Gillien History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Scotland
Ireland

Gillien is an ancient Anglo-Saxon name that is 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 Gillien family

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

Early History of the Gillien family

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

Gillien Spelling Variations

Gillien has been spelled many different ways. Before English spelling became standardized over the last few hundred years, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. As the English language changed in the Middle Ages, absorbing pieces of Latin and French, as well as other languages, the spelling of people's names also changed considerably, even over a single lifetime. Many variations of the name Gillien have been found, including Julian, Jullian, Julyan, Juliane, Julion, Gillian and others.

Early Notables of the Gillien family

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

Migration of the Gillien family to Ireland

Some of the Gillien 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 Gillien family

In an attempt to escape the chaos experienced in England, many English families boarded overcrowded and diseased ships sailing for the shores of North America and other British colonies. Those families hardy enough, and lucky enough, to make the passage intact were rewarded with land and a social environment less prone to religious and political persecution. Many of these families became important contributors to the young colonies in which they settled. Early immigration and passenger lists have documented some of the first Gilliens to arrive on North American shores: 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.