The distinguished Jill family, which is intricately woven into the intricate tapestry of Scottish history, finds its origin with the proud Norman people. Although the
Normans came from France, they were actually of Viking origin. The
Vikings landed in the Orkneys and northern
Scotland under their king, Stirgud the Stout, around 870. Subsequently, led by their jarl, Thorfinn Rollo, they invaded France around 911. After Rollo laid siege to Paris, King Charles the Simple of France finally conceded defeat and granted northern France to Rollo, who became the first Duke of
Normandy.
Early Origins of the Jill family
The surname Jill was first found in
Yorkshire, where they had been granted lands by King William for their assistance at the Battle of Hastings in 1066 A.D. It was first recorded in the
Domesday Book in the northern county of
Yorkshire in 1086. Gamel
filius Gille was granted more lands in
Yorkshire near the other family estates in 1185. Henry Gille moved the family name to
Cumberland in 1200 and the family gave its name to the village of Gilsland.
Early History of the Jill family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Jill research.
Another 62 words (4 lines of text) covering the years 1240, 1369, 1460, 1697, 1771 and are included under the topic Early Jill History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Jill Spelling Variations
Spelling variations of this family name include: Gill, Gille, Gills, Gilles, Gyll, Gylls and others.
Early Notables of the Jill family (pre 1700)
More information is included under the topic Early Jill Notables in all our
PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Migration of the Jill family to Ireland
Some of the Jill 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 Jill family to the New World and Oceana
Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: Arthur Gill, a shipwright, who landed in Dorchester in 1639; Alexander Gill settled in Virginia in 1624; Arthur Gill settled in Maine in 1630; Henry Gill settled in South Carolina in 1716.
Contemporary Notables of the name Jill (post 1700)
- Barbara Jill Walters (b. 1929), American three-time Daytime Emmy Award winning, twenty-two-time nominated broadcast journalist and author, inducted into the Television Hall of Fame in 1989
- Elizabeth Jill Filkin CBE (1940-1999), British public functionary and former civil servant, Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards (1999-2002)
- Frances Jill McIvor CBE (b. 1930), the first Northern Irish woman Ombudsman and Commissioner for Complaints (1991 to 1993)
- Elizabeth Jill Cowley (b. 1940), British botanist
- Marjorie Jill Pettis (b. 1952), New Zealand politician
- Valerie Jill Haworth (1945-2011), English actress
- Jill Halfpenny (b. 1975), English actress, best known for her roles as Rebecca Hopkins in the British soap opera Coronation Street (1999–2000);
- Jill Ker Conway AC (1934-2018), Australian-American scholar and author
- Jill Chrisp, Australian musician with Goodnight Tiger (2009-)
- Jill Padwa, American Democrat politician, Delegate to Democratic National Convention from Rhode Island, 2008
The Jill 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: In te Domine spes nostra
Motto Translation: Our hope is in thee, O Lord
Jill Family Crest Products
See Also