Surname Gillen - Meaning and Origin

Unraveling the Gaelic and Viking Roots of the Gillen Surname Through iGENEA DNA Testing

With the help of iGENEA DNA testing, I've discovered the rich historical tapestry behind my surname, Gillen. Originating from the Gaelic traditions of Ireland, this surname has fascinating tales of cultural resilience, societal influence, and traces of Viking heritage. The test results uncovered the distinct journey and historical footprints of the Gillen lineage in North Ireland's ancient Gaelic societies.

K. Gillen

Gillen: What does the surname Gillen mean?

The last name Gillen is of Irish origin and has several potential translations. It could come from the Gaelic “Ó Giolláin” which translates to “descendant of Giollan”. In turn, “Giolla” is a Gaelic word for “a servant of Christ”, making this interpretation mean “servant of Christ”. Alternatively, it may come from “Ó Giolla Chainnigh” which means “descendant of Giolla Ceannigh”, from “giolla” meaning “lad” and “ceann” meaning “chief” or “head”. This interpretation also holds religious overtones, suggesting one is the “servant of a religious chief”. Additionally “Gillen” may simply mean “son of the gill”, derived from the word “giolla” which means “lad” or “youth”. This interpretation could also refer to a young man who attended a religious school.

Over time the name has branched off to include several other interpretations. In Ulster and Scotland, for example “Ó Giollain” is considered a separate name from “Gillen”. The 'Ó' prefix denotes “grandson of” and is used for names like “Ó Dóinnshléibhe” which can come from a variety of sources such as Norse or Anglicized Irish.

The name Gillen may suggest a person's family heritage or it could be a descriptor of a values based connection to a religious community. The interpretation of the name is, however, dependent on context and region.

Gillen: Where does the name Gillen come from?

The last name Gillen is primarily associated with those of Irish descent. It can be easily found throughout the entire island of Ireland, but is most common in counties Galway and Leitrim. In the United States, it is most prevalent in the northeastern states of Massachusetts, New York, and Rhode Island. New York City has the greatest concentration of people with this last name. In Canada, Gillen is more widely distributed in the states of British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario. It is also present in Australia, with a number of towns bearing the name.

In terms of origin, the name is thought to be derived from the Gaelic Mac Giolla Fhineen, meaning "son of the fair-haired servant." Consequently, the name Gillen refers to those who are descendants of a servant of fair hair; one who was light-eyed and light-haired. This may be further supported by the presence of the name in Ulster, as it is closely associated with the descendants of the ancient population of Ulster, a population that was light-eyed and light-haired.

Because the Irish population has had a major international presence in the past few centuries, it is not unusual to see the last name Gillen in other countries. This includes the United Kingdom, the continental United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Variations of the surname Gillen

The surname Gillen is an Irish surname derived from the Gaelic name "Mac Gille Eoin" or "Mac Giolla Eoin," which translates literally to "son of the servant of St. John." It is also found as Gillen, Gellen, Gellon, and Gillon. The variations of this name in Scottish Lowland areas include Gillon, Gilon, Gellon, Gellen, and Gillen.

Gillen is also found as a variant of the French spelling, Gilain and the Italian spelling Giliun. Gilen, Gilson, Gillan, Gillin, Gilliland, Gillingham, Gillespie, Gillette, Gillham, Gillion, and Gilman are also variants.

The Scottish surname Gilmour is derived from a variant of Gillen, and is found in counties such as Berwickshire and Nairn as Gilmour, Gilmure, Gilmur, Gilmer, Gilmurr, Gilmarr, and Gilmor.

Gillen is an anglicised version of the Irish surname obtained during the Middle Ages. The Gaelic spelling, Mac Gille Eoin, is native to County Northumberland, where it was a surname of Celtic origin found since ancient times. It is also found throughout Ireland, Scotland, and the Isle of Man.

Famous people with the name Gillen

• Aidan Gillen: An Irish actor who is well known for his roles on television series such as The Wire, Queer as Folk, and Love/Hate. He is also known for his role as Littlefinger in Game of Thrones and Petyr “Littlefinger” Baelish in the HBO series.
• Andrew Gillen: An American actor with roles in television series such as Billions and 13 Reasons Why.
• Seth Gillen: An American actor best known for his roles in the films 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi and Moneyball.
• Barbara Gillen: An American actress best known for her roles on television, including the series Suits and in films such as The Big Lebowski and The Twilight Zone: The Movie.
• Bill Gillen: An American actor who made appearances in a number of movies and television shows, most notably in the films The Beastmaster and The Last American Virgin.
• Bob Gillen: An American actor best known for his roles in the films The Flamingo Kid and National Lampoon’s Vacation.
• Brian Gillen: An American actor best known for his roles on television, including the series The O.C. and in the television movie Alien Nation: The Udara Legacy.
• David Gillen: An Australian actor best known for his roles on television, including the series All Saints and Swans Crossing.
• Denny Gillen: An American actor best known for his role in the movie Grease.
• Eddie Gillen: An American actor best known for his role in the movie Field of Dreams.

Other surnames

GillelandGillemGillenwaterGillenwatersGillerothGillervrichGillesGillesenGillespeyGillespieGillessenGilleßenGilletGillettGilletteGilley