Gilian History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Scotland
Ireland

Gilian is an ancient Anglo-Saxon surname that came from the personal name Julian, which was both masculine and feminine in Old English. Consequently, both patronymic and metronymic surnames are derived from this name. The personal name Julian was originally derived from both the Latin masculine name Julianus and the Latin feminine name Juliana; these were both names of saints and enjoyed great popularity.

Early Origins of the Gilian family

The surname Gilian was first found in Cambridgeshire, where they held a family seat from ancient times.

Early History of the Gilian family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Gilian research. Another 51 words (4 lines of text) covering the years 1273, 1574, 1591, 1743 and 1774 are included under the topic Early Gilian History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Gilian Spelling Variations

The English language only became standardized in the last few centuries; therefore,spelling variations are common among early Anglo-Saxon names. As the form of the English language changed, even the spelling of literate people's names evolved. Gilian has been recorded under many different variations, including Julian, Jullian, Julyan, Juliane, Julion, Gillian and others.

Early Notables of the Gilian family

More information is included under the topic Early Gilian Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Gilian family to Ireland

Some of the Gilian family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. More information about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Gilian family

For many English families, the political and religious disarray that shrouded England made the far away New World an attractive prospect. On cramped disease-ridden ships, thousands migrated to those British colonies that would eventually become Canada and the United States. Those hardy settlers that survived the journey often went on to make important contributions to the emerging nations in which they landed. Analysis of immigration records indicates that some of the first North American immigrants bore the name Gilian or a variant listed above: William Julian, who sailed to Virginia as one of the first settlers to America in 1609; Sara Julian to Virginia in 1618; William Julian to Virginia in 1623.

Contemporary Notables of the name Gilian (post 1700) +

Ms. Gilian Mary McNeil C.B.E., British Director and Chief Executive for Theirworld was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire on 17th June 2017, for services to the Health and Education of Vulnerable Children and Women