Gilien History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Scotland
Ireland

The name Gilien has a rich and ancient history. It is an Anglo-Saxon name that was originally derived 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 Gilien family

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

Early History of the Gilien family

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

Gilien Spelling Variations

Before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago, spelling variations of names were a common occurrence. Elements of Latin, French and other languages became incorporated into English through the Middle Ages, and name spellings changed even among the literate. The variations of the surname Gilien include Julian, Jullian, Julyan, Juliane, Julion, Gillian and others.

Early Notables of the Gilien family

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

Migration of the Gilien family to Ireland

Some of the Gilien 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 Gilien family

A great wave of immigration to the New World was the result of the enormous political and religious disarray that struck England at that time. Families left for the New World in extremely large numbers. The long journey was the end of many immigrants and many more arrived sick and starving. Still, those who made it were rewarded with an opportunity far greater than they had known at home in England. These emigrant families went on to make significant contributions to these emerging colonies in which they settled. Some of the first North American settlers carried this name or one of its variants: 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.