Gillmen History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Ireland

Gillmen is one of the names that was brought to England in the wave of migration following the Norman Conquest of 1066. The Gillmen family name comes from the baptismal name Gilmyn. Gillman indicated that the bearer was the son of (or descended from) someone named Gilmyn. The name is of Norman origin, and was brought to England in the wake of the conquest after the Battle of Hastings in 1066.

Early Origins of the Gillmen family

The surname Gillmen was first found in Norfolk where they held a family seat from very early times and were granted lands by Duke William of Normandy, their liege Lord, for their distinguished assistance at the Battle of Hastings in 1066 A.D.

Early History of the Gillmen family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Gillmen research. Another 72 words (5 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Gillmen History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Gillmen Spelling Variations

The English language only became standardized in the last few centuries. For that reason, spelling variations are common among many Anglo-Norman names. The shape of the English language was frequently changed with the introduction of elements of Norman French, Latin, and other European languages; even the spelling of literate people's names were subsequently modified. Gillmen has been recorded under many different variations, including Gillman, Gilman and others.

Early Notables of the Gillmen family

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

Migration of the Gillmen family to Ireland

Some of the Gillmen family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 31 words (2 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 Gillmen family

To escape the uncertainty of the political and religious uncertainty found in England, many English families boarded ships at great expense to sail for the colonies held by Britain. The passages were expensive, though, and the boats were unsafe, overcrowded, and ridden with disease. Those who were hardy and lucky enough to make the passage intact were rewarded with land, opportunity, and social environment less prone to religious and political persecution. Many of these families went on to be important contributors to the young nations of Canada and the United States where they settled. Gillmens were some of the first of the immigrants to arrive in North America: Edward Gillman of Norfolk who settled in Hingham in 1638 with his wife, three servants, three sons and two daughters; Thomas Gillman, who came to Virginia in 1680.