Gilkisom History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland
Ireland

Gilkisom is a very old Scottish name that may even date back to the Dalriadan tribe of Scotland's western coast and Hebrides islands. It comes from the Gaelic "Gille Criosd", which means "the servant of Christ".

Early Origins of the Gilkisom family

The surname Gilkisom was first found in Angus (Gaelic: Aonghas), part of the Tayside region of northeastern Scotland, and present day Council Area of Angus, formerly known as Forfar or Forfarshire, where they held a family seat some say as far back as the 12th century. The first record of the name was in Cupar-Angus in the 15th century where they held a family seat at Murthly in Atholl, in the parish of Little Dunkeld in Perthshire.

Early History of the Gilkisom family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Gilkisom research. Another 88 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1600, 1680 and 1800 are included under the topic Early Gilkisom History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Gilkisom Spelling Variations

Spelling variations are a very common occurrence in records of early Scottish names. They result from the repeated and inaccurate translations that many names went through in the course of various English occupations of Scotland. Gilkisom has been spelled Gilchristson, Gilkerson, Gilkison, Gilcriston, Gilkersone, MacGilchrist, McGilchrist, Gilchristoun, Kilkerson, Gilkisone, Gilkrisoune, Gilkcrissone and many more.

Early Notables of the Gilkisom family

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

Migration of the Gilkisom family to Ireland

Some of the Gilkisom 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 Gilkisom family

Numerous Scottish settlers settled along the east coast of the colonies that would become the United States and Canada. Others traveled to the open country of the west. At the time of the American War of Independence, some remained in the United States, while those who remained loyal to the crown went north to Canada as United Empire Loyalists. The highland games and Clan societies that sprang up across North America in the 20th century have helped many Scots to recover parts of their lost traditions. Research into passenger and immigration lists has revealed some of the very first Gilkisoms to arrive in North America: Archibald and Robert Gilkeson settled in Augusta County, Virginia in 1767.