mythic traditions, and spiritual beliefs. Furthermore, the name is found throughout the territories historically influenced by the Mapuche culture, and it is even carried by various geographical features, including peaks in the Andes Mountains. However, as a surname, its exact lineage, professions, and socio-economic status associated with particular families would be individual and diverse.

Pillan: Where does the name Pillan come from?

The last name Pillan is most commonly found today in parts of Australia and Europe. In Australia, the last name has a long history dating back to at least the early 1800s when the Pillan family was among the earliest settlers of the eastern part of the country. They were mainly Scottish in origin, coming from a region known as the county of Angus.

In Europe, the last name Pillan is most commonly associated with Scandinavia, particularly Sweden. It is thought to have originated from a family of linen weavers who were among the many immigrants and traders making their way to the area during the 19th century.

The current Pillan population is estimated to be around 100,000 people, with the vast majority concentrated in the Scandinavian countries. While there are a fairly small number of people with the surname in Australia, they are mainly concentrated in the state of New South Wales.

The last name Pillan is a fairly common one and has been present in societies around the world for centuries, with its origins stretching back to Scotland. Today, it is mainly associated with Scandinavia, especially Sweden, and is also found in small numbers in parts of Australia.

Variations of the surname Pillan

Pillan is a surname of English, Scottish, German and Spanish origins. The English spelling of Pillan is usually spelled as Pillon or Pillen, though alternate spellings include Pillen, Pellan, Pillion, Pillay, Pillin and Pellon.

The Scottish form of the surname Pillan is often spelled as Pillein, Pyllegan, Pillean, Pilleen, Pilyon or Pylle. The German spelling of this surname often appears as Pillen, Pillan, Pielan or Pellan.

In Spanish-speaking countries, Pillan is often spelled as Peilan,Pillan or Quillan. Other surnames of Spanish origin, which have a similar spelling include Quesada, Quillones, and Quevedo.

The surname Pillan is uncommon, but variants can be found in many countries around the world. It is believed that the name is derived from the old English or Gaelic word “pilna”, which means “by the stone” or “by the hill”. The name is also thought to be a form of the Latin word “Pillius”, which means “fierce” or “bold”.

The surname Pillan is often found in records in England, Germany, Scotland and Spain and has numerous spelling variations. The most common are Pillon, Pillen, Pillein, Pyllegan, Pillean, Pilleen, Pilyon, Pylle, Pillan, Pielan, Pellan, Peilan, and Quillan. Other surnames of a similar spelling are Quesada, Quillones and Quevedo.

Famous people with the name Pillan

• Sipo Pillan, Chilean film and television actor.
• María Pillán, Chilean Indigenous Mapuche leader and spiritual guide.
• Alonso de Ercilla y Zuñiga, Spanish nobleman and legendary Chilean poet who wrote the epic poem La Araucana under the pseudonym Alonso de Ercilla Pillán.
• Francisco Lt. Pillán, Chilean politician.
• Gladys Pillán, Chilean actress.
• Yerko Pillán, Chilean actor.
• Kami Pillán, Chilean musician and singer.
• Luis Pillán, Chilean football player.
• Robert Pillan, Scottish football player.
• Tomás Pillan, Spanish historian and university professor.

Other surnames

Pillai/Pillay