Giliss History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
France
Scotland
Ireland

The sea-swept Hebrides islands and the west coast of Scotland, made up the ancient Dalriadan kingdom, the ancestral home of the Giliss family. Their name comes from the Gaelic words "gille Iose," which means "servant of Jesus."

Early Origins of the Giliss family

The surname Giliss was first found in Lothian, where a member of the family was a witness to the charter, by King David I, to the Abbey of Holyrood. In 1160, Vhtred Gilise inherited the estates in Lothian. It is also recorded that M. filius Gilise, who was a close confidant of King Malcolm IV of Scotland, was witness to a charter signed at the Abbey of Scone in 1164.

Early History of the Giliss family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Giliss research. Another 65 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1264, 1376, 1521, 1747, 1778, 1793, 1836 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Giliss History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Giliss Spelling Variations

Many spelling variations of Giliss have been recorded over the years, including These are the result of the medieval practice of spelling according to sound and repeated translation between Gaelic and English. Gillies, Gillis, Gillie, Gilly, Gilles, Gillieson and many more.

Early Notables of the Giliss family

Another 33 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Giliss Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Giliss family to Ireland

Some of the Giliss family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 50 words (4 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Giliss family

Many who arrived from Scotland settled along the east coast of North America in communities that would go on to become the backbones of the young nations of the United States and Canada. In the American War of Independence, many settlers who remained loyal to England went north to Canada as United Empire Loyalists. Their descendants later began to recover the lost Scottish heritage through events such as the highland games that dot North America in the summer months. Research into various historical records revealed some of first members of the Giliss family emigrate to North America: Annette Gillis landed in New York in 1662; Elin Gillis settled in Virginia in 1649; Sarah Gillis settled in New Jersey in 1773; Ann Gillies settled in Pennsylvania in 1773.

The Giliss Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Touch not the cat bot a glove
Motto Translation: Touch not the cat without a glove