Show ContentsGilslent History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The Gilslent surname is a reduced Anglicized form of the Irish Gaelic Mac Gille Fhaoláin, which means "son of the servant of St Faolán." While the name may have originated in Ireland, this line was extant by the beginning of the 17th century, only to find many of the family to return to Ireland about 100 years later with the Plantation of Ulster.

Early Origins of the Gilslent family

The surname Gilslent was first found in Midlothian, where Gilbert McGillelane or McGillolane was listed as captain of Clan Connan of Galloway during the reign of David II (1324-1371). Also during this time, Ingeram M'Gillelan held a lease of lands in the barony of Redcastle in 1372. 1

Early History of the Gilslent family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Gilslent research. Another 89 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1206, 1667, 1731, 1735, 1847, 1864 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Gilslent History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Gilslent Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Gilleland, Gillieland, Gillsland, Gilsland, Gillesland, Gillerlaine, Gillerland, Gillisland, Gillan, Gillander, Gilander, MacGillanders and many more.

Early Notables of the Gilslent family

Another 27 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Gilslent Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ireland Migration of the Gilslent family to Ireland

Some of the Gilslent family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 127 words (9 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 Gilslent family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: C. Gillanders who settled in Baltimore in 1822; John Gilliland settled in New England in 1685; James Gilliland arrived in Philadelphia in 1843.



  1. Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland Their Origin, Meaning and History. New York: New York Public Library, 1946. Print. (ISBN 0-87104-172-3)


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